January 2008 marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Baptist Bulletin. Our first issue was published in January 1933—four pages of articles and news. Back then, we mailed it free of charge to anyone who asked. Those were the days!
Through the years the magazine has been enormously influential. Its articles have consistently documented and defined the core values of our movement. For several generations it has been a “must read” for church members and leaders who are united by the idea of independent Baptist churches that faithfully preach and teach the fundamental and unchanging truths of God’s Word. We expect to continue this ministry until the Lord returns.
Important changes to our magazine
We have made several decisions recently that will allow the magazine to continue as a strong voice for these ideas. In May 2007, we learned that our postage rates would increase by 40 percent. After avoiding subscription increases for ten years, and selling bulk subscriptions at a considerable loss, we knew that certain changes were now inevitable.
Starting with the January/February 2008 issue, the Baptist Bulletin will be published six times a year in a bimonthly format. While subscribers will receive five fewer issues, we are expanding from 32 to 48 pages. We believe these changes will allow us to cover the broad range of topics our readers expect, while delivering the magazine in a cost-effective format. Along with these changes, we’ve slightly raised our group rates.
In addition to our commitment to the print edition, we are continuing to expand www.BaptistBulletin.org to better serve our readers, including weekly church news, resources, and articles from the Baptist Bulletin archives.
Special gifts for our loyal readers
We’re grateful for each of our subscribers. In fact, we’d like to send you a gift just for renewing your subscription. Individual subscribers will receive a coupon for $5 off any product in our RBP catalog when they renew. Churches with a TEAM Plan or Group Plan will receive a gift package worth over $100 when they renew—including a copy of Quest for Faithfulness by Paul Tassell, a copy of Portrait of Obedience: The Biography of Robert T. Ketcham by J. Murray Murdoch, and the GARBC 75th Anniversary CD Collection featuring a recorded sermon from each GARBC national representative.
If you have questions about subscriptions, please contact Lynne Goemaat at (888) 588-1600, ext. 833, or visit baptistbulletin.org.
What will we see in the Baptist Bulletin?
- Leader’s Digest—a new two-page feature written by Jim Vogel, packed with ministry resources for church leaders.
- Cover Story—our extra pages will give us room to address important issues in a fresh, extended format, such as our recent article on Christians involved in political campaigns.
- Compelling photos by Darrell Goemaat.
- Eye-catching design by Steve Kerr.
- Front Row—National Representative John Greening addresses important contemporary topics.
- Q&A—Norm Olson answers readers’ questions on puzzling Bible passages.
- Up Close—a human interest feature on intriguing people in our churches, like astronaut Douglas Wheelock or Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson.
- In Focus—feature article on significant core issues.
- Home Life—a feature article on families, parenting, or marriage, similar to our recent profile of the McCaughey septuplets.
- Check It Out—reviews of books, videos, and electronic resources.
- Soundbytes—news about GARBC churches, including brief stories and photos.
