Have you thought seriously about writing for Ministry? What keeps you from doing it? You may feel that you would like to write, but can't find the time to do something that is not crucial to all you are called upon to do. Another restraint may be your private misgivings that what you have to say might not be worthy of publication. You may feel that your ideas are a bit far to the right for some, or a little left for others, or, worst of all, irrelevant. There may be some procedural questions that stand in the way of writing, such as: What does Ministry actually want by way of subject matter? How many words should I write? What will they do with what I submit? Will I be turned down? What will I be paid?
Stripped down to its essence, Ministry is simply a forum for the exchange of our best thoughts and ideas. To me, the subject matter we all look for falls into three categories: inspiration, information, and issues. In a given monthly issue we usually have three or four articles on the theme of that month, with the remaining articles covering other pastoral concerns. We always seek to publish articles that are practical to the daily life of pastors all over the world.
Suggested themes
Please take a look at the following themes and see if you find one or two you would like to write about during the next two years: Seventh-day Adventists and the Second Coming of Christ. The pastor's personal budget, especially in high cost areas. Youth and young adult ministry. The pastor as a leader. The Sabbath and Seventh-day Adventists today. Ministerial marriage and family. Diversity of church practice in time and place. The pastor and the Holy Spirit. What is an effective church? The essential characteristics of a successful pastor. Renewing the call to ministry. Pastoring in multiple-church districts. Pastors as keepers of the soul. Pastoring in small churches. Divorce and remarriage. A pastorally oriented view of the issues of salvation. The pastor and his or her preparation for retirement. Homiletics preaching the Bible with meaning. Dealing with difficult people. Speaking to the secular mind. Inter denominational relationships. The development of doctrine in the SDA Church. Forgiveness.
Besides articles, we look forward to receiving any ideas at all for the improvement of the journal. As always, Shop Talk ideas are very welcome. We plan to expand this column starting next January. We are also eager to receive articles from all our readers regardless of denominational background. We are especially in need of articles from outside the Americans context.
Some guidelines for writing
When it comes to actually sitting down to write, here are some important considerations:
- Query before writing. Contact the editorial office with your topic, outline, qualifications for writing. If available, send a sample of your writing.
- Write with an international awareness.
- Articles with 1,500 to 2,500 words are preferred.
- Manuscripts should be typed, double-spaced in average-sized font, with numbered pages. If possible, articles should be sent on a diskette in WordPerfect format together with a hard copy.
- Use endnotes rather than foot notes. For legal reasons, all endnotes must be verified by our editorial staff, so please include a photocopy of all citations and bibliographic information.
- Name, address, telephone and fax numbers, social security number (if appropriate) should be on the first page.
- Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like your manuscript returned (if not accepted). Non-United States authors should enclose self-addressed envelope only.
- Payment for articles is care fully considered, but subjective and usually around US$150.
If you have further questions about writing for the journal, just let us know and we will send you our pamphlet, "Writer's Guidelines."
When we receive your manuscript, we will be as prompt as possible in acknowledging it and getting you a response about its acceptance or rejection. If accepted, please under stand that it is often difficult to schedule an article for publication as early as you might expect it to appear.
So, go for it! Write for the glory of God! There are pastors all over the world who will benefit from your insight and experience.
