Will Mancini

If you have never met Max Lucado, words cannot describe the authenticity and humility of the man. That’s remarkable given the fact that he has sold more books than any Christian author in history only to be topped by the Bible itself. If I could capture it in one sentence I would tell you that in ten years of consulting, no client ever prayed for my children by name while giving thanks at lunch, except Max.

Perhaps the foundation of character I experienced made his wisdom even more dear to me. Toward the end of our conversation I sought his personal advice in discerning the role of writing in my ministry.  Keep in mind that at the time, I was pushing through the most difficult part of Church Unique. Two years later I now see writing and toolmaking as a core part of my ministry.  Hear is what Max said:

Max reminded me that after all his success, that each book is like giving birth to barbwire. Nevertheless anyone who writes should remember five aspects of potential impact.  (Even though our context was book writing, I apply these points to blogging and toolmaking as well.) 

#1 Writing allows the reader to digest the information on their time, at their pace. Max contrasted this to the long consulting meetings I was conducting at the time, highlighting the extreme limits of face time influence. Max literally said, “Will what if I could only learn from you from 11:00 pm till midnight three times a week. There would be no way to do this on your consulting schedule.

#2 The average book is read by more than two different people as it is passed on or left to be picked up by someone else.  This interesting little stat reminds you that influence is larger than just the number books sold or hits on your blog.

#3 Since leaders are readers, books tend to move among and be digested by people of influence. At this point in the conversation with Max I am thinking that these points as stand alone observations are common sense. But as he continued to share all five the combined weight of them was impressive.

#4 Influence through writing transcends time and place. Today I am talking with people who want to join the Auxano team in Australia. Why? Because of my writing.  I am reminded now each day of the powerful wisdom of this simple observation. Your writing will go to places you would never wander, even if you lived 500 years.

#5 Writing forces you to “polish” the articulation of your best thoughts for others.  The fact is that you have great thoughts that others need to hear. But while they rumble around your brain they are at best 80% developed. Max used the metaphor of a jeweler who shows off his finest gems in a glass case.  The glass case of your ideas is your book (or blog, tool, etc.). 

What’s your personal mission, your passion or your contribution to the world? How might the lasting impact of writing fit into that life purpose?