The Joy of Community

Recently I finished a novel that stirred my spirit. Within the first few pages I found I was praying about some of the insights and ideas presented by the author. I was questioning and being challenged at the same time. I struggled to put it down as my spirit went on a journey with the four characters of the novel.

I loved it. Not just the novel but also the experience I had reading it. The Lord opened my eyes to something fresh and my prayer life was reinvigorated.

Fortunately, there are two more novels in the series that I hope will have a similar effect. But it’s okay if it doesn’t.

The fiction I read is mostly Christian fiction. I actually read more non-fiction which also is typically faith-based whether it’s a biblical commentary, devotional or spiritual development as I like to dub the genre that the Lucado’s, Eldredge’s, Bevere’s and the ilk write into.

Many a Christian novel that I’ve loved I’ve questioned the extent of the spiritual element contained within it. The storyline and dominant theme of the novel are far more prominent than the spiritual thrust.

But isn’t this like the Christian communities we walk in, we gather around, and increasingly we virtually connect into? All these communities consist of people going through different seasons in their faith journey. And those of us who are writers, fiction and/or non-fiction reflect this divergence within our communities. So there’ll be some authors who are called to write stories with very strong spiritual messages. Like the one I just read. Others are called to write something with a more subtle message.

We need both.

Just as we need to journey with fellow believers who are experiencing different seasons in their faith.

I’m certain I speak on behalf of all the inaugural contributing authors to the Australasian Christian Writers (ACW) blog that we’re excited to be on this journey together. We hope to encourage each other, other authors and readers, not just in our writing but in our faith as well.

We’d love it if you would join us as we set out to bring a little (make that a lot) of what makes living and writing down under in Australia and New Zealand so special to each of us.

Giveaway

Don't forget that by commenting on each blog post this week you go into the opening weeks giveaways. For more information check the launch post. Remember you need to fill in the form and post on the blog posts. No comment means no entry.

One of the books you can win is mine, Angelguard. If you enjoy suspenseful stories where global adventure and the supernatural collide you might consider entering the competition.

What’s a recent novel you’ve read that stirred your faith so much you didn’t want it to end?

Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Northern Sydney. Ian's first novel, Angelguard, was released recently in US, UK, Canada and Australia. You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook page and Twitter