During a pastoral job interview, all eyes were on me as I struggled to find the right words. A church elder asked, “I see you’ve published a lot of articles. How do you plan to keep writing while managing the responsibilities of our church?” I had been expecting the typical questions about theology, ecclesiology, or my ministry experience. But this query about how writing might conflict with shepherding caught me off guard. I felt compelled to defend my writing pursuits or, it seemed, choose between writing and pastoring, as if these two callings couldn’t coexist.
Now, as an editor who assists pastors in writing books, I believe the elder’s question is reasonable and even crucial. Writing a book demands a significant amount of time and energy. Moreover, arranging podcast interviews, speaking engagements, and social media posts to effectively market a book is almost like having a part – time job. When you consider the weekly demands and emotional stress of ministry, the situation becomes complex. Instead of rushing to get published at the first opportunity, I encourage pastors to take their time, reflect, and ask themselves: Should I write a book?
Here are four questions that can aid in this decision – making process.
- What Drives Your Desire to Write a Book?
The world of publishing presents various temptations. Seeing your name on a book cover can be thrilling. Earning an advance and royalties is appealing. Being invited as a podcast guest or conference speaker to promote your book, where the relational challenges and stresses of real – life ministry are replaced by praise and honorariums, is rewarding.
Beneath our seemingly noble intentions (such as “This is for God”) and a sense of missionary urgency (like “This message must be shared”), there often lies a desire for personal glory. The boundary between building God’s kingdom and promoting your personal brand can become blurred.
Examine your motives, not alone but with people who know you well and are honest with you. Ask yourself, “What good is it if I publish a book but lose sight of my true purpose?” - Is a Book the Most Effective Medium for Your Message?
I once spent nearly a year helping a pastor refine his manuscript. However, in the end, we realized that his message didn’t translate well on paper. To his credit, he adapted and decided to share the same message through a series of podcast episodes.
First – time authors often underestimate the effort involved in writing and publishing a book. It’s like a triathlon: the first part is writing the book, which usually requires six to nine months of intense work (and this comes after clarifying your concept, creating a book proposal, pitching to publishers, and signing a contract). The second part is editing, which takes another six to nine months of back – and – forth with your editor. The third part is marketing and promotion, which can take as much or even more time than writing, and many authors find it extremely draining.
Instead of a book, could your idea reach people more effectively as a sermon series, podcast, Substack article, or newsletter? What if you could achieve the same impact with less time investment? This is a question worth considering. - What Stage of Life and Ministry Are You In?
The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that “there is a time for everything” (Eccl. 3:1). It takes wisdom to recognize the season you’re in, both personally and professionally, and maturity to accept it, even if it means pausing or giving up certain dreams.
Your life’s goal isn’t just to reach your full professional potential. It’s to lead and care for the people God has entrusted to you. If writing a book means neglecting those you’re supposed to love and serve, is it really worth it?
Think about the church planter who has to take on multiple roles due to a lack of funds for more staff, the pastor who spends all their spare time caring for a sick parent, or the couple dealing with marital stress and exhaustion while raising young children.
If writing a book will put excessive strain on your marriage, make you a less attentive parent, or distract you from your congregation, why pay that price?
Many would benefit from following Tim Keller’s advice. He suggested that younger pastors should first “build credibility by developing successful and impactful ministries” before attempting to write books. Keller also said, “Writing a book in your 50s will be twice as efficient and of twice the quality compared to writing the same book in your 30s.”
God gives each person different capabilities. However, in certain seasons of our lives, we need to focus all our attention to maintain our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well – being. Engaging in a good activity at the wrong time can be burdensome and leave you stretched too thin. Assess your current season and act accordingly. - Are Your Church Leaders Aware of and Supportive of Your Plan to Write?
As you consider these questions with others who can offer valuable insights, you may conclude that this is the right time to write a book. If so, your first step should be to seek input from your leadership team.
The worst – case scenario is when pastors are ready and capable of writing, but due to misunderstandings or lack of communication, their efforts and motives are criticized by the leadership. Questions like “Are you getting paid to write during church – working hours?” “Are you just trying to build your own brand?” “Are you neglecting your duties here?” can arise.
Pastors, it’s better to be proactive rather than defensive. If you want your leadership’s approval, involve them in the discussion early and frequently. Arrange a meeting not as a formality but as an honest conversation where you listen to their questions and concerns.
Here are some topics you might discuss:
- Explain why you want to write and why you feel this is the ideal time to do so.
- Share the specific message that God has placed on your heart and that you hope to convey through your writing.
- Mention the days and the amount of time you plan to spend writing each week, and clarify whether you’ll be writing during regular work hours. (If so, be open to their suggestions on what portion of your earnings should go to the church.)
- Outline how you plan to maintain your spiritual well – being and stay focused on your pastoral duties throughout the writing process.
- Discuss the changes or adjustments you’ll need to make to your schedule for promotional activities like speaking engagements and podcast appearances.
If the leadership is supportive, suggest setting up regular check – ins so they can offer encouragement and hold you accountable (this could be as infrequent as once a year). Be proactive and show that you value their guidance above all else.
There’s never a “perfect” time to write a book. Responsibilities will always compete for your attention, creativity can be unpredictable, and sacrifices will be necessary (often in the form of early – morning or late – night writing sessions). However, in the right season, with the Holy Spirit inspiring your words and determination, writing can be a valuable contribution to God’s kingdom. When that season arrives, I’ll be rooting for you.