May 24, 2010
Writing as a Ministry: Writing Compared to Action
While I approach my writing as a ministry, I need to keep in mind that writing does not equal action. An opinion on a matter does not automatically lead to its resolution. We need to think and to form opinions, but if I stop there, I run the risk of doing nothing, if not becoming a hypocrite.
Writing is not an end in and of itself, even if it is a ministry. A good writing ministry should help people see the world differently, take action, and understand God and one another better.
I know that many of us want to change things in the world such as ending the modern slave trade, telling the Good News of Jesus, bringing justice to our communities, waging peace, and healing those who are wounded. Writing is a part of that process. If we accept the status quo uncritically, we have a huge problem.
We could become like the people in Fahrenheit 451 who watch TV, believe everything they see, and become passive receivers. Writing is for those of us who want to take responsibility for our relationships with God, one another, and our neighbors.
However, writing in and of itself is not the solution. Writing is not the action that will help us move closer to God or become a redemptive influence in our communities. Writing as a ministry is a catalyst that helps us take the first step.
Hey, this looks like it’s going to be a great series. Looking forward to reading…
On a related note, I’ve tried blogging before in the past, and I was wildly unsuccessful. Of course, my previous blogging experience was not over spiritual matters (it was about being a public school teacher in America). So when I wanted to start my current blog (whatheisteachingme.wordpress.com), I felt extremely convicted about getting my priorities straight before I started thinking that my writing was going to change the world. In fact, my very first post was over the role of blogging as a kind of ministry (see Where does a blog fit in with Christian Spirituality?).
I still pray that I don’t mistake my writing for action. Thanks for the reminder!
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My apologies – I don’t think my 2nd link worked – the link to my actual post. I guess I shouldn’t put multiple links in my comments. Sorry!
The link to that post is here.
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Jeremy,
I’ve had a few false starts on blogs in the past as well. It is important to know why we are getting into something before we jump into it. I started blogging just to force myself into writing every day. It has become a good accountability tool! However, it also evolved over time into a ministry where I am now writing about things that I hope will help my readers. I think I needed a few years of blogging just to get that out of my system before I could write for others as a ministry. I don’t know if any of that makes sense. You’re getting a stream of consciousness comment here!
Blessings,
Ed
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