I wanted books that taught children about the wonder of God without belittling God or them. Books that acknowledged the child’s stage of development, their sense of fun and personality, while also inviting them into a genuine life of faith.
I sometimes say to my wife that writing is my ‘shed’—the place I go to to tinker with objects, to make things. In ministry, nothing is ever complete ... For some pastors, going into a shed to turn a piece of wood into a bookshelf or coffee table is a way of seeing something actually get completed. For me, writing is like that.
Be prayerful, check your motives, keep a clear conscience, limit your time on social media. Write for God, and for people who read in good faith, not for clicks. Listen to comments and feedback from people who know you, but take criticism from strangers with a bucket of salt. Walk often.
It’s a ministry, but a small one. I think of my vocational ministry as three concentric circles: my local church; the network of churches of which I’m a part; and then whatever small work I can do for the gospel nationally (speaking at the occasional conference, writing, etc). My writing is part of this third concentric circle.
Augustine turned his massive mind and deep heart to confess to God his years outside of Christ. The value of the resulting work, Confessions, for both him and his readers, was that they might love God more. It’s not an easy project, but looking back strengthened his attachment to Christ.
