Should Pastors Write Books? 4 Questions To Consider

All eyes were on me while I searched for the words.

I was interviewing for a pastoral role when a church elder asked, “I see you’ve published a lot of articles. How do you plan to keep writing while managing the responsibilities of our church?” I expected the usual questions about theology, ecclesiology, or ministry experience. But this question—about how writing might interfere with shepherding—blindsided me. I felt like I had to defend my right to write. Or choose between writing and pastoring, as if those callings are mutually exclusive.

Fast-forward, and now that I’m an editor who helps pastors write books, I think the elder’s question is fair. Even vital. Not only does writing a book take immense time and energy, but lining up podcast interviews, speaking gigs, and social media posts to successfully market a book is practically a part-time job. When you try to square this with ministry’s weekly demands and emotional toll, it doesn’t look so simple. Rather than jumping at the first opportunity to get published, I encourage pastors to slow down, discern, and ask, Should I write a book?

Here are four questions that can help in that discernment process.

1. Why do you want to write a book?

Publishing presents unique temptations. It’s intoxicating to see your name on a front cover. It’s enticing to earn an advance and royalties. It’s rewarding to be a podcast guest or conference speaker to promote your book—where the relational tensions and frustrations of real-life ministry evaporate into a slew of accolades and honorariums.

In each of us, tucked beneath a veneer of good intentions (This is for God) and missional urgency (This message must go forth), lives a desire for self-serving glory. The line between building the kingdom and building your personal brand can get blurry.

Sift your heart—not by yourself but with people who know and love you enough to shoot straight. Ask yourself, What good is it to publish a book and lose my soul?

2. Is a book the best medium to share your message?

The line between building the kingdom and building your personal brand can get blurry.

I once spent almost a year helping a pastor hone his manuscript. But in the end, we agreed his message wasn’t resonating on paper. To his credit, he pivoted, deciding to share the same message through a series of podcast episodes.

First-time authors tend to underestimate the effort it takes to write and publish a book. It’s like a triathlon: part one is writing the book, which usually takes six to nine months of intense labor (and starts after you’ve clarified your concept, built a book proposal, pitched to publishers, and signed a contract).

Part two is editing, which takes another six to nine months of back-and-forth with your editor.

Part three is marketing and promotion, which consumes as much (or more) time as the writing process. Many authors find it far more draining.

Instead of a book, could your idea better reach people as a sermon series, podcast, Substack, or newsletter? What if you could spend a fraction of the time with the same effect?

It’s worth considering.

3. What season are you in?

Ecclesiastes tells us there’s a season for everything (Eccl. 3:1). It takes discernment to identify your season—both personally and professionally—and maturity to embrace that season, even if it means hitting pause on certain dreams or even laying them to rest.

Your goal in life isn’t to reach your “full potential” professionally. It’s to lead and care for the people God has placed in your care. If writing a book requires you to neglect those God has entrusted to you to love, is it worth it?

I’m thinking of the church planter carrying three roles because there’s not enough budget for more staff, the pastor whose spare moments are consumed with caring for an ailing parent, or the couple wrestling with marital tension and physical exhaustion in the throes of raising little ones.

If writing a book requires you to neglect those God has entrusted to you to love, is it worth it?

If writing a book will put undue strain on your marriage, steal your attentiveness as a parent, or distract you from the people in your congregation, why pay that price?

Many would do well to heed the advice of Tim Keller, would suggested younger pastors should first “earn their credibility through building up some fruitful and effective ministries” before they attempt to write books. “Writing a book in your 50s will go twice as fast and be twice as good as if you try the same book in your 30s,” Keller said.

God gives people varying capacities. However, for each of us, certain seasons require our undivided attention for us to stay healthy emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. A good thing in the wrong season weighs you down and stretches you thin. Audit your season. Act accordingly.

4. Are your leaders aware of and supportive of your intention to write?

As you process these questions alongside others who can weigh in, you may decide this is an ideal season to write a book. If that’s you, your first move is to seek the input of your leadership team.

The saddest scenario is when pastors are equipped and ready to write, but due to misunderstanding or a lack of communication, their efforts and motives are criticized by the leadership: Are you getting paid to write on church time? Are you just building your own brand? Are you distracted from your responsibilities here?

Pastors, it’s better to play offense than defense. If you want your leadership’s blessing, invite them into the conversation early and often. Initiate a meeting, not as a formality—a mere means of forcing them to sign off on your goals—but as an honest exchange that takes into account their questions and pushbacks.

These are few items you might discuss:

• Explain why you desire to write and why you sense it’s an ideal season to do so.
• Share the specific message God is stirring in you that you hope to write about.
• Suggest on what days, and for how long, you’d write each week, including if you plan to write during normal work hours. (If yes, welcome their input on what percentage of those earnings will go to the church.)
• Cast a vision for how you plan to stay spiritually healthy and pastorally attentive throughout this process.
• Discuss what changes or accommodations you’ll need in your schedule for promotional commitments like speaking and podcast opportunities.

If the leadership is supportive, suggest a recurring check-in so they can provide encouragement and accountability (this can be as infrequent as once a year). Be proactive. Show you’re committed to them first—that their counsel means the world to you.

There’s no “perfect” season to write a book: Responsibilities will forever claw for your attention, creativity will remain a fickle visitor, and sacrifices will inevitably be required (often in the form of early morning or late night writing sessions). And yet, in the right season, with God’s Spirit fueling your words and resolve, writing can be a transforming contribution to the kingdom. If and when that season comes, I’m cheering you on.