You’re not the only one who feels like you do. A lot of Adventists out there are looking for something in Adventism itself to get excited about — something to believe in.

It isn’t that we don’t see refreshing springs of grace shooting out from the Adventist landscape. But these tend to be the welcome exception. The ground seems mostly dry.

The local church experience is mixed. Churches near our larger schools and hospitals tend to be our most vibrant, benefiting enormously from the high numbers of young people. But drive 50 miles in any direction, and you begin to wonder, Where is the life? Where are the young people?

Church leadership is also mixed. Multiple times I’ve heard thoughtful Adventist members remark about the “dearth of leadership” in this world church. Our leaders are good people, but we need more of them to lead — not simply repeat the predictable party line, as though they’re competing to live in the 1860s. Let me say something about Ellen White. As many mistakes as she made (and she did make mistakes), no woman in the Nineteenth Century was going to figure prominently in any church without an ability to stand up and speak boldly — even taking on the big shots in 1888, on behalf of the gospel, before she got shipped off to Australia. It would be great to see more church leaders following her example of boldness.

Church publications have also become predictable. Readers flip through church publications, knowing exactly what the articles are going to say ahead of time. (When a cover story says, “Adventist Education — Is It Worth It?”, what do you think the answer’s going to be? “No, it’s not worth it”?) There seems to be a feeling among church communicators that “we’re supposed to say this” — so that’s what they say. It can easily become formulaic and lifeless.

Over the past 13 years Adventist Today magazine has provided a free-press alternative for members who wanted straight talk. At times, however, this magazine has also needed to refresh itself.

So here’s our commitment to you:
We will have one agenda — excellent journalism. We will look for the clearest voices, wherever they’re found, and show respect for them all.

We will continue to work at voluntary or sacrificial pay levels. Many readers of Adventist Today may not realize that the leadership of this magazine have taken nothing for their work. Quite the opposite. They donate heavily because they believe in the importance of an Adventist free press.

We will involve young adults and college students heavily. We already are. My first hire was a 23-year-old woman. And in this issue you’ll see the fine work of Chris Blake’s Union College students. What can you do? Keep reading closely, letting us know what we’re doing right and wrong. Hold us accountable. But sign your letters, please.

Think of a few people who might like where we’re headed — and subscribe for them. Seriously, do this, like, today so they can join us in January. My wife, Cindy, and I have done the same. Call (800) 236-3641, and a terrific woman named Hanan will help you. If we’re going to rally together, it’s got to start with the core supporters. Let’s double our readership by January.

Include Adventist Today in your charitable giving (it’s tax deductible). The address is Adventist Today, P.O. Box 8026, Riverside, CA 92515-8026. By working together, we can grow a premier publication.

Words can make a difference. We won’t let you down. See you in January.

p.2 adventist today | vol. 15 issue 6