Agents routinely receive proposals from aspiring authors that are the only creative writing they have ever attempted. At the same time, someone who is eventually published successfully likely has a half dozen other things in a file they’ve never shown to anyone.

If you are an experienced or aspiring writer and are a disciple of Jesus Christ, you have the opportunity (or responsibility?) to chronicle several things that only someone with spiritual insight can write.

Disclaimer: These are likely not commercially viable for publishers, but each will add stones of remembrance to the area where you live and your church’s spiritual legacy.

Here are three books any Christian writer can write:

1. The History of Your Local Church

Every church has a story; and since it is much more than just a building, the stories of people need to be researched and written down. I guarantee your church has pivotal moments that would make a riveting novel if they weren’t true.

Stories of God’s faithfulness, of changed lives, the time when the congregation sang and the walls seemed to tremble, the year when things looked bleak and what God did during and after, a story of humble servants who taught a generation of six-year-olds, and the pianist who used their talent for the glory of God until the day before they passed into glory.

Writing your church’s story is not only an exercise to give you writing practice; it is part of your calling to use your talent and ability to edify and build others up.

2. A Biography of a Faithful Christ-Follower in Your Area

This book could involve someone well-known or not at all. A visible Christian in your town who has done many things to benefit the community is worth mentioning for all to read about and be reminded of.

But there is also the untold story of the humble prayer warrior who gave their financial “mites” to the church and community but did quiet things that left a lasting impression on those in the town by allowing their fruit of the Spirit and spiritual gifts to do their talking.

Of course, no one is perfect, but showing how God uses imperfect people never gets old. This could also be a collection, 10 People Everyone in ______ Should Know.

3. The Spiritual History of Your Town

Every town or city has a “spiritual” history. Because it inevitably involves people, the story is not a straight road from one glorious event to another.

Why are roads named as they are? Why is there a cross on the top of the hardware store? What was the first church in the town after it was established? What was the second? Were there church splits? What happened long ago when the itinerant evangelist showed up and ruffled some feathers? Are there any memorable or famous occurrences that people need to know about? What used to be on that property where the Walmart and Applebee’s currently reside?

Life everywhere is full of stories, good and bad, exciting or boring, that need to be remembered. That’s what writers do. They record the stories and give perspective.

So, there’s your assignment.