Leadership Journal

We're looking for crisp, practical writing about subjects that matter to ministers. There are several types of writing we consistently need:

1. Theme articles. Half of each issue focuses on a single theme. Queries we receive that align with an upcoming theme will be given priority.
2. Non-theme articles. Each issue has several non-theme articles. We look for pieces on preaching, soul care and discipleship, pastoral theology, innovation, neighborhood involvement, and more. All based on true stories from pastoral experience.
3. Toolkit articles and reviews. The Toolkit section offers how-to's on:
   • Preaching and Worship
   • Spiritual Formation
   • Outreach
   • Pastoral Care
   • Administration
4. Blog posts. Writing for Leadership Journal's blog, Out of Ur, is a great way to introduce new ideas and interact with other church leaders. Posts on Out of Ur focus on current events and cultural trends that relate to church ministry. A good blog post has three elements: it's timely, it's provocative, and it sparks conversation and response. Lurking on OutOfUr.com may be the best way to understand the blog's culture before submitting a query.

• You had to be there: The story you wouldn't believe if it hadn't happened to you. What happened? Tell it drama-style, and let the scenes tell us what you learned along the way.
• Homelife: Stories from the fishbowl. Tell the ministry episode that affected your family life and how you grew from it. Or, perhaps how your family life is affecting your ministry.
• The Definition of You: The moment that changed your ministry. The moment a relationship changed, an antagonist became a friend, the church grasped your vision, the momentum shifted, you learned something that changed the way you do ministry. What was it?
• Learning to Lead: How are you growing as a leader of Christ's church? Tell us the transferable principles from your experience that other pastors can use.
• Managing conflict. A church member blew up at you. She said she's just being honest. You said she's rude and out of control. Suddenly, everybody was taking sides. So what did you do?
• Mentoring and development: Training leaders and future leaders. How are you training deacons or team members or new staff members? What are you teaching them and in what setting? Tell us how you foster disciples who make disciples.
• Heartbeat. Is something waking up in your heart? Give us fresh insight into your work, something new you've discovered about life and ministry. What are your horizons? Your challenges?