Back in June, over 200 friends of CHRISTIANITY TODAY—including past and present board members and editors—came together to mark the magazine’s thirtieth birthday. Stories of the original vision of L. Nelson Bell and his son-in-law Billy Graham to create an evangelical “voice” were enlivened by personal, often humorous, anecdotes; and reminiscences of the early-years involvement of such giants as Harold John Ockenga and Carl F. H. Henry once again set in context the auspicious beginnings of the magazine.
Recounting the efforts of these and others in the development of CT and, more specifically, in the formulating of the movement it represents, is the purpose of this special issue. But as with any special issue, there are special problems. How, for example, do you recognize all of the men and women whose commitment to God and his truth not only set the evangelical movement into motion but kept it on track?
Obviously, the answer is you can’t. And so, what is presented here is a representation of that past commitment as well as the challenges awaiting future generations of the faithful. “The early vision has been more than served,” telegraphed Billy Graham from Amsterdam to the anniversary celebration. “And now we must think and pray about how we face the next generation.
In closing, Graham addressed that future as it concerned the magazine. “It is my prayer,” he concluded, “that the magazine will always stay on the cutting edge of the issues … a rallying point for evangelicals throughout the world.”
Managing Editor
