The “How-To” Book is Done

There is a world of difference between a “how to” book and a how book. The “how-to” is more accessible, but the how will endure.

One of the constant realities of pastoral ministry is that people want you to tell them what to do. Or more specifically, they want you to tell them how to apply and put into practice the principles of whatever your teaching. They want practical checklists. This can become a tension point for a preaching whose theological orientation is towards grace, i.e. what God does. I speak from experience!

I am much more wired to speak naturally about the what and how, not the “how-to”. It’s easier for me to focus on the description of a reality than to shift into the therefore prescription.

This applies to writing as well: when I pitched to the publisher the book that became Keeping Kids Christian, I presented it as a how book; in fact, the original title was How Our Kids Stay Christian…