Christian journalism worth supporting
Like anything worthwhile,producing a newspaper of this quality is both a blessing and a challenge. Weare blessed by meaningful work — by being in the middle of a people who arelearning what it means to follow Christ with a community of believers.
And we arechallenged. The cost of producing a quality, 36-page color newspaper isconsiderable — $17,000 each month for printing, another $15,000 for postage,$2,700 for mailing, plus salaries and other expenses.
Our readers need toknow that The Christian Chronicle, Inc., is a frugal organization. It has avery small staff of professional journalists. All expenses are carefullycontrolled by the CEO and each staff member.
For the past 25 yearswe have purposely offered lifetime subscriptions for a fraction of the cost ofproduction. That decision was an act of faith based upon a strong belief thatthe church would be strengthened and challenged by knowing more about othercongregations and mission efforts, and by listening to church leaders discussimportant ideas.
You will neverreceive a bill for renewal of this subscription. But, like most ministries, wemust ask for your financial support to continue this work.
We deeply appreciatethe support many of you regularly give. Advertising covers only about 55percent of the cost. Our endowment covers about 5 percent. So we must dependupon the generosity and kindness of our readers to cover the remaining 40percent. And you have been wonderful to help.
Our readers areenjoying an improved online version and e-mail news alerts that have expandedthe timely reporting of the Chronicle. Online readers knew very early about thedamage done by Katrina and other hurricanes. They also knew what was being doneto help them and where to send the millions of relief dollars our churches wereeager to give. Bobby Ross partnered with relief efforts to make three trips tosites hit by hurricanes so you could have reliable, timely news.
Churches That Work, aseries launched in 2005, provides in-depth insights into healthy, workingcongregations. No church is perfect, but we can learn from the observations ofreporters who love the kingdom and enjoy seeing ministries that work.
Dialogues withcongregational leaders offer ideas and insights that can benefit leaders inother churches.
Our readers have cometo expect firsthand reports about churches outside the country. Partnering withother ministries, Erik Tryggestad has given us informative and inspiringstories about the kingdom in the Bahamas, Cuba, Guatemala, Liberia and Nigeria.Lynn and Joy McMillon reported on the struggles to bring Christ to Jordan whileguests of that Arab nation. Bobby Ross joined a mission team to work in ElSalvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
No other publicationhas such broad coverage of church activities around the world. No otherpublication for churches of Christ is read by more than 250,000 people eachmonth.
Several times duringthe year, you receive letters asking you to give to the Chronicle. Why? Becausewithout your help the paper could not keep reporting the news of ourfellowship.
When you receive ourappeal for the end of the fiscal year, please respond positively.
Thank you for yourpast support, and please give as generously as you can to assist in the greatwork of informing, inspiring and uniting our fellowship.
April 1, 2006
