Readers turn to Today's Parish Minister primarily for practical information they can use to be more effective in their ministry, and to strengthen and enhance the life of their parish. These articles can look at a general area (for example, increasing the number of volunteers in the parish), or at some specific aspect (for example, a one day event to help families grow closer together). Theoretical, theological content is given as needed, but the primary focus of the article should be practical. Address issues you have faced or seen other face. Address real issues that confront real people in parish ministry.
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Try to address the widest possible audience. A successful article attracts as wide a range of readers as possible. Try to keep your article to 1000 words or less. We sometimes run longer articles or break them into parts, but longer articles are more difficult to run and to fit.
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As you write the article, it is often helpful to begin with a story, or an experience. Begin in some way that will help the readers identify with the situation you are describing. Let them know that this is an article describing an aspect of a problem or situation they face in their own parish. And remember that you are writing for your peers in ministry. Don't lecture. This is more like a roundtable sharing discussion than a formal classroom presentation.
4.
If at all possible, eliminate all footnotes (reference resources within the text). Resource lists are often helpful, and photos are enormously helpful-both black and white and color (including snapshots) work well. Photos showing people at a parish event or leading a workshop are great. We almost always prefer candid shots over posed, handshaking type photos. (If you have any doubts about whether people in the photos will object to having photos used, get their permission in writing.) Submit all photos in electronic format only please.
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Double-space your article. Sending your article as an e-mail attachment is preferred.
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Send manuscripts for Today's Parish Minister to:
Nick Wagner, Editor in Chief
Today's Parish Minister
1 Montauk Ave, #200
New London , CT 06320
