Exercise guru Richard Simmons perched cross-legged on his autograph table. The crowd edged closer, roaring at his animated antics.

Nearby, patient conventioneers waited for photos with Barney.

In another aisle, entertainer Art Linkletter graciously signed through an entire stack of posters.

I trailed another line as it snaked across the Chicago convention center. Wondering where this seemingly endless line would lead, I sensed I was edging closer to some major celebrity as an excited buzz grew around me. Finally, catching a glimpse of the stars, I was astonished. Autograph-seekers were waiting to see The New York Times best-selling novelists Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye—Christian authors. My mouth dropped open at the significance of the scene before me.

For years products touting the antithesis of the Christian lifestyle have been heavily promoted at this highly secular Book Expo, the annual trade show of the American Booksellers Association (ABA). Mysticism, witchcraft and other fringe topics typically take center stage. That’s why I was thrilled to see the line for Left Behind books.

After I moved beyond feeling "I wish I had a line like that" (we authors judge success in rather odd ways), I couldn’t stop smiling at the incredible doors God is opening through Christian fiction reaching mainstream society via the ABA marketplace.

And that long line of people was just the beginning.

The Book Expo 2000 convention edition of USA Today listed other titles with Christian themes on the Times best-seller list.

A convention floor display highlighted the 50th anniversary of The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, an excellent alternative to Harry Potter for younger readers.

Everywhere, words like "inspirational" and "prayer" and "devotional" popped up on book covers.

I chatted with Beverly Rykerd, publicist for the Left Behind series from Tyndale House Publishers, who shared a true story: Late one Friday afternoon, an employee stopped in the company restroom on her way out the door. She laid her weekend reading, one of the Left Behind titles, on the sink. She gathered her belongings to leave and discovered the book was gone.

When the woman returned to the office Monday morning, a co-worker approached her. The employee apologized for stealing her property. She confessed she had read the entire book over the weekend and it had influenced her to accept Christ as her Savior.

Rykerd said this is typical of feedback reflecting the series’ evangelistic impact and potential. As I joined the Book Expo crowd surging toward convention center exits, I thought about other Christian writers who recently have experienced commercial success in the general marketplace. Jan Karon’s titles in the Mitford series have catapulted to best-seller status. Francine Rivers, who is in the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, is a three-time winner of the prestigious Rita Award. The Testament by John Grisham includes a direct presentation of the gospel as a plot element.

As I marveled at the power of a story, I considered why Christian fiction can be an effective tool for the on mission lifestyle.

Christian fiction is readily available. Those Book Expo distributors have done their job: Christian fiction is everywhere. Have you looked recently? Titles are in Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Kmart and grocery store racks. Christian bookstores stock an incredible inventory. We can even match the format to the person: An audio book for a friend who commutes may be a perfect Christmas gift. An elderly neighbor might appreciate a large-print novel more than a plate of decorated cookies. Or we may purchase several inexpensive paperbacks to read (and leave) during our own holiday travel.

Stories integrate Christian principles into everyday life. Perhaps, like me, you find it easier to talk to someone about potential applications of faith in Christ when you have a human illustration, even a fictional one.

One reason Angela, our college senior, has read and re-read Lori Wick’s The Princess is because Angela relates strongly to a contemporary figure who values premarital chastity as she does. The characters are realistic, yet inspirational. Even though fiction is only fiction, we all can be encouraged by an author’s description of how others may cope with authentic faith-life issues.

Fiction is a flexible outreach tool. It’s an entertaining, non-threatening introduction to Christian attitudes and behaviors. At our local public library, the Simons family fill out request forms for the purchase of specific Christian titles. As a result, library patrons now have a wider choice of great reading. Children who might be inclined to write school reports on Harry Potter have the option to substitute The Chronicles of Narnia. Although targeting specific niches with demographic evangelism has benefits, Christian fiction cuts across all age, gender and ethnic boundaries.

Fiction takes literature beyond print. Members of literary clubs, which are popular in both virtual or actual reality, may select Christian titles. This means an on mission Christian may witness through word of mouth or "word of mouse." One of my most exciting Internet moments came when I read a review on Amazon.com about one of the books I wrote for The Prince of Egypt in which a Jewish grandmother described how she discussed the virtue of courage with her grandchildren after reading my book. Cyberspace offers such incredible potential. Consider how many people might pick up a Christian novel if readers of On mission wrote on-line comments about their favorite fiction reads! Christian fiction is relevant. Contemporary stories based on God’s truth are appropriate on mission tools as spirituality emerges into a 21st century phenomenon. Water-cooler discussions about ethics, tolerance, justice and reverence are beginning to occur on a regular basis. Even during casual conversation, people float serious questions about life’s meaning. The interest in faith-based subjects is spilling beyond the boundaries of churches and Bible studies into society in general.

But the boom in Christian fiction doesn’t ensure the spread of Christianity. We can’t assume that because we wrap a new Terri Blackstock title for the office gift exchange that our co-worker will come to know Jesus as Savior. Our challenge as on mission Christians is to use this opportunity not as a substitute for sharing our faith but as a supplement—a door opener, a conversation starter, an entrée to a person’s heart where fiction and faith can intersect.

Dr. Mary Manz Simon is a popular conference speaker and best-selling author. She also hosts a daily, nationally syndicated program, "Front Porch Parenting," which airs on almost 200 Christian radio stations.