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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
About the Word Guild
The Word Guild is Canada’s national association for Christian writers and communicators, bringing together authors, editors, publishers, speakers, booksellers, librarians, and others who share a passion for faith and the written word. United by a common statement of faith, we foster a welcoming community where members can grow professionally, build meaningful connections, and encourage one another in their calling.
Our Vision
The Word Guild has a vision to bring God’s hope, grace, and reconciliation in Christ through the written words of its members.
Our Mission
The Word Guild has a mission to organize and serve Canadians who communicate through the written word from a Judeo-Christian worldview, so that they can increase in faith and excellence and inspire all readers.
Our History
For many years the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada organized a Christian writer’s conference called God Uses Ink (GUI). In 2001, it was announced that the conference would be discontinued. Long-time conference attendees and faculty members, N.J. Lindquist and Wendy Elaine Nelles believed that it was critical for Canadian writers and editors who are Christian to receive training and support in order to become more professional. To fill the void, in 2002 Lindquist and Nelles founded The Word Guild and launched the Write!Canada conference.
Lindquist, who is an award-winning author, an inspiring speaker, and a popular writing teacher and mentor, became the organization’s first Executive Director. An Award-winning journalist, writer, editor, and speaker, Nelles served as Associate Director. The two were recognized with the Leading Women Award for Excellence in Communications and Media in 2006 for starting The Word Guild
In 2008, Lindquist and Nelles co-edited Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stir the Heart and Warm the Soul, an anthology that showcases the work of 30 Canadian authors who are Christian. Hot Apple Cider achieved Canadian best-seller status and A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider was released in 2011.
The Word Guild began as a project of Imago, a registered charity that encourages the development of Christians in the arts. In 2008, The Word Guild merged with Christian Info Canada (CIC), a registered not-for-profit charitable organization.
Statement of Faith
Eligibility to become a member of The Word Guild, or to enter writing contests sponsored by The Word Guild, requires that you agree with this Statement of Faith, which is based on The Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of God the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.
If you agree with this statement of faith, click below to become an Associate or Affiliate Member