Our Purpose

On Mission’s primary purpose is to help readers and churches become more on mission in the areas of personal evangelism, church planting and missions. Effective articles will always include elements that move readers toward spiritual growth, evangelism and missions.

 

Content

Most of the articles we publish fall into one of four categories:

• Sharing Christ             • Sending missionaries

• Starting churches          • Volunteering in missions

       

We do not publish devotional, purely theological material, poetry or news articles.

 

Our Readers

On Mission's circulation is 100,000. Be sure to consider our audience as you choose a topic and approach: Slightly more than half are women; median age is 50; most are committed to and active in sharing their faith; a majority participate in missions at least once a year.

 

On Mission is approximately 50 percent freelance written. Articles are 800-2,000 words. Payment is on acceptance of completed articles, 25 cents/word for first rights.

 

Tips for Successful Articles

Here is a checklist of some points to consider as you match your work with On Mission’s objectives:

Spiritual – Each article should move readers toward a deeper walk with God and a commitment to sharing Christ with others. On Mission articles must maintain an eternal, “big picture” perspective.

 

Practical – Each article should include “take away” value readers will find helpful. Will they gain insights into how they can grow in sharing their faith? Will they learn more effective ways of relationship building or communication? Will they get new ideas about how and when they can share the gospel? In what specific ways will your article encourage, provide hope or show “how to?” Use illustrations, anecdotes, examples and analogies to aid the reader.

 

Personal – On Mission wants readers to feel connected with the people featured on its pages. Articles should quote and describe the people in ways that not only convey meaning, but also give readers a glimpse into the hearts and minds of those being featured.

 

Approachable – Readers might be intimidated if those featured appear to be “super Christians” who seem to live on a higher spiritual plane. Try to introduce subjects as “three dimensional, real” people. Include anecdotes or examples of their fears and failures, including ways they overcame obstacles. In other words, take the reader inside the heart of the on mission Christian and reveal the inevitable humanness that makes that person not only believable, but also approachable. We want the reader to feel encouraged to become on mission by identifying with people like them who are featured in the magazine.

 

Believable – The Bible clearly explains the basics for the Christian walk. These points are non-negotiable. However, working out an approach to evangelism and missions can take many forms. On Mission will look for different insights on this topic, but we will not be afraid to admit that we don’t know everything on the subjects of evangelism, church planting and missions.

 

Hopeful – Sharing Christ is an intimidating prospect for many readers. Without increasing fear, On Mission wants to acknowledge that reality while at the same time giving readers encouragement and hope. We can do this by holding up as models of the successful on mission lifestyle those people who are willing to share their struggles with the reader—as well as their success stories.

 

Knowledgeable – Without conflicting with these last two points, On Mission strives to be a source of information and knowledge, as well as a helpful resource. On Mission will help readers do their homework on these issues. We want to provide accurate information and up-to-date knowledge. Research your article. Document your sources. Depend on the most trustworthy, factual sources you can locate.

 

Submission Format:

Articles may be submitted by postal mail or email. If you send a document electronically, please ensure that your document is in a Microsoft Word format and double spaced. We prefer electronic submissions, with the article included as an attachment to the email or embedded into the body of the email. Material is subject to editing for length, style and format.

On Mission is primarily an “on assignment” magazine, meaning that editors first develop story ideas and then locate writers whose expertise and interests fit the articles. However, we do accept queries and manuscripts. If you have a story idea, please send a query letter and/or manuscript along with your resume and clips. Query letters should include (1) the working title, (2) the purpose of the piece and its value to readers, (3) a tentative outline or summary, (4) some indication of the style and approach you plan to use, (5) suggested length, and (6) a short description of your qualifications to write the article. We do not accept phone queries or simultaneous submissions.

We advise writers to study several recent issues of On Mission before submitting a query or submission. Look at the types of articles we publish, common writing styles, and the way our writers approach their topics. For samples, visit our archives at www.onmission.com, or mail a request (see below).

It takes about 8-16 weeks to respond to query letters and manuscripts, so allow time for event-related and seasonal story ideas. Feel free to drop us a note if you haven’t heard from us after two months; some manuscripts do get lost in the mail. All submissions are received on speculation. An accepted query does not guarantee purchase of the manuscript. Editors reserve the right to reject any manuscript at any stage.

 

Send queries with SASE or manuscript to:

Editor, On Mission
North American Mission Board
4200 North Point Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30022-4176
email: cpipes@namb.net.