Jesus often conveyed His most profound teachings through stories written and passed down more than 2,000 years ago. Despite its enduring relevance and the remarkable stories contained in the Bible, many may never read it; yet those same people might encounter Christ through your writing! By sharing our moments with Jesus through writing, we can create a powerful experience that may lead others to Jesus.
The Christian Writers Group (CWG) believes in the "spiritual practice of writing". We share the Gospel's hope through storytelling in a variety of written formats. CWG members find encouragement and support in sharing that experience alongside other Christian writers. If you are a fellow Christian writer, or have a desire to explore the idea of writing, CWG welcomes you to come and be part of our group.
Judy Roberts
I write to share with my family and friends how the loving hand of God has guided our family through generations. Their prayers continue to follow us.
God has led me to many scripture verses that reveal the importance of writing my story, including sharing the unique adventures I've experienced during my years living abroad. My story is truly His story.
The Crossroads Writing Group has guided me on my writing journey, inspiring me to develop my passion for writing further.
Before picking up my pen, I ask God to sharpen my memory and guide my words so that I can tell my story accurately and with clarity.
Lynne Tomerlin
Sometimes I think about how many people have written about God in the Spirit throughout history.
Writing, for me, is a form of worship. Imagine a room full of thoughts all trying to get out of one exit door at one time. When I write, things slow down enough for me to 'see' more clearly. It's like my thoughts are put in orderly fashion, and I feel at peace.
A lot of times writing sessions feel more like therapy sessions direct from Jesus. I can confess without judgment. I can praise without compromise. I can be free.
Zack Christie
I've learned so much in the few weeks I have attended Crossroads Writers Group. I believe God gave me the ability to write so that I could put down on paper what I've been holding inside.
As a small child, I would write down my feelings. Even when I didn't have paper, I would write on whatever scraps I could find: leftover cardboard from packaging or old wrapping paper. I would write poems about my experiences. In high school, I was afraid to show my writing. In literature class, I wrote a paper on earthquakes instead of writing about what I felt. I was afraid of criticism and not being good enough.
As a young adult, I wrote a poem titled "The Wall," about growing up disadvantaged and allowing it to define a person to the point of feeling hopeless. That's how I saw people who accepted the gang life instead of looking for more.
I was ashamed to own the poem and let my boyfriend enter it into an art contest. It won first place. A coworker told me never to do that again. That same friend also taught me about anonymous works. I thought it meant "free". I was seventeen at the time. So I took a poem where the author was identified as anonymous and changed it. Later, my friend explained that was plagiarism. For a long time after that, I was afraid to publish because of that experience. But I asked God to forgive me, and here I am.
Over the years, I have written and shared poems, stories, and reflections with family and friends. My purpose is to be a blessing. I have heard it said, "No better story worth telling, no better poem worth writing, no better song worth singing than about the Lord."
Edwina Arthur
Eva Woodburn told me about the Crossroads Writers Group; she said they are a Christian-based writers group, and that is hard to find. That's why I am here.
Repentance and redemption are the themes that I am drawn to write about. I like to write about becoming a better person. I find my inspiration and guidance through Prayer and the kindness demonstrated by others. I write primarily with Christians in mind and about people who demonstrate kindness in some way.
Actually, I have always hated to write. But I have a strong urge to write because the spirit continues gnawing on my mind. I reluctantly started writing and found a good editor to cover my mistakes. Think of a new home with furniture and rugs and tile. My editor puts pictures on the walls, flowers, and things to make it a home.
Terry Doyle
I joined the Christian Writers Group for two primary reasons. First, to preserve my family's stories; second, to tell how the Lord has transformed my life through tragedies.
As the only surviving person in my immediate family of origin, I want to preserve and share stories of my family ("BC," Before Christ) and the events that have followed since I gave my life to Jesus Christ. If I don't record these stories, they will die with me and be lost forever. My children, grandchildren, and all future generations will never know our history or the incredible things Christ has done in our family.
Jesus has transformed my life and redefined who I am, despite many tragic events I've experienced. He has turned the deep scars into bright stars, lifting me above the dark valleys to sun-drenched mountaintops. I want to inspire others to realize God has an ordained plan for all our lives, even when we can't clearly bring it into view. As we move through this continuum called life, God's hand becomes more evident, drawing us closer to Him. He is inviting us into a relationship that we can trust through every twist and turn, up and down, over and under. We come out better on the other side.
The Christian Writers Group is a safe place where we share stories we have written. Through other members' stories, I am inspired to continue writing about my own journey. We are in it together!
Kimbol Rowland
My purpose in writing is to encourage healing and inspire restoration among those whose lives feel hopeless and lonely as a result of a loved one struggling with addictions. The unconditional love of Christ can move in ways we cannot fully imagine. My writing is a tool I pray God can use to inspire new hope within the hearts of those who feel hopeless.
Writing has been a hobby as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I wrote scripts, poetry, and short stories. I became discouraged as a writer after taking a High School Creative Writing class, when the teacher told me my writing "wasn't good enough or too repetitive." I stopped writing, redirecting my energy into drama.'
When I heard about Crossroads Writing Group, I was intrigued. At that point, my husband Richard and I were walking through a dark season. While attending the first meeting, I was inspired to write my story, and my passion for writing was reignited through the encouragement of this group.
Typically, I write about the struggles in my life, how I experienced God's healing, and the unique way I overcame those times. One such topic is walking with addicted loved ones. I have a passion for writing and for obeying God's calling on my life.
Katie Fountain
My desire to write is nearly as old as my ability to read. For several years I have written to lift up Jesus beyond the reach of my pulpit ministry. My retirement allows me to shift from the spoken word to the written word. My aging brain requires creative activity, and my writing provides the needed outlet. I am grateful for these opportunities to share my faith.
Rich Gammill
My membership with Crossroads Church began many years ago, dating back to the original Dobson Ranch location. This seemed to be a safe place and a church setting where one could learn and grow.
My writing themes are very diverse. There are many, but there is only one way through the door: God's way. The words I use come from God, either through dreams, Bible verses, messages, or family and friends.
Some of the themes I focus on are Christian writing, Russian Orthodoxy, and my various careers, especially professional nursing. I also write about being a daughter, granddaughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I write about my experiences as a volunteer and, lastly, in journalism.
All my life, I wanted to study journalism at Ohio State University; however, my parents only approved of nursing or teaching. I obeyed my parents by pursuing a career in professional nursing.
Stories have the power to influence, and God has blessed each of us with the gift of sharing our own.
Eva Woodburn
After writing my life stories, I often find myself revisiting them years later, reliving precious moments from the past.
I write not only for myself but also to give my family a glimpse into the real-life experiences that have shaped me. These stories reveal events in my life that they may not know about. I also want my family to know my first love is Jesus. He is my best friend.
Whenever something happens in my life that can serve as a powerful testimony to God's incredible grace, I want to share it. Hopefully my stories will endure and be passed down through my family, inspiring others along the way.
Deanie Anderson
I write to elevate the continuous and glorious story of Jesus Christ. When I write, I experience a sense of pulling loose strands together and weaving ideas, thoughts, and information into something meaningful.
As long as I can remember, I have devoured books as though my life depended on it. I love learning, researching, and in-depth study of God's word.
Writing has played an important role in every corridor of my life. But when everything familiar began to fall apart, I turned my heart toward writing. Here I found a haven to unload my pain when I couldn't pray or speak about my heartache. I write to find God's loving presence in the midst of confusion, loss, and pain.
Writing has given me a place to struggle with my feelings, a sanctuary to dig down into God's word and write out what He seems to be saying to me. As I abide in Him, writing has become a treasured form of worship and prayer.
Cindy Fetters