If You Ain’t Writing You Ain’t Lasting

“If you ain’t reading, you ain’t leading.” Those were the wise words of Roy Hicks Jr., a friend I considered an older brother.

Just two years older than me, Roy led a youth group before I did, planted a church before I did, and pioneered church multiplication before I did. He always forged the path ahead. So, when he hit me with that statement, I paid attention. I’d gotten so caught up planting our first church that I’d nearly stopped reading, except for church growth books.

Roy sharpened his advice by urging me to dive into history and biography to build my character and leadership skills, rather than getting stuck on church growth material. His guidance molded me into the leader I am today.

I’d add to that: “If you ain’t writing, you ain’t lasting.”

If you’re not writing, you’re not building a legacy. You’re not leaving much for people you have yet to meet and some who might read your stuff after you move to heaven. A book is a time machine, letting you embed your ideas in a simple format that someone, decades later, can open and discover. For instance, I’ve often borrowed a book from a friend’s shelf, drawn in by just the title on the spine. In many cases, a long-deceased pastor or Christian leader sparked a new direction in my life. Those authors lasted. They built a legacy that enriched me profoundly.

I often challenge younger pastors about writing books, only to hear, “My church is too small to matter, and no one would care about my words.” I point them to my book, Let Go of the Ring. It’s vital because it captures not just what we did but why we did it.

We used it to screen and train new members. They’d read the book and quickly decide if they wanted to join us or move on, saving time for everyone. It also helped tackle potential conflict by embedding our core values and policies, giving us a clear reference to accept or reject new ministry ideas.

The book proved invaluable. It started as a history of Hope Chapel Hermosa Beach for the congregation when I left to plant in Hawaii. It resonated with people in Hawaii who were curious about our history. Later, Carl George pitched it as a church growth book, and we began publishing it for a broader audience.

To the pastor who says, “My church is too small for that,” I’d say, “Count the people in your church now, project reasonable growth, and multiply that number by 10 or 15.” That’s the potential reach of your book if you include your personal story, your church’s vision, core values, priorities, and how you do ministry. Your book will impact far more people than those currently in your seats.

Publishing a book used to be costly. We started with an expensive U.S. publisher, then shifted to a company in China. But Kindle Direct Publishing (formerly CreateSpace for paperbacks) changed everything. I updated Let Go of the Ring at no cost to our church or myself, aside from a cover photo I purchased. Amazon even helps promote it online. This is a powerful opportunity to create something that benefits your church and serves as your calling card. For example, I haven’t been a pastor for seven years, but I still share the book with people curious about our church-planting journey or with new friends I meet.

Last Sunday, I met a couple at church when I noticed the man wearing a Hawaii T-shirt. I introduced myself, and we quickly found common roots. I grabbed a copy of Let Go of the Ring from my car. His wife was thrilled, immediately flipping through the pictures (pictures pull readers into your words). We made new friends, and we’re having lunch next week.

If this sparks your interest, I’ve written two books you might find helpful. You Could Write for Amazon is a short guide on how to capture your ideas in a time capsule—not just for your church or future members but perhaps for someone who’ll read it long after you’re in heaven. The second, Your Book as Your Business Card, expands on what I’ve shared here.

You might feel a disappointed having read this blog expecting insights on church multiplication or discipleship. But this is about making disciples and multiplying churches. If it’s in your heart, it needs to be on paper. People trust what’s printed more than what’s on YouTube or preached from a pulpit.

As I write, I’m wrapping up a book for Exponential, crafting another for NewBreed, and modifying old Ephesians Bible talks for YouTube. I’m 79-years-old, a so-called retiree, still dedicating two days a week to sharing what God has given me. This habit started when I realized the power of reaching people I’ll never meet through the written word.