Every week, you study the Scriptures, analyzing a narrative’s movements or the structure of an epistle’s argument. You prayerfully consider each text’s meaning and application. Then you put pen to paper (or at least your fingers on a keyboard) and write what you’ll say to your congregation on Sunday. As an editor who regularly works with pastors, I’m sometimes asked if writing an article differs from writing a sermon. It’s really different. But most men know that when they ask.
After all, in ministry, you don’t just write sermons. In a given week, you may write an email update for your elders and staff, a reflection for the church newsletter, and an encouraging note for a dedicated volunteer. You know intuitively that your writing style changes based on what you’re writing and whom you’re writing to. A sermon is more personal (and less formal) than a seminary paper. And a well-written thank-you note is more personal than a sermon.
But what if you want to turn your sermon into an article or Substack post? Recently, Sarah Zylstra and I wrote about 10 tips you should keep in mind if you want to turn your oral teaching into written content. Some are ways you should write like you preach—employing your best hook, choosing a main point, and sticking your landing. Others are ways you shouldn’t write like you preach—adjusting the length and recognizing that your audience is broader than your church.
Pastor, we hope these tips help you to become stronger writers. After all, your writing skill is worth investing in. Why? Because God is a writer too. He’s written his glory into creation. Before time began, he wrote the story of redemption in his heavenly book. And in these last days, he’s spoken to us both by his written Word and by his Son, the Word.
When a leader like you uses and develops your God-given writing talents, when you think of your gifts as part of your pastoral vocation, you can write in a way that both glorifies God and serves your neighbor. I hope you will.
—Jared
PS: If you’re interested in developing your writing skills, join me and the rest of TGC’s editorial team for our next TGC Writers’ Cohort, February 25 to April 15, 2026 (8 weekly sessions). Learn more.
