Equip De Saints – Author Writing Guidelines
Preparing, Writing, and Submitting Faithful Biblical Content
BEFORE YOU WRITE: FOUNDATIONAL CHECKS
Before drafting an article, every author must prayerfully confirm the following:
1. Alignment With the Mission
Ask yourself:
- Does this article equip believers (Ephesians 4:12)?
- Does it increase biblical understanding, not confusion?
- Does it help believers apply Scripture to real life?
If the answer is unclear, revise the idea before writing.
2. Category Alignment
Each article must clearly belong to one primary category (and optionally one secondary).
Choose from the official Equip De Saints categories.
Do not attempt to cover too many themes in one article.
Rule: One article = one central biblical purpose.
STEP 1: CRAFTING THE TITLE
Title Requirements
A strong title must be:
- Clear and theologically responsible
- Faithful to the article’s actual content
- Free from clickbait or sensationalism
Preferred Title Patterns
- “Biblical Perspective on…”
- “What Scripture Teaches About…”
- “A Christ-Centered Approach to…”
- “Understanding ___ in Light of the Gospel”
Avoid
- Shock-based titles
- Promises Scripture does not make
- Ambiguous or misleading phrasing
STEP 2: DEFINING THE CENTRAL THESIS
Before writing, clearly state:
- One main biblical truth the article communicates
- One primary Scripture passage grounding the article
Write this thesis privately first.
If you cannot state it in one sentence, the article lacks focus.
STEP 3: SCRIPTURE USAGE & HANDLING
Scripture Is Primary, Not Decorative
All articles must:
- Be rooted in Scripture
- Respect biblical context
- Explain verses, not merely quote them
Scripture Guidelines
- Use trusted translations (ESV, NIV, NKJV, NLT)
- Cite references clearly (Book, chapter, verse)
- Avoid excessive verse chaining without explanation
- Distinguish clearly between:
- Scripture
- Interpretation
- Application
Never
- Build doctrine on isolated verses
- Use Scripture to support personal opinions
STEP 4: ARTICLE STRUCTURE (REQUIRED)
Each article should follow this general structure:
1. Introduction
- Introduce the topic clearly
- Explain why it matters biblically and practically
- Avoid personal storytelling unless relevant
2. Biblical Foundation
- Present key Scripture(s)
- Explain context and meaning
- Establish doctrinal clarity
3. Teaching & Explanation
- Unpack the biblical truth
- Address common misunderstandings
- Use examples responsibly
4. Application to Life
- Show how Scripture applies today
- Address real-life situations
- Maintain pastoral sensitivity
5. Conclusion
- Summarize the core message
- Point readers back to Christ
- Encourage obedience, faith, or reflection
STEP 5: TONE & LANGUAGE
Required Tone
- Pastoral, humble, and instructive
- Christ-centered, not personality-driven
- Respectful toward differing Christian views
Avoid
- Harsh rebukes
- Condescension
- Absolutism on secondary doctrines
- Emotional manipulation
STEP 6: IMAGES & VISUALS
Featured Image Requirements
Each article must include:
- One high-quality featured image
- Image must be:
- Reverent
- Relevant to the topic
- Free from distraction or commercial tone
Image Guidelines
- Avoid staged, flashy, or meme-style visuals
- Avoid images that trivialize sacred themes
- Ensure image usage rights are respected
STEP 7: QUOTES & REFERENCES
Quotes
- Use sparingly
- Attribute clearly (author, source)
- Do not elevate human quotes above Scripture
External References
- Must be reputable
- Must not contradict Scripture
- Must support—not replace—biblical teaching
STEP 8: SPECIAL CONTENT RULES
Health & Mental Health Topics
- Educational only
- Include appropriate disclaimers
- Encourage professional care when needed
- Avoid diagnosis or treatment claims
Finance & Career Topics
- Emphasize stewardship, wisdom, integrity
- Avoid promises of financial outcomes
- Avoid speculative or manipulative advice
STEP 9: FINAL SELF-REVIEW CHECKLIST
Before submitting, confirm:
☐ The article aligns with Equip De Saints’ Doctrinal Statement
☐ Scripture is handled faithfully and clearly
☐ The tone reflects Christlike humility
☐ The title accurately represents the content
☐ A suitable featured image is included
☐ The article equips, not entertains
STEP 10: SUBMISSION PROCESS
- Submit the article via the Author Dashboard or Submission Form
- Select the appropriate category
- Include all required fields
- Await editorial review and feedback
Editors may request revisions for:
- Doctrinal clarity
- Structure
- Tone
- Readability
FINAL REMINDER TO AUTHORS
“Not many of you should become teachers… for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”
— James 3:1
Writing for Equip De Saints is a stewardship, not a platform for self-expression.