Originally published in the Quarterly Explorer, Fall 2013 edition.
Myth #1: I need to be a biblical scholar to have anything worth saying.
Fact: While we certainly do not lack for well-educated theological thinkers in our congregation, have produced lovely devotions, writing a devotion is more about the heart than the head. It is about reflecting upon and sharing with others some of your experiences of being a follower of Christ, whether or not that experience includes formal theological training.
Myth #2: I need to be older/younger/conservative/liberal/ traditional/ progressive/insert-you-own-adjective-here in order to connect to the readers.
Fact: River Road Church strives to be a place where a diversity of perspectives and opinions are welcome. A devotional series is the perfect place to learn from the perspectives of others that may be different from ours. Even when we disagree, there is much more that we hold in common. And focusing on the stories of Christmas and Easter is certainly a good place to begin.
Myth #3: I don’t have time to write a devotion.
Fact: We are all busy, there is no doubt about that. But we also manage to make time for things that are important to us or we feel are worth doing. Plus, it actually takes less time than you probably think it does. You can spend time while commuting to work or school reflecting on the text. You can take a few moments at lunch to jot down a few ideas. And if your schedule truly is too overwhelming to meet our deadlines, we can work with you in finding a time table that works. Just ask!
I hope you consider experiencing the spiritual growth that happens as a devotion writer. We all will be the richer for it.