From time to time in this space, WestBow Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journeys. The following are the words of Tim King, author of “Blueprint for Growth”
Self published, who would have thought it? In hindsight I have found it one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done. It has given me a sense of achievement and satisfaction, more so than climbing any mountain. However, at first, my own journey to self-publishing was one borne out of frustration, rather than a burning desire to see my name and ideas in print.
I had for a number of years taught at a Bible College in New Zealand on the subject of Christian Leadership development. Later I conducted leadership seminars both in New Zealand and the UK. Pastors were great; they would lap up what was being taught and give excellent feedback. Until, that is, I came to the sticky question of growth and why their particular churches were not growing. I was given lots of reasons.
We are full. I want quality. What’s wrong with having a small congregation? Our town is too small for a large church. These are all valid answers. There is nothing wrong with having a small church full of great people. Is this really what Jesus wanted? Is it really what he envisaged when he said “go into all the world”? Do our worlds get smaller? Is that why our churches stay small?
Hence my frustration. If the denomination puts on a leadership seminar with a consultant they will go. But Pastors as individuals do not like asking for help for themselves’, seeing where they are going wrong or where they could improve things to get their churches to grow. If they did this then it would be admitting they are ill equipped or they don’t really know what they are doing. Anyway, it would cost money.
“Write a book” my wife said. “Write it down. You have the expertise and some very valid answers,” said a friend and colleague. Now, just over 12 months later, I am working on my second book. Why? Not because of frustration, but because It gives me a feeling that the ideas and concepts that I write, while not being entirely new, are my own and are relevant and needed born out of observation and practice. The message of the cross stays the same. It has for 2,000 years and is not negotiable. But the method by which we convey the message has changed. When we learn these things, it is then that we have a “BLUEPRINT for GROWTH”.
WestBow Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books, are invited to do so by sending a message through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WestBowPress, by tweeting us @westbowpress, or by emailing kgray@ westbowpress.com. We may not be able to use every story, but we will read and consider them. WestBow Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar and punctuation accuracy; as well as for space.