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.