Updated 04/28/2026

Currently accepting ONLY writing contest submissions.

Types of Freelance Articles Accepted:

  1. Editorial Profile: Today’s Christian Living is a bimonthly magazine that encourages, equips, and engages Christians of all ages. It features inspirational stories about how the Lord has touched the lives of both ordinary and well-known Christians in remarkable ways. Regular columns include health, finance, book reviews, humor, and more. The goal of each issue is to challenge Christians in their faith so they may be strengthened to fulfill the call of God in their lives.
  2. Editorial Personnel:
    • Publisher: Diana Jones, dianab@jpmediallc.com
    • Editor: Michelle Adserias, michellea@jpmediallc.com
    • Senior Graphic Designer: Bill Kuffel
  3. Queries: We discourage article pitches, as we rarely assign articles but we do welcome and read all submissions of completed articles. We prefer purchasing articles “on speculation” (on spec), which means we review and make decisions on completed articles, rather than contracting them based on pitched ideas.
  4. Article Submissions: We’re looking for story-based, testimonial articles from freelance writers because TCL is an inspiration-focused magazine.  You’ll get a good feel for those articles by reading published examples. Subscribe to Today’s Christian Living at http://bit.ly/TCLsubscribe or sign up to receive a free digital issue, available at http://bit.ly/TCLfree-dig-issue.
  5. Articles Not Accepted: We don’t publish fiction, poetry, Bible studies, sermons, or freelance book and movie reviews. We also don’t accept teaching or “how-to” articles from freelancers. We reserve our teaching and advice articles for our staff columnists.
  • Feature Testimony (1,200-1,400 words): A testimony article is a compelling true story about how someone came to salvation in Christ, or how the Lord brought a believer into a deeper walk. The story illustrates the power of God and how He works through people, events, and circumstances, showing how that person’s life was changed rather than telling the reader what he or she should do. If relevant, feature articles should be accompanied by three to four quality, high-resolution color photographs (see 1. Photos below for more info) and a 35 to 50 word author bio with a headshot.
  • Family News: Reports from the Global Church (1200-1300 words): This is a new column replacing the Persecution Report. We are looking for a variety of true stories from around the world that demonstrate how the Holy Spirit is on the move. They can be stories of triumph and victory or stories of suffering and sorrows suffered in Jesus’ name. These should not be individual testimonials. They should be about broader movements in various places ie. spiritual revivals, awakenings, and renewals. If you have access to a few high-resolution photos, please send them. If not, we will find appropriate clip art. Please include a 35-50 author bio and a headshot.
  • “Turning Point” (750-800 words): “Turning Point” articles are one-page stories similar to a feature testimony article but shorter. It could feature a salvation experience or could be an important lesson learned through a life event. Turning Point articles must be accompanied by a quality, high-resolution color photo portrait (head shot) of the author and a brief author bio of 35 to 50 words.
  • “Grace Notes” (750-800 words): “Grace Notes” articles are one-page stories that show how important biblical principles and attributes like self-control, generosity, and sacrificial love are illustrated in everyday life. Grace Notes articles must be accompanied by a quality, high-resolution color photo portrait (head shot) of the author and a brief author bio of 35 to 50 words.
  • Humor: (35-50 words): Humorous anecdotes are funny stories that show the lighter side of the Christian life. Anecdotes, like other articles, must be original and previously unpublished.
    • “Laugh Lines” is geared toward humor involving adults, i.e. church life, pastors, etc.
    • “Kids of the Kingdom” focuses on children.
  • Annual Writing Contest: Submissions for the 2026 Writing Contest are now being accepted. This year’s theme is “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” Please see the ad on our home page for details. Articles submitted after August 15, 2026, will not be accepted. Winners will be notified in mid-November (non-winners will not be notified) and winning entries will be printed in our January 2027 issue. We are accepting contest entries only at this time.
  1. Photos: Photos must be copyright-free, color digital images that are high-resolution (at least 4”x6” at 300 dpi). If you send a 72 dpi image that’s 3″ x 3″ on screen, it will be less than one inch when it is converted to 300 dpi for print. The image must be large enough to convert. Photos can be taken with a digital camera but make sure the camera is set to the highest resolution setting. The standard digital camera format JPEG is the best format to submit. Keep in mind that good composition, lighting, and focus are essential to good photography.
  2. Payment for Published Articles: Payment is rendered within 60 days of publication (the date the issue is mailed from the printer). Payment is generally based on approximate word count after editing. Less than 750 words: $25; 750-800 words, $75; 801-1,199 words, $100; 1,200-1,800 words, $150.
  3. Formats for Queries and Completed Articles: Files may be sent via email as a Word attachment. The documents should be in Times New Roman font, 12 pt, with ½-inch margins. Line spacing should be 1.5.
  4. Simultaneous Submissions: Today’s Christian Living accepts simultaneous submissions. We typically keep good article candidates on file for possible future use. If we select an article for publication, we will contact you at that point to check to see if it’s still available. If so, we will send you a contract. Unless we contract an article, you are free to continue submitting it to other publications. But as explained in 11. Rights and Requirements below, once we contract an article, it can’t be sold to another publication.
  5. Rights and Requirements: Do not submit articles that have been previously published in another publication (digital or print) or on a website/blog page. All articles must be original to Today’s Christian Living. Today’s Christian Living purchases first rights. Manuscripts should be edited and all information contained within confirmed by the author. All completed articles are subject to editing for space, style, and content. (Additional rights and requirements are outlined in an Author’s Contract, provided to writers upon article acceptance. Contracts must be signed and returned.) To that end, authors must be available to provide input needed for completing the article to the editor’s satisfaction.
  6. Where to Send Article Submissions: Email submissions to: michellea@jpmediallc.com

Article Selection Process
We rarely select an article immediately after receiving it. Potential articles will be placed in a holding file for possible future use and will be reviewed each time an issue is being planned and prepared. An article may be used relatively soon, or after a year or two, or it may never be used at all. But remember, you’re free to continue submitting your article to other publications. If we decide we would like to publish an article, we will contact you at that point to see if it’s still available.

Common Reasons for an Article Being Rejected

  • Wrong demographic
  • Wrong genre (an article type that we don’t publish)
  • Too similar to a past article
  • Content not compelling
  • Poorly written
  • Wrong length
  • Wrong timing for seasons or events. (Because of editorial workflow and publishing deadlines, we have very long lead times.)
  • Doesn’t agree with the Evangelical Statement of Faith  http://todayschristianliving.org/statement-of-faith