How would you go about creating a succinct definition of yourself? Would you base this definition on your accomplishments, such as in an author’s bio? Perhaps you might base it on your roles, such as employee or spouse; or on your goals and purposes in life.

As an organization, the Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers defines itself as “an organization of Christian writers providing instruction in writing, encouragement and networking opportunities, fellowship among Christian writers, and Christian and secular markets information.” Did you notice two continuing themes? We are all interesting in writing; and we are all Christians.

We have three primary focuses. First, we seek to encourage excellence in writing. One of our purposes is to support and encourage one another in a noncompetitive environment and to develop excellent, professional writing skills that honor God and serve our readers.

Second, we seek to grow together in our relationships with God and with each other. Thus, another purpose is to encourage one another to live godly Christian lives and to seek God’s divine will for our writing talents. Third, we seek to provide Christian market and networking information. While much secular market information is readily available to us, we purpose to learn about uniquely Christian markets and other resources for active writers and want-to-be writers.

Our upcoming meeting speakers will include Ron Boutwell, playwright and founder of Stained Glass Theatre; and John Maempa, writer and Director of the National Prayer Center. We invite you to join us as we come together for encouragement, information sharing and training.