Tips for the budding writer, activist or public theologian

As a writer, being a part of denomination has incredible benefits and difficulties. Here are some things I learned about the relationship between the two.

Don’t tie yourself to your denominational brand.

My denomination has the best seal ever. Ask just about any Presbyterian, and we will puff with pride at the theological depth of it. It defines us—simple, yet packed with meaning the more you study it. I’m pretty sure I could preach a year of sermons on the logo. Like most denominations, we have a sophisticated architecture of thought—our theology, polity, and historic stances on particular issues have wisdom that I’m usually pleased to claim. Yet, the seal sometimes stops me.