Senior Editors
Next issue we will begin a new column by our senior editors. We want you to hear directly from these men who give broad leadership to the magazine. You will note five senior editors on the masthead. Long-time readers already know Kenneth Kantzer and Gil Beers, but a brief word of introduction is in order for the other three.
George Brushaber, president of both Bethel College and Seminary, is one of those rare individuals who can keep one foot in the scholarly world and one in administration—and truly do justice to both. He is an able editor and writer, having edited the Christian Scholar’s Review for many years.
Dennis Kinlaw, former president of Asbury College, is also a scholar/administrator with, I suspect, his most intent interest in mind-stretching books and the pastoral aspects of administration. President of the Francis Asbury Society, he is also a board member of CTi and a compelling speaker.
Author J. I. Packer is well known through his powerful books, a man who can speak equally well—and eloquently—at a scholarly conclave or a morning worship service. In CT meetings I’ve noticed him listening thoughtfully as others speak, then reading off a list of fresh insights that go right to the heart of the matter at hand.
The sensitivity all these men have to both scholarship and communication to a broad cross section of church leaders is crucial to their role of helping CT combine depth with clear journalism. I wish each of you could get to know these exceptional individuals. Perhaps this new column will give at least some personal insights.
Too Many Notices?
Once in a while we get complaints. Recently a reader wrote me, “I do not appreciate how pushy your company is about subscription renewals. I think one renewal notice is enough. You’re supposed to be a Christian magazine company; don’t be so pushy.” Another wrote, “The dignity of CHRISTIANITY TODAY suffers from the plethora of its own subscription offers.”
I wrote back and said, among other things, that when CT did take a gentlemanly, unaggressive stance in promoting subscriptions, it was also deeply in the red. Frankly, we would like to be less commercial. But magazines, to survive, must be aggressive with renewal notices. Again and again, statistics show that people respond only to frequent reminders. How wonderful if they would act on the first invitation! How marvelous if we didn’t have to insert all those cards that fall into your lap when you pick up the magazine! But every year we see the same statistics: to get subscribers, you have to ask, and ask, and ask again. We will try to be sensitive. And, of course, every time you renew on the first notice, you cut back on this problem!
Our surveys also show the vast majority of you are very patient with the “commercial” aspects of our magazine. We appreciate that. Effective marketing means we don’t have to appeal for donor dollars, which can go to other ministries.
A Long Obedience
Over the past several years, all of us have heard too often of Christian leaders who have failed. One after another, marital and other problems have toppled ministries and relationships. We feel saddened by these events.
Yet, there is another side. It is also time we paid attention to the many who have continued—as Eugene Peterson’s book title phrases it—A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. When we look around, we find genuine heroes who have not only “been content with the wife of thy youth,” but have shown patient and creative love. Heroes who have not only put Mammon in its place but have used it for God’s glory.
About a year ago, I sat in a restaurant with Paul Robbins, CTi’s executive vice-president. An ego problem had destroyed a prominent leader’s ministry, and we were discussing the tragic ramifications. Then I noticed Ken Taylor across the room and said, “We need to remember there are still men like Ken.” Here was a successful publisher who could be living luxuriously but has given away more than $24 million for the gospel and drives around town in a little Chevette. His wife, Margaret, throughout their marriage, has made the sacrifices with him. Ask anyone who knows them and you will get the same answer: both are humbly and patiently committed to the ministry of the Word and each other. Now that’s heartening to know about the translator of The Living Bible and chairman of Tyndale House Publishers!
Then I think of Billy Graham, who also has had unlimited opportunities to develop a personal financial base and has surely faced many subtle temptations. Yet any colleague can attest that his integrity is unquestioned, and his love for Ruth intense and beautiful.
I wish I had space to give vignettes of others. Many names and faces cross my mind, and they fill me with encouragement. Surely you can think of such persons yourself—and, more important, you can pray for them.
Let us mourn for those who fail. But let us also rejoice with those who continue in obedience and grace. Anita Deyneka’s article on prayer in Russia gives us a glimpse of its power. Let us pray for the strong that they might continue in the beauty of obedience.
