Young Christian Writers as Nehemiahs: The Power of Influence (Scaling your Book’s Visibility Beyond the Christian Fiction World)
Recently I was stood by an old, almost-dilapidated building and I thought to myself how nice it would be to acquire such a property. I saw the building’s potential—its location was strategic, and one wouldn’t need to break the bank to purchase it in full. I thought that with some refurbishment, it could easily be converted and potentially made more valuable.
In a very friendly chat, I said to God, “This building would make a good church. Just give me the money and I will get it for You.”
Let me give you a little insight to how I talk with God — as in how I pray. Sometimes I shout, sending out orders like a soldier, other times I whisper to the Holy Spirit like I’d to a friend, as I try to get a sense of what the Father will have me do. My ChatGPT will bear witness to my many plans to expand the Father’s kingdom (some plans still hypothetical).
While this is not a property purchase guide, I believe there are some lessons we might glean from being kingdom-orientated believers.
What Would You Do if You Were Gifted a Property In Sydney?
Let me tell you about a cupbearer in the Bible, Nehemiah. He was one of the most respected leaders, remembered for his faith, courage and practical leadership. He was a Jew living in the Persian Empire, was one who not only tasted the king’s wine for safety, but also served as a close adviser to him. His story is found in the Book of Nehemiah and it takes place around 445 BC, after many Jewish people had returned from exile in Babylon.
Nehemiah’s story shows us very profound lessons. Although he was in an influential position, he still carried his people’s burden. When he received news about Jerusalem’s ruined walls, he went to God in prayer and asked for favour with the king.
Now, it’s important to note that Nehemiah didn’t use his access to the king for selfish gains but for the collective purpose of getting Jerusalem’s walls rebuilt.
What would you do if you had access to the president or prime minister? What would you do if you were given a property in Sydney?
As Young Christian Writers, We Should all Be Kingdom Influencers
While I won’t over-emphasize our joint call to make Jesus known (the great commission), I’d like to touch on the job role of a brand influencer. A brand influencer actively seeks to increase the reach and visibility of a product or an audience. As young christian writers, this I believe, should also be our disposition to getting our books off the shelves and into the hands of our readers. While the numbers don’t direct the heart of our message, we are grateful for every one extra person that gets to read and recommend our books.
God is interested in the numbers. We also should.
Practical Tips to Scaling Your Book’s Visibility
The first tip I’d share is engaging in more speaking events. This could be on Christian and mainstream podcasts, radio, or TV shows, at a local library or even a corporate organisation whose values align with yours. With speaking events, you may not directly be talking about your books. It could for example, speaking at an organisation about how great stories start with purpose and so do meaningful careers. It could also be a guest speaker at a school where you share on how you became a writer and how the message of Jesus inspires and transforms lives. I believe you could speak from a relevant perspective without watering down the message in your books.
Another tip would be to lead with the story, not the label. For instance when describing the book, emphasize themes that resonate widely, such as hope after loss, forgiveness, redemption. Doing this would invite people into the story whether they are Christians or not.
Also, another idea would be to highlight universal questions. For example, “What does forgiveness truly cost?” “Can people truly change?” Doing this draws people into the issues addressed in the boo—some of which people might be going through in their own lives.
The Christian Publishing Show and Author Media, both hosted by Thomas Umstadd, are useful resources to help with updates on book marketing trends and the Christian (and secular) publishing space.
Remaining Focused on the Message: Jesus, the Lord.
While we seek opportunities to expand our books’ reach, it’s important that we ensure that we are not more desirous of the opportunities than we are the giver of the opportunities. Our heart should constantly be to please the Father. We should constantly and sincerely vet every marketing strategy through the Father’s lens. Simple ways to go about this is checking if the opportunities align with, or contradict our Christian values, and if they will ultimately bring glory to God or self.
I’m praying that as young christian writers, our hearts will constantly be intent on pleasing the Father. I pray also that like Nehemiah, we will be audacious about seeking and building influence for the Lord.