“You don’t write a book that you think will succeed. You write a book that you know will succeed.” This is one of the many thought-provoking statements that got our participants pondering at the ACTS (Africa Christain Textbooks) Writers Workshop. The workshop, held from the 4th to the 6th of June 2025 at TCNN, Bukuru, Plateau State, was an impactful and intellectually sound gathering that lived up to its theme, “Fresh Approaches to Theological Writing: Bridging Gaps and Expanding Digital Reach.” The workshop was an intensive experience for our participants. All our facilitators brought their A-games, delivering perspectives on the present challenges and opportunities in theological writing.
You don’t write a book that you think will succeed. You write a book that you know will succeed
Equipping Writers for a Digital Age
Right from the first day, it was palpable that all the participants were ready to learn and unlearn. The workshop kicked off with an opening ceremony and a warm welcome address from the Provost of Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN). The introduction by Dr. Paul Todd, ACTS Director of Publishing, was also engaging and stirred anticipation for what was to follow. From the very first session by Prof. Sunday Agang, Provost of Jos ECWA Theological Seminary (JETS), who passionately taught on writing theologically relevant books in the digital age, it was evident to us that the participants were being equipped not only to write but to thrive in this digital age.
A highlight of the first day was the session by Pastor Pusonnam Yiri, who expertly spoke on creative theological writing in a changing world. His delivery was clear, practical, and relatable, with many of our participants struggling to find their creative voice in theology. The session inspired participants to embrace creativity while remaining grounded in biblical truth.
The second day maintained the momentum, with the timely focus of “Digital Transformation in Theological Writing.” Pastor Dr. Hankuri Tawus of Campus Missions and Leadership Initiative (CMLI) then took the floor with an effective discussion on identifying challenges and proffering solutions in theological writing with another session on preserving originality during editing. The balance of technical skill and spiritual depth encouraged our participants as aspiring published authors to protect their voice while ensuring excellence in their craft.
Dr. Paul Todd later explicitly addressed the pressing issue of plagiarism in theological writing. His session was both a warning and a guide. It was clear, honest, and informative. Dr. Paul Todd’s session left no room for ambiguity on the ethical standards expected of Christian writers.
From Inspiration to Publication: Marketing and Ministry in Harmony
The final day brought everything together under the focus of exploring the hurdles faced by theologians and finding practical solutions. Prof. Danny McCain, Chairman of ACTS, took the session on researching unique ideas and identifying gaps in theological writing. His delivery, rooted in experience, spoke to the heart of every participant struggling with researching unique ideas in faith-based writing. Rev. Luka Vandi Uti, MD/CEO of ACTS Bookshop, came with an impactful presentation on marketing theological books to a tech-savvy generation. In his discussion, he mentioned that ACTS is a hundred percent ministry and a hundred percent business. This gave our participants insight on not taking marketing with levity.
In the final hours, the participants were introduced to the work of ACTS and CMLI, their mission, and how these organisations have served as platforms to impact Africans. The issuing of certificates and closing formalities were met with joy, heartfelt appreciation, and a sense of accomplishment. A group picture crowned the workshop. It captured not just faces but a community of writers energised, enlightened, and encouraged. Throughout the three days, our participants were receptive in the atmosphere of learning and interaction. The speakers did justice to every session. All our participants left with the tools to not only write better but to write with impact.