Why a Leader Would Want to Become a Writer

With the upcoming NEWIM Writer’s Getaway around the corner, we wanted to ask each of you an important question: 

“Has God ALSO called you to W.R.I.T.E?”

Here are five ways I have seen God use my writing ministry. For most of my life, writing, speaking, and coaching have run alongside my role as a pastor’s wife and Women’s Ministry Director. God may be calling you to pick up your pen, too!

Widen Your Influence

Writing, and often speaking, allows the wisdom God has entrusted to you to reach people you may never meet. One year, I was asked to count the number of people in my live audiences and in the audiences of my TV, radio, and podcast appearances. The conservative estimate was a few million. Multiply that by the 30 years I have been writing, and the number becomes staggering. I have also written or co-written 61 books, including Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti, which has sold 500,000 copies in English and been translated into 15 languages. There are also married, single, and teen versions, plus a DVD small group curriculum. It does not take much imagination to see how books, blogs, articles, and media can add up in a BIG WAY when placed in God’s hands!

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 NIV

Reveal Deeper Truths

Writing gives you time and space to dig deeply into Scripture and explain history, context, language, and more. You also gain the privilege of helping others understand how God's Word applies to life. When I wrote Woman of Influence: 10 Traits of Those Who Want to Make a Difference, I spent three years studying every woman in the Word and each time the words woman, women, or female appeared in Scripture. Some of my favorite NEWIM leaders are rich in their wisdom about the Bible. Do not let the gift God poured into you stop with you. Instead, use writing to share the gems of insight God has given you.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved... who correctly handles the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

Invest in Others’ Growth

A book, article, podcast, or message allows you to walk alongside someone—sometimes for years—as God grows and transforms them. I remember the first time Bill and I were asked to be guests on Focus on the Family. It was on our book Red Hot Monogamy. Because of the topic, we were thoroughly vetted with pre-interviews, then Dr. James Dobson invited us to arrive early, and he personally continued checking us out! When I thanked him, yes, through tears, for all the years of daily programs Bill and I had listened to while raising our own children, he had the trust he needed to usher us into the studio to record. Your ministry is valuable, and when you extend it to coaching, mentoring, and discipleship, it becomes guardrails for the lives of others.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up...” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Tell Your Transformation Story

Your personal story of God's transforming work can give someone else the courage to believe God can change their life, too. The Bible is clear that we are saved “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” (Rev 12:11) Many of you leaders have amazing stories of salvation and transformation. Your testimony can encourage others to trust God’s work in their own lives. 

“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” — Psalm 66:16 NIV

Ease the Pain of Others

Our wounds can become places of opportunity. When we share what God has taught us through suffering, others discover they are not walking their painful road alone. Do not waste your pain! When you open your heart and life, others are empowered to trust God for their next steps, too!

“[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” — 2 Corinthians 1:4 NIV

With just a little equipping, YOU and YOUR STORY can be multiplied!