Blogging has taken a backseat in my life the past couple of months due to a full life complicated most recently by a move to a new house. Nevertheless, there are several issues brewing in my mind, many of which I want to develop into blog posts.
The recent announcement of the launch of Truth Matters has prompted me to get back into the fray. A little over one week ago those of us listed as ministers should have received an email detailing the launch of the new periodical that appears to be replacing Reformation Witness, the voice of Pastors' Fellowship through Reformation Publishers. But, TM is more than just another paper magazine. In an attempt to gain wider distribution and to minimize costs it is now sent out as a PDF. On the surface TM appears to be an effort of Pastors' Fellowship to update its mission for the 21st century. But this also fulfills the desire of a small, but vocal constituency for a more doctrinally-oriented publication that they do not believe is reflected in the new Communion together newsletter/magazine produced by Church of God Ministries.
Probably the most significant aspect of TM is that Jeannette Flynn is its editor. Jeannette is a highly respected figure in our movement and brings a higher level of credibility to this publication. Her influence is already reflected in the first issue where a wider range of writers is presented.
I do, however, have a couple of concerns. First, I was thoroughly disappointed with the depth of the writing. Most of the articles were far too short and shallow in their discussion. If truth matters (and it does!) it is critical for us to have a much higher level of theological engagement. Unfortunately, I suspect we are often more content to present ideas on a surface level, which reflects the organizational navel-gazing of a movement that has lost some of its fire.
My other frustration is related to the overall presentation of the magazine. The design and layout still look like a trip back to the 70's, which is hardly going to reach a wider and younger audience. Likewise, the dissemination of this in a PDF format may be a big step forward technologically, but only to the late 90's at best. Far more effective would be a web-based format cross-promoted from email links, social networking, RSS feeds, etc.
In any case, Truth Matters is an interesting development as we seek to find ourselves as a movement.
The recent announcement of the launch of Truth Matters has prompted me to get back into the fray. A little over one week ago those of us listed as ministers should have received an email detailing the launch of the new periodical that appears to be replacing Reformation Witness, the voice of Pastors' Fellowship through Reformation Publishers. But, TM is more than just another paper magazine. In an attempt to gain wider distribution and to minimize costs it is now sent out as a PDF. On the surface TM appears to be an effort of Pastors' Fellowship to update its mission for the 21st century. But this also fulfills the desire of a small, but vocal constituency for a more doctrinally-oriented publication that they do not believe is reflected in the new Communion together newsletter/magazine produced by Church of God Ministries.
Probably the most significant aspect of TM is that Jeannette Flynn is its editor. Jeannette is a highly respected figure in our movement and brings a higher level of credibility to this publication. Her influence is already reflected in the first issue where a wider range of writers is presented.
I do, however, have a couple of concerns. First, I was thoroughly disappointed with the depth of the writing. Most of the articles were far too short and shallow in their discussion. If truth matters (and it does!) it is critical for us to have a much higher level of theological engagement. Unfortunately, I suspect we are often more content to present ideas on a surface level, which reflects the organizational navel-gazing of a movement that has lost some of its fire.
My other frustration is related to the overall presentation of the magazine. The design and layout still look like a trip back to the 70's, which is hardly going to reach a wider and younger audience. Likewise, the dissemination of this in a PDF format may be a big step forward technologically, but only to the late 90's at best. Far more effective would be a web-based format cross-promoted from email links, social networking, RSS feeds, etc.
In any case, Truth Matters is an interesting development as we seek to find ourselves as a movement.
6 comments:
Lloyd, you make it sound as if we cannot have a legitimate hard print magazine unless it is so digitally superior as to be exclusively elite to the techies. I really do not believe that is so. If it is, then somebody has a case of superioritus.
Wayne,
I am not trying to demonstrate any superiority or technical snobbery.
My concern is that the appeal of Truth Matters will fail to reach a broader audience beyond the Pastors' Fellowship faithful. I can hardly imagine anyone under 40 taking this publication seriously if it is relayed to them using an out-dated presentation. I believe there is room for a print magazine, and it doesn't have to be "digitally superior". But, it certainly needs to be attractive, accessible and engaging. And, for a large and growing proportion of the church Truth Matters doesn't fit the bill.
I would like to see Truth Matters be successful, but am disappointed that they are missing the full potential of this opportunity.
I take this publication seriously and I am 28. I take it seriously because I am more interested in reading doctrinal material than I am in the packaging. I frankly find it slightly offensive that my generation is viewed as one that only responds to an attractive presentation and not truth.
Lloyd, sorry I did not see this sooner but do appreciate some of your comments even though I do not agree with all of them. It would be a great help if you would give us some concrete suggestions--I for one recognize that I have little understanding what younger folks are looking for but neither do I want to lose those who enjoy a magazine. It would also seem to me that a magazine by necessity cannot be as thorough on a subject as one might desire and the article is designed to get someone to search deeper on their own. Also just a note of clarification Reformation Publishers provide us a resource that prints our materials but they do not own or have any kind of responsibility where content is concerned. It is a common mistake that many peole have in believing that Reformation Publishers is owned by Pastor's Fellowship. May the Lord bless you.
Gerald,
I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to comment, and your clarification regarding Reformation Publishers is very helpful.
I support the idea of Truth Matters, but believe that a few things could be done to give it wider exposure and readership. I doubt I have all the answers, but I certainly have a few suggestions.
First, I hear you about the limits of depth that can be put into a magazine. I would like to believe that people will be prompted to search out more in Scripture and through other books, etc. The reality, however, is that in the midst of information overload fewer people are doing just that. I believe there is a real need for some more detailed theological discussions in a periodical format.
Second, I really don't think that sending the publication in a PDF is that effective. I doubt most people will really read through a long document like that on their computers, or print it off. The other publications that seem to be doing this well publish their articles on a website (ideally with an RSS feed) and then send out regular emails with extract statements and links to the website where they can read each article as new issues are available.
For what it's worth, if it would help, because of my technical background I would be willing to offer some assistance to help get this in place.
By the way, I realize that apart from the first issue back in the Spring I have not received any subsequent issues. Have there been some? I wouldn't even know where to get them, etc.? That in itself suggests that some work needs to be done to bolster its distribution, etc.
Hopefully this further thoughts are helpful. I certainly want them to be constructive as I affirm that "truth matters" and hope that we can do more to disseminate our message.
Blessings.
Lloyd,
I appreciate your willingness to help us develop TM to a higher level. I will get your suggestions to the people who are working on it and we will see where it goes from there.
There will be another issue coming out in the next couple of weeks from what I have been told by Jeannette Flynn, the editor.
There are some changes that are coming that are not public as of yet. You know how difficult it is to get everyone on the same page and to get things accomplished at the speed most of us would prefer. We are working on thing and I hope that we can actually move forward in this process of making TM a publication that can generate dicussion as well as help people to see and be challenged by the message of the Reformation Movement.
Again, thanks for your willingness to help and your suggestions.
HGRudd
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