Perhaps you’ve considered writing Bible studies for your local church, or maybe you’re interested in writing Bible studies for publication. How do you write Bible studies that people want to read?
We have a special guest with us today who is going to share her experience in writing Bible studies.
She is co-founder of Flourish Gathering and Flourish Writers. She writes and publishes Bible studies and devotionals and teaches workshops, online conferences, and training courses.
Mindy Kiker, welcome to the Christian Publishing Show!
Links:
https://www.flourishwriters.com/
https://flourishgathering.com/
Sponsor: The Christian Writers Market Guide
The Christian Writers Market Guide 2021 is the most comprehensive and highly recommended resource on the market for finding an agent, an editor, a publisher, a publicist, a writing coach, or a place to sell whatever you are writing. Wherever you are on the writing spectrum–from beginner to seasoned professional–the Guide will help you find what you are looking for. Over 1,000 curated listings, including more than 200 book publishers, 150 periodical publishers, 40 agents, 200 freelance editors and designers, podcasts, and much more. Includes a denominational index.
Mindy said to keep Bible studies simple. I’m not sure what she meant but I have no use for “simple” Bible study guides. I had to use one in an adult group on James by Max Lucado. It was pretty vacuous, IMHO. Yes, I know that Lucado has a huge audience that likes the simplistic material he produces but I am not in that audience and don’t want to write for that audience. I have used one form RightNow Media on Jonah, which included questions like, :What did Jonah do when God told him to go Nineveh?” This might be right for some Christian audiences but I want to write Bible studies for audiences ready to do more thinking. Where would I find those? Does “simple” have to require little to no thinking??? Thomas, you have talked about finding an audience. How would I find an audience for more substantial Bible studies, like the Lifeguide series from IVP? I’m not looking to be academic but most of the adults I encounter in church and work settings are able to do more than Lucado asks of them. Thanks for any suggestions.