Whenever you come into my thoughts I give thanks to my Creator. I always pray with a glad heart when I send up prayers for you, because from the first day until now we have walked side by side in the telling of the good story. (Philippians 1:3-5 FNV)

This summer, I reviewed every issue of The Christian Citizen, looking for stories to highlight as we celebrate 25 years of publishing. I felt a little bit like I did when I first returned to my hometown as an adult after several years away. Some things that loomed large when I was a child no longer seemed so, while others took on greater significance with the passage of time.

Twenty-five years is a long time to do anything. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to The Christian Citizen from the start, and to serve now as its editor. I am also grateful for my predecessors in this role, Thelma Mitchell and Laura Alden, and for the executive directors of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III and Jeffrey Haggray, who had the vision and commitment to begin and expand this publishing ministry. I’m grateful for the writers, copy editors, editorial board, advisory council members, and communications and marketing staff, whose contributions have helped make the publication what it is today.

What began 25 years ago as a print publication focused on lifting voices for biblical justice, is now a digital-first publication speaking to issues of justice, mercy and faith.

“We strive to sort through the complexities and confusions of political struggles while raising the vision of biblical justice and its guidelines for good government,” I wrote for the publication’s first issue. “In so doing, we seek faithfully to connect the life of discipleship to the life of citizenship. To this work, we invite you.” That invitation still stands.

Today there are more opportunities than ever to connect with the publishing ministry of The Christian Citizen, including a weekly e-newsletter, the “Justice. Mercy. Faith.” podcast, and a growing presence on social media. Whereas we once published two or three print editions annually, now we publish digitally each month. Twice annually we publish a print edition featuring some of the best content that has appeared digitally over the prior six months.

In November we will publish a special 25th anniversary print edition featuring articles from winter and spring of this year as well as a section of brief excerpts from the past 25 years. Also included are four previously unpublished articles to help you observe Advent this year and a poster featuring cover art from the past 25 years. In the coming weeks we will feature some of this content online.

To be sure to receive your copy of this special edition, become a Christian Citizen Ambassador today. You will receive one copy of “#InThisTogether: Ministry in Times of Crisis,” access to digital content through the weekly e-newsletter, subscription to the print publication, and more. Help us expand the reach and impact of The Christian Citizen by becoming an ambassador or gifting a one-year membership to someone else.

Reinhold Niebuhr wrote, “Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we are saved by love.” The Christian Citizen is a team effort and a work of love. To have been involved with it from the start and to serve now as its editor is a joy and a blessing. I look forward to what the future holds and thank you for your faithful readership and support thus far.