Running an ACW group by Jane Walters

You may know by now that the affiliated ACW group, Green Pastures Christian Writers, occupies this spot in the month. Rather than hear from one of our members this time, I thought I’d share some thoughts about running the group – and perhaps inspire some of you to consider doing so yourself. 

I originally started the group in March 2020. Yes, it proved to be terrible timing! We held our first meeting in the community space of my local Christian bookshop, Green Pastures, in Dereham, Norfolk. It seemed to me the perfect setting. Where better to promote the art and craft of writing than in a bookshop? During lockdown, we held a few meetings online, even welcoming new members in that season, before returning gratefully to the shop.

Fast forward, and we came to realise that the distances members were travelling were starting to make the group unviable. We therefore made the sensible decision to meet online permanently – which had the wonderful effect of everyone being able to join in, and one lady being able to return. In 2025, we’ve been meeting for lunch every few months, to spend time together for real.

I know I speak for all of our members in saying that the value of our group is inestimable. We end up sharing not just our writing but our lives, with our meetings acting like a kind of church home-group, only with one specific focus. We most certainly spur one another on, as the Bible encourages, and haven’t got out of the habit of meeting together!

Being its leader is a huge privilege. I feel like a gardener who has been tasked by the Master Gardener to keep the plants fed and watered. He is ultimately responsible, but I get to play my part. I never worry about the content, but trust that God will guide our conversations. I never worry about how many people can make it. Last month, only one other lady could come, but we spent an hour chatting about our writing, with some potential new ideas coming up, which was exciting. I never feel like leading the group is a burden, since I’m only doing so on behalf of Jesus – He of the easy yoke and the light load.

If you’re not in a writing group, I would urge you to try one.

If you’re sensing a call to start a new group, or take over an existing one, get in touch for a chat: chair@christianwriters.co.uk

Jane Walters is leader of Green Pastures Christian Writers and Chair of ACW.

She runs writing retreats for aspiring writers.

www,janewyattwalters.com

Insta: @readywritersretreats