For more than 100 years, the Baptist Messenger has been informing and inspiring Oklahoma Baptists and others, and serving as the flagship publication for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO).
By God’s grace, that continues to be the case going into the future, though the Baptist Messenger will enter a new era with some key changes in 2019.
To be specific, the BGCO board of directors recently voted to move the Baptist Messenger print edition from a weekly print publication to a semi-monthly (printing two editions per month) publication, starting in January 2019.
As the Baptist Messenger print edition moves to semi-monthly, the budget savings from this will allow Oklahoma Baptists connected to a BGCO church to request and receive the print publication subscription pre-paid (at no subscriptions cost to churches) as of January 2019.
The number of pre-paid subscriptions available to Oklahoma Baptist churches is limited and is intended for church members only, and this cost-free, pre-paid subscription option for BGCO church members is made possible by the Cooperative Program and Messenger paid advertising.
The move to printing semi-monthly will be cost effective for the BGCO and for churches who previously paid for subscriptions through church budgets (Individuals who are not connected to a BGCO church may purchase a subscription).
Connected to this change in the print edition, as of January 2019, the Baptist Messenger’s church newsletter wrap program will no longer be offered. Instead the BGCO Print Shop will offer affordable church newsletter assistance options that churches can consider independently of the Messenger. We are exceedingly grateful for the churches and associations who have participated in the Messenger wrap program over the years.
To accompany the 2019 changes to the print publication, The Messenger will expand upon its growing product line, which includes a breaking-news website (BaptistMessenger.com), the free Messenger Go smartphone app, an award-winning blog (WordSlingersOK.com), the Messenger Insight podcast, social media channels and a quarterly Spanish edition. With new digital media channels at our fingertips, the Baptist Messenger will enhance its focus on bringing you stories and news through online resources, while continuing a strong print presence.
The same great content readers now enjoy, such as missions and church news, Walker Moore’s column, the crossword puzzle and more will continue in 2019, with an enhanced layout, as well.
Until January 2019, things will continue as they are, as you will receive the Baptist Messenger printed each week. For any questions about these 2019 changes, please feel free to contact the Baptist Messenger staff at subscriptions@okbaptist.net or 405/942-3800.
We are so thankful to the Lord for each member of the Baptist Messenger family of readers, and we look forward to serving you in the days, weeks and years ahead, to the glory of Jesus Christ!
