Rock Writers’ Guild

1) Identify a writer – Christian or secular – whose style appeals to you. Analyze and list the elements of style that contributes to that appeal.

My favorite author, considered by different groups to be both Christian and secular, is Madeline L’Engle. She draws me in with her masterful grasp of language and art. I choose not to approach her writing as either “Christian” or “secular” mainly because I do not think you can distinguish any art as purely secular. Good art is, at its core, inherently Christian and I do not believe you can separate the two.

L’Engle writes with a distinct “discovery” style. There are no bullying tactics to her writing approach, and yet I consistently find myself being drawn in to her point of view by the way she weaves her words into a garment of truth.

2) Identify one publication you would like to write for and provide a brief analysis of what appears to be its style. Caution: Some magazines don’t have a consistent style, but many, such as Christianity Today and Discipleship Journal have clearly defined styles.

I am very interested in Radiant Magazine for its modern approach to reaching the Christian woman. Its styles vary depending on the article’s topic and can be written in a humorous style, discovery style or even simple and direct. The modern woman, both Christian and non, have such varied interests and can be more effectively reached if given a broad scope of writing styles to peruse.

3)List the books you have analyzed for the writer’s style and give a few comments about each.

I have analyzed the following writings of Madeline L’Engle:

Walking on Water – uses discovery style and reflective style to take the reader on a journey to reflect faith and art. A Wrinkle In Time & A Severed Wasp – In both she uses discovery style and reflective style to tell the stories.4) Write one or two paragraphs using a simple, direct style.

Do you find it difficult to motivate your worship team? At times it may even feel like your team has to be drug kicking and screaming to rehearsals or early morning sound checks. Don’t dismay! There are some practical things you can begin to do now to combat this familiar issue.

First, get to know your team! There is a common problem among church leadership teams where we fall into the trap of constantly ministering to other people but never being ministered to. Each person on your team has needs; get to know them and minister to them based on that need. They will be able to come to rehearsals and services refreshed and ready to give again. And make sure you, as the team leader, have someone in your life that you can talk to and pray with regarding the needs in your own personal life.

Second, cast a vision for your team. Give them something to work towards. For some of you it may be merely to learn how to stay together on songs. For others, it may be to work on original arrangements or produce a worship recording of original music. Let God speak to your heart and then get your team excited about what He wants to do!

5) Try writing a couple of paragraphs in a humorous style.

Gathering the church choir sometimes feels like herding cats, doesn’t it? You’ve got 12 grandmas filtering through the sanctuary kissing all of the church young’uns, the tenor section in the back hallway talking about this afternoon’s football game and the choir director in the bathroom stall fretting about the offertory. I’ll bet that more times than you’re willing to admit, you’ve seriously considered quitting this thankless job and joining the college students working at the local Starbucks. All the free coffee you can stand and no real responsibility, what could be better than that?

You know, I have been there so many times. I’ve questioned God – “Is this really where you want me, Lord? I’m not so sure…” Stop for a moment, relax….breathe….let it all roll off and come back to reality. God’s not crazy! He did not make a mistake when He called you, so stop your whining and get back to work! Make sure your team knows what you expect. Give them no room for failure. Remember, if you will build a strong team with clear expectations, they will come. (to the prayer room on time!)

6) Write a paragraph in a meditative/reflective style.