How to Write Great Christian Articles
by Toni Star

Want to write great Christian articles? Would you like some tips on how to do it? Here are some simple techniques to create great, creative Christian articles!

First, know and understand the meaning and definition of the word Christianity. From Encarta's online Dictionary comes: "1. religion that follows Jesus Christ's teachings: the religion based on the life, teachings, and example of Jesus Christ, and 2. holding Christian beliefs: the fact of holding Christian beliefs or being a Christian."

The word Christian has a parallel description: "believer in Jesus Christ as savior: somebody who believes that Jesus Christ was sent to the world by God to save humanity, and who tries to follow his teachings and examples." So, Christianity is a religion that follows Jesus Christ and his teaching and a Christian is one 'who is a believer of Jesus and tries to emulate His teachings and examples." Your Christian article will be lively and informative if you first understand and apply these basic truths.

Second, keep in mind that it helps but is not necessary when writing a Christian article, to be a Christian, or know of and communicate with other Christians. Researching the Bible will enable you to write a better Christian article, supplying you with facts, information and interesting tidbits. Living a Christian life and or communicating with Christians, will give your article authenticity and believability.

Third, pray for guidance on how to write your article. If praying is uncomfortable for you, then take time during the day, particularly before you begin to write your article and practice praying. Continue to pray as your article evolves. Prayer will help you stay focused and offer guidance and inspiration. Prayer is food for the Christian writer and Psalms 23 and 91 are high quality nourishment.

Fourth, create a comprehensive outline for your article. Use the familiar writing word outline techniques of: what, when, where, how and why to form your outline and explain your story. These five writing word techniques will help establish an interesting and informative Christian article.

Fifth, take advantage of the Internet and its Research and Search engines. Much information can be gleaned from these research tools. Online dictionaries, encyclopedias, Search Engines and library resources, will help you gather important data. In addition, some of the following resources may be of help: Sally Stewart's Christian Writer's Market, The Christian Communicator Magazine, 100 Portraits of Christ by Henry Gariepy and Bible Questions & Answers, Nelson Publication. These and other Christian publications will make your article "zing" with truth, credibility and factual information. Be sure and create a Reference list, for the quotes and information given in your piece.

Sixth, do your Christian writing in the morning when you are fully alert.

Writing early, will give your Christian article a heightened edge. Most people feel more positive in the morning, their creative juices flowing easy and consistent. However, if you're an evening person, prepare your research material during the day, highlight parts you want to include in your article, so that when you're ready to write, your tools of writing will be ready for you. Keep material gleaned for your Christian articles in a separate folder, ready for use. This will help keep your articles organized and in order.

Seventh, should you feel the need to witness in your article, do so but be careful not to elaborate too long. Perhaps something in your life has tested your faith in God or a miracle brought you closer to Him. If you can relate these events in an honest and clear fashion, it will add to flavor to your article and be attention- getting. Keep your witness simple, truthful and honest. People pick up fast on a phony and your story could soon become irrelevant.

Keep before you the life of Christ. He was simple, direct, honest, and truthful. He didn't belabor issues unless injustice was rampant. He said what he had to say and then moved on. He never forced His religion on anyone. If you keep these truths in mind you will create a wonderful Christian article and in the process may win souls to Christ.

A simple truth from the famous author Irving Wallace might energize your joy for Christian writing. He wrote, "If I could not earn a penny from my writing, I would earn my livelihood at something else and continue to write at night." In other words, hold on to your desire to write, for it will sustain you in good and bad times.

To summarize, do your homework, know your Bible, do the necessary research, life your life as a Christian and keep your article simple and honest. If you follow these guidelines, then you will create a great Christian article!

References & Sources

1. Encarta Online Dictionary, definitions of Christianity and Christian, Retrieved June

18, 2003
2. Online Source, How to Write Good by Michael O'Donoghue, Retrieved June 18, 2003,

Quote from Irving Wallace
3. Sally Stuart's Christian Writer's Market
4. The Christian Communicator Magazine
5. 100 Portraits of Christ by Henry Garpiepy
6. Bible Questions & Answers, Nelson Publication

Toni Star is a freelance writer/author and a master's graduate from Capella University. She hopes to do some online teaching upon graduation. You can see more of her work and books in the links below:

Pathways to Christ: http://pathwaystochrist.blogspot.com

Lulu Bookstore: http://www.lulu.com/tstar