Discipleship Through Writing

by Dwight David Croy

Presently as a co-pastor of a church with a congregation of many teachers and writers, my mind
turns to discipleship in writing. As a Christian writer consideration of the second part of the great
commission should be pondered. Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…” Although including the gospel in writing my books, one wonders about how to specifically follow the Lord’s command, “making disciples” in the area of writing.

Forbid the thought of making copies of us, but we are to delight in growing up more Christians and also perhaps more Christlike writers. ACFW is a discipling organization, but perhaps not in the way first thought of. Truly there is the modeling of the mechanics of writing, promotion, and collaboration in writing. But discipleship is the focus on making followers of Jesus Christ.

Writers show this personally in writing conferences and in many regional meetings. Whether a speaker, official, or enrollee, the dynamic of discipleship is wonderful to behold. Encouraging and building one
another up in the area of Christian writing. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” – John 13:35.

As many men of wisdom have taught me, a lot of things are “caught” and not “taught.” The presence of likeminded, Christ-minded writers teaches and grows me up. We often talk of finding our “voice” through writing, but more importantly we must find voice “Christ’s voice” in discipleship.

My reading goal each year is 75 books. With each Christian fiction book read, a salient crystal-clear point of discipleship comes through (most good books have more than one). My love and library of biblical historical fiction is growing and so is my love for it. The love of writing (and research) grows me up into
Christlikeness.

We have had a long season of emphasizing profession but let us not forget presence (post-COVID). Good book by the way, “Practicing the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence. Discipling through both profession and presence is so important. This writer could not pass up an opportunity to emphasis Christ’s discipleship via these paths.

Dwight David Croy retired from the Army and received a Doctor of Ministry through George Fox University. He has taught Juvenile Boys for seven years in a non-profit residential home in North Carolina. God has laid on his heart the plight of the fatherless and is now working on a series of historical fiction for boys. Dwight wrote a non-fiction book, “God’s Focus on the Fatherless” receiving a “Literary Titan” Award. He is the author of the award-winning “God’s Gracious Killer,” and “God’s Illuminating Blindness.” Dwight also works as a volunteer chaplain, teacher, and speaker, and enjoys the blessings of grandchildren in North Carolina.