"Writing For Life and Ministry" (Brandon J. O’Brien)

TITLE: Writing for Life and Ministry: A Practical Guide to the Writing Process for Teachers and Preachers
AUTHOR: Brandon J. O'Brien
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2020, (128 pages).

There are many content creators. There are even more content consumers. When the launch of iPads and tablets, the rate of digital consumption has risen astronomically. While the distribution medium has been shifting from paper to digital, the content provider process remains the same. Some still use ink while others are using computing devices to do the same. The writing may be on the wall for some of the more archaic methods of content creation, but that does not mean writing is a lost practice. We need more, especially good content. Along with that, we need more good (and confident) writers. The purpose of this book is to encourage writers and writers to be to be a better writer. We learn from the author about tools, processes, and best practices for writing. Some of the special attributes in this book are:

• Personal: Identifying our uniqueness
• People: Know our audience
• Process: Planning, Drafting, and Revising
• What things to write about?
• Know our passions and desires.

O'Brien encourages those who communicate orally to write. After listing down the differences between speaking and writing, he says that speaking can make one an even better writer! One practice is to learn to write about ourselves in the third person. This puts the writer on the same side as readers, to improve level of empathy. Part One of the book looks at the writer and the reader relationship. We do not write simply because of self-expression. We write so that others can see where we are going, and to identify themselves with our stories. He urges us to write not only for ourselves but also for others. He does a good job to remind us consistently that when we write, we need to compare perspectives so that what we write will connect with our audience. 

Part Two looks at the process of writing. It starts with a plan that includes the three phases: brainstorming, researching, and outlining. A great practice would be to write about our "best thirty minutes." He provides tips about drafting our work and  organizing our thoughts. The major work is actually revising. He then suggests ways to help us clear up our writing through deleting unnecessary words, jargon, and other technical words. Use verbs frequently. Simplify redundancies. Avoid using more words than needed. 

My Thoughts

This is a wonderful primer about writing to guide various groups of people. The first group is the potential writer. There are those who may think that they don't have the gift of writing. They prefer to leave it to the experts or the more eloquent. They want to enjoy reading and consuming rather than creating more content. They might also think that writing is not for them. For this group, I would say that the book will help them pick up their pen or keyboard to start writing something. Who knows, there is hidden potential in this group that is waiting to be unleashed, not just for personal development but also for blessing others. 

The second group is the one that speaks more than they write. As O'Brien has pointed out, there are people who speak often but are not natural writers. They depend on "ghostwriters" to help them get their message across. For that, the author encourages them that writing does not mean they need to write a book. At least write something that translates their talents to bless not only the hearing audience but the reading audience. Perhaps, the more important thing is not to contrast their speaking or writing, but the know the differences between the two and to make the best combination for a more holistic kind of communication. Writing can provide a powerful avenue to do just that.

Finally, the third group is about those who want to write well but don't know how. They want to improve on what they have been doing. This book will definitely help. In fact, I would say that the greatest beneficiaries would be this particular group of eager writers. O'Brien provides wonderful templates, reflection questions, and essential guides to help budding and experienced writers to improve what they have been doing. 

This is not a difficult book to read and to follow. What is more difficult is our determination to actually start writing and to embark upon the process of writing. It may be hard at first, but the rewards are plenty. May this book inspire readers to be writers, better writers, and inspired writers.

Brandon J. O’Brien (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Director of Content Development and Distribution for Redeemer City to City, where he coordinates, edits, and shepherds writing projects with Pastor Timothy Keller and urban church planters around the world. Brandon has served in pastoral ministry, worked in publishing, authored a few books, and taught for state and Christian colleges and universities. He and his wife Amy and their two children live in Uptown Manhattan. They enjoy good food, good company, and exploring New York City.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Moody Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.