A Message from the Publisher: January 25, 1980

This month the first issue of our new publication, LEADERSHIP, comes off the press. We’re pleased to report that we are on target for both circulation and advertising. We are limiting advertising in this periodical to about 20 percent, and the first issues have filled up quickly. Circulation has also come on very strong—at this writing we plan to print at least 50,000 copies. LEADERSHIP, as a 140-page quarterly journal, will therefore have a very solid base upon which to build.

We’re equally excited about the content. Editor Paul Robbins has skillfully blended the practical with the thoughtful. Any first issue of a publication is something of an experiment, but we believe you’ll find much of value in this first edition, whether you’re a lay leader or part of a church staff. Helping one’s individual church fulfill its scriptural mandate is quite a task—and we’re committed to find, from all over the country, helpful, practical material. Please share with us any ideas you have that could help make the publication more meaningful to you.

Some have asked, since the interest in LEADERSHIP has been so intense, if we will eventually make it a monthly. Although we see circulation growth ahead, we have no plans to increase its frequency. We believe putting out a very substantial “half book, half magazine” four times a year is the right approach for LEADERSHIP.

In regard to CT’s overall ministry, we are grateful that this past year we operated in the black. We are determined to stay on a firm fiscal course without having to rely on heavy subsidies. We believe LEADERSHIP will enable us to broaden our base and give us increased stability for the future.

To help us chart that course for the future, three new people will join the board of Christianity Today, Inc., this month. Robert P. Evans is European director of Greater Europe Mission, Oswald C. J. Hoffmann is speaker for “The Lutheran Hour,” and John Huffman, Jr., is pastor of Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, California. Board members,Other members: John N. Akers. David W. Boker, Alfyn R. Bell, Jr., B. Clayton Bell, J. Duncan Brown, David E. Cauwels, Allan C. Emery, Jr., Fred Russell Esty, J. Wayte Fulton, Jr., Billy Graham, Ben Haden, Herschel H. Hobbs, W. Maxey Jarmen, Edward L. Johnson, Kenneth S. Kantzer, Robert J. Lamont, Harold Lindsell, Harold L. Myra, Harold J. Ockenga, Paul S. Rees, William H. Seay, Fred Smith, Cary N. Weisixer III, Howard S. Williams both pastors and businessmen, see their service as a ministry, contributing both their time and finances.

One last note. A year ago many readers experienced problems with their subscriptions. Most of this has been ironed out; however, a few people still get bruised by the computer. We appreciate your patience. Right now, the state of the art among fulfillment agencies—with their constantly changing computer programs and complexities of magazine servicehas a lot of “bugs” to be worked out. No magazine is immune. For instance, one Christian publication not long ago learned that a couple dozen Playboy magazines had been sent inadvertently to their subscribers, and that Food and Wine promotions had been sent to others. So far we’ve had no such reports, but we constantly monitor in a very detailed way all subscription functions.

Despite past logistical problems, some of our subscribers have dramatically committed themselves to CT. Our star performer in this regard has signed up for a total of 707 issues (a full 19 years) of CHRISTIANITY TODAY. Now there’s a person who’s going to beat inflation!

President, Christianity Today, Inc.

*Other members: John N. Akers, David W. Baker, Allyn R. Bell, Jr., B. Clayton Bell, J. Duncan Brown, David E. Cauwels, Allan C. Emery, Jr., Fred Russell Esty, J. Wayte Fulton, Jr., Billy Graham, Ben Haden, Herschel H. Hobbs, W. Maxey Jarman, Edward L. Johnson, Kenneth S. Kantzer, Robert J. Lamont, Harold Lindsell, Harold L. Myra, Harold J. Ockenga, Paul S. Rees, William H. Seay, Fred Smith, Cary N. Weisiger III, Howard S. Williams

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