From Edie: Do Christian writers need a statement of faith? Discover 7 powerful reasons it matters for your writing ministry, builds trust with readers, and opens doors with publishers, ministries, and speaking opportunities.
Do Christian Writers Need a Statement of Faith? 7 Reasons It Matters for Your Writing Ministry
by Lori Hatcher
“Do you have a Statement of Faith on your website?” I sometimes ask fellow writers.
Their responses vary.
“Ummmmm, no.”
“Yes! Here’s the link: _________.”
“I’ve never really thought about it. Do I need one?”
If you don’t have a Statement of Faith on your blog or website, here are seven good reasons to add one.
7 Reasons for Writer to Have a Statement of Faith
1. A Statement of Faith requires you to decide and own what you believe.
“Christian” is a broad term with many nuances. When you write (or adopt) a Statement of Faith, you state in clear terms exactly what you believe.
2. It tells your readers what you believe about God, salvation, and key doctrines.
If a church or Bible study group is considering using your material, they will go to your Statement of Faith to discern if your theology aligns with theirs. What they read will help them decide if they want to purchase your books and material.
3. It helps your audience trust you.
If they read a statement based on sound theology, they’ll feel more comfortable trusting your writing instead of scrutinizing every word and questioning every nuance.
4. It sets realistic expectations.
Your Statement of Faith will help them know exactly what to expect from your books. They won’t be shocked, disappointed, or confused by your material if they know what you believe up front.
5. It opens (and closes) doors with ministries and publishers.
Agents, publishers, podcast hosts, and event organizers often look for a Statement of Faith when considering partnerships. They don’t want to discover points of doctrinal disagreement after they’ve already contracted with you. They want to know what you believe early in the conversation.
6. It strengthens your writing.
Your Statement of Faith should undergird everything you write. It should guide and support your work and prove to others that your work isn’t only inspirational, it’s biblical.
7. It protects you.
When you clearly state your beliefs, an agent, publisher, event coordinator, or reader can’t come back later and complain about your content. (They might anyway, but they’ll have no grounds.) If your website clearly states, for example, that you believe the biblical doctrine of salvation by faith alone, they have no reason to complain when you share this truth in your message.
When someone is considering reading or recommending your book, joining your launch team, offering an endorsement, or inviting you to speak at their church, the first thing they might do is go to your website. They’ll read your Statement of Faith to see if it’s biblical and aligns with their beliefs. If it does, they’ll feel comfortable supporting your ministry. A well-written, prayed-over Statement of Faith can be a powerful component of your writing ministry.
Now it’s your turn to join the conversation. When you’re selecting an author to read or support, do you look for their Statement of Faith? Do you have a Statement of Faith? Please share the link in the comments so we can learn from you. I’ll go first. CLICK HERE to read mine.
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