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By Jeffrey Lowe
Christian Info Society (CIS) is entering into a new era. Since 1982, we have
served the church in British Columbia by promoting cooperation and
communication, and informing people in the church about missions and other
matters of concern to the Christian community. We have done this primarily
through BC Christian News, various magazines, and online at CanadianChristianity.com.
In recent years, we, like other newspapers across North America, have faced many
difficulties; the financial downturn in 2008 accelerated the decline. While the
Lord always provided for us, sometimes at the last minute, it has been very
challenging.
Though our staff members worked hard each month to produce each publication, we
were dealing with fundamental changes in the way that people communicate and
receive information.
As the Board sought God’s will for Christian Info Society, I believe the Lord was saying to us: “Behold, I am doing a new thing!” After much prayer, we felt Christ was leading us to a new chapter for CIS.
A new organization
First, Christian Info Society would get out of the business of producing
publications. The day to day business of producing newspapers and magazines
consumed our time and energies, and there was no time to focus on the ministry
of fostering communication and community in the church.
Moving forward, we will enter into affiliations with Christian entrepreneurs to
produce publications such as Converge magazine, Christianinfo.com and others. We are suspending publication of BC Christian News after this issue, and are in discussions with a Christian entrepreneur to
produce a new print publication.
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Converge magazine
Second, Options magazine is being re-launched as Converge magazine. Targeting the age group from 18 to 34, Converge is headed by Shara Lee, a former editor of Simon Fraser University’s Peak magazine; and Jeremy Mills, who has been in ad sales with Christian Info Society
for over five years. This will be launched at Missions Fest Vancouver, and will
be very strategic in providing young adults with spiritual content in a
relevant package.
Leader’s Digest
Christian leaders are busy people. But with so much complexity in the world,
from news to missions trends to legal issues, it’s difficult to keep up! Thus, we will produce a weekly resource for pastors,
Christian leaders and others to equip them in ministry and administrative
matters.
This will be distributed online, via email, blogs and social media like
Facebook, and will include a calendar of events, a Christian perspective on
current news, thought-provoking articles by Christian leaders, articles on
legal and tax issues, book and music reviews, and special offers.
ChristianInfo.com
Christian Info will be working with Christian entrepreneurs to develop a new
website as a Christian resource portal.
Christianinfo.com will have a Christian perspective and analysis of news, technology, business and
entertainment; blogs from Christian leaders across Canada and internationally;
and job postings for both ministry and marketplace positions. It will also have
online directories of Christian businesses, professional services and Christian
schools.
In Exodus 33, Moses said to the Lord: “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will
anyone know that You are pleased with me and with your people, unless You go
with us?”
And that is our prayer, as Christian Info Society enters a new era.
Jeffrey Lowe is the chair of the Board of Directors of Christian Info Society.
February 2011
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