This morning during worship, I looked around the room and I was so grateful to God for what I saw. Ten writers all singing to God. Different ages, different stages of their writing careers, but choosing to come together at 8:30am on a Thursday to put God first.
What a company of believers to be a part of! What an amazing thing I’m privileged to lead. Praise God that He has made something new here!
You know, we call ourselves “The Company,” but what is a “company” anyway? We typically think of a company in the sense of a business, but the word itself simply means a group of people who work together for a common purpose.
The Bible, for instance, speaks of the company of prophets. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus tells Peter, “On this rock I will build my Church.” That word “church” is ekklesia in the Greek, and Blue Letter Bible’s Greek concordance defines it as “a company of Christians…”
A group of people who work together for a common purpose.
That’s what we do here at The Company. We propel one another on to success. Whether it’s through the classes on the website, the Facebook group, our live coaching groups, online events, or our apprenticeship, we’re here for one another.
There is something special about coming together face to face, and that’s an important value for us.
In Hebrews 10:24-25, Paul said, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” In context, Paul is talking about the Church, but nonetheless, there’s something special about coming together in person.
That’s why we try to incorporate face-to-face whenever we can. That’s part of what inspired our new live coaching groups.
Zoom is a good step, and we’ve seen the Holy Spirit do amazing things over Zoom calls, just as if we were in the room together.
But in-person is better.
When we started our apprenticeship program five years ago, people were incredulous that we would be starting an in-person program when everything else was going online.
Our apprentices thrive in a way they wouldn’t if we only connected online. The opportunity to pray together, worship together, be together in the awkward down times between activities—this is the stuff of real life and the places where deep relationships form.
You don’t have to do it with us, but I promise you, if you create opportunities to work with other writers face-to-face, it will be a game changer for your writing. Zoom is OK, but in-person is better if you can make it happen.
I don’t have time to quote the entire New Testament here, but there’s no denying that God delights when the body (his bride!) comes together. God blesses His children when they come together in love and unity of purpose.
Make it happen.
If you’re looking for a good way to start, join us for our Fall Writing Retreat on October 10-11. We’re going to worship together, pray together, write together, and learn together—just like we do every day at The Company HQ.
There’s a small fee to come, but it covers your dinner on Friday, as much coffee and popcorn as you want while you’re here, and a light breakfast on Saturday morning.
The best and worst thing about writing is that you don’t need anybody else. You can do it all on your own. But can you really?
Maybe. But after working with lots of writers over lots of years, I don’t think that’s God’s design for us. I think it’s a trap of the enemy. “Everything I need is online” is a great big lie.
Will you come out and join us? If you truly can’t get here, will you figure out a way to get around some other writers? If nothing else, will you join our live coaching groups and at least meet face-to-face with other writers over Zoom?
I want you to step into everything that God has for you. I can’t say it enough—it doesn’t have to be with us, but just don’t do it alone. As I read the Bible, I don’t see any good argument that you’re supposed to do this alone, I can’t believe that walking this road alone is God’s best plan for your life.
It’s such a beautiful thing when the company of believers comes together. It’s so cool when we can do that and also be unified in purpose—to come together as writers. Even though we all share that interest, we still come together as many parts of one body, and when we worship together, I know God delights in.
Whether you’re near or far, thanks for being a part of this company. I’m glad you’re here.
