You see it in coffee shops. Many sip their caffeine and engage in conversation, but others are focused on their keyboards, typing a term paper or a report for work. They can block out the clatter and write. That’s Dr. John Neufeld. He will visit a local cafe and make it his office. The public workspace invites interactions, and some turn into gospel opportunities. Recently, a woman approached Dr. John and asked what he was working on. He answered, “I am writing a book called ‘The Heart of the Gospel.’ It’s about the book of Romans, which points to the problem of sin and God’s answer to it.” When the lady responded that she had never heard that before, the door was opened to speak of Jesus. Again, Dr. John’s writings prove to be an entrance to the Gospel.

Listeners of Back to the Bible Canada recognize Dr. John Neufeld as an excellent preacher. A growing number are realizing that his writing is another powerful way he communicates God’s Word. The demands of pastoral ministry always involved a measure of writing, but in 1999, Dr. John began to shape his sermons on paper as well as the pulpit. When Dr. John came to Back to the Bible Canada in 2015, the transition offered opportunity for him to further his skills as an author. He is currently working on his fifth title, The Heart of the Gospel – a commentary on the book of Romans. His past titles include, Making the Most of Your Salvation, Heaven and Hell, In All Things: God’s Providence, and Who Speaks for God?“*

When asked about the challenges of being an author, Dr. John replied, “I feel like I came to this later in life. Writing is different from the spoken word, and that requires a change in my thinking. Writing must be stripped of the casual comments or colloquial phrases that fill our speech. It demands a precision of thought and organization of ideas. In preaching you know if the congregation is following you and can adjust as needed. You can’t do that in a book. There is no feedback from the reader, and you can’t adapt as you go. It’s already in print! So, it takes time to shape ideas into clear articulation. And it is tiring! At the end of a day of writing, I am worn out.”

But writing is worth the effort. Dr. John spoke of the benefits he finds as he writes his books. “Writing forces a discipline of the mind to think matters through well. I must consider objections and questions a reader might have beforehand. And of course, once it is printed, it lasts. Writing is a resource that remains long after the author is silent. Writing also presses God’s truths into my own life. In writing, I am the one who benefits. For example, my book In All Things: God’s Providence, speaks of God’s meticulous Hand in every matter of our lives. The teaching of that book became personally precious after my wife’s death. I was comforted and strengthened by the fact that God is behind every detail in my life. And that’s why I write. I want these books to be instruments of help for God’s people. I want them to testify to the Gospel of Jesus and glorify God in every way. Writing for Back to the Bible Canada has provided a sense of purpose for me at this time of my life. It offers a Kingdom contribution in a manner I didn’t predict.”

When asked what advice he might offer to others who want to write, Dr. John answered, “Know that writing is hard. It demands focus to target words which communicate exactly what is intended. Most of all, simply write! If you don’t write you don’t get better. Close the door and stay at it!”  So, when you go to the local cafe, take your keyboards and begin!

* This month, all of Dr. John’s books are available for just $7!

Visit backtothebible.ca/store to order now! (Limited offer available until Feb 28, 2025)