The Quiet Christian, Part 5

When I was a younger adult and finding my way back into the church after a lengthy hiatus, I never gave much thought into how I might fit into the church culture or how I might contribute. It never crossed my mind that maybe I should try to match my participation to my unique personality. But I was always fairly good at saying “No, but thank you for thinking of me,” and I seemed to naturally fall into activities that I felt comfortable with. Today, with more self-awareness, I am more intentional when making these decisions.

I’ve loved writing all my life, as far back as elementary school. In my 20s and 30s, I journaled extensively. Prose, poetry, prayers. That writing was all for and about me. I didn’t begin writing professionally until my 40s. Then, it wasn’t a stretch to realize I could use my gift of writing to serve God and my church community.

One of my earliest freelance gigs was for a small Christian children’s magazine called Story Friends. I met the editor at a Christian writers’ conference. She was the writing contest judge for the children’s fiction writing category, and my story won first place. I love how God opens doors in unexpected ways! The editor published that story and several others I wrote for her until sadly, the publication folded. Later, a bizarre series of had-to-be-God events led to becoming a regular contributor to kids’ Christian magazines Clubhouse and Clubhouse, Jr. for several years.

Also during this time, I started writing a daily devotional book for children. Like so much of my early writing, it’s sitting in a file somewhere. Any editors or agents out there who might be interested?

At Hiland Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we started printing a Lenten devotional each year with contributions from the congregation. I participated, and I also volunteered to edit the submissions.

I started writing meditations for devotional publications such as The Secret Place and The Upper Room.

When I began writing and editing for secular publications, I never shied away from allowing someone to bring God into their story if that was important to them. Fortunately, the publishers I worked for were also comfortable with that.

After moving to Louisiana and joining First Presbyterian Church Lake Charles, I volunteered to write several columns for the monthly church newsletter. Library Corner, which I mentioned in Part 4 of this series. In Touch with Outreach kept the church informed on activities and mission projects. And my favorite column, Our Stories, where I’d interview church members, especially the elderly members who had long histories with the church. It was a great way for me to get to know the people in the church in a one-on-one setting, which is absolutely my jam!

Start a letter writing ministry! This last suggestion is not one I have personally done, but I know people who have done this. Send thinking-of-you cards with letters to shut-ins. Get well cards to those who are ill or have had surgery. Birthday and anniversary cards to celebrate, etc.

If you’re an introvert and enjoy writing, these are all ideas you can do solo from the comfort and quiet of your home. For more ideas, please also check out Parts 1-4 of this series here (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4).

Writers, tell me some ways YOU have found to use your talent to serve the church? I love sharing ideas!