In Part - Summer 2008 - Letters to the Editor

How did you feel about the content of In Part magazine's second (spring) issue?

I realize that it is very new, yet it is eye-catching. [This issue of] In Part is quite thought-provoking, especially Dr. Keefer’s article.

I receive lots and lots of reading material in the mail, so I need to prioritize what I read. I would be more inclined to read more of the In Part articles if they were shorter in length.

We do try to offer a variety of article lengths by including departments like “In Motion” (which provides brief glimpses at stories from BIC churches and individuals) and “To the Point” (which features snippets of what BIC pastors are talking about) alongside the features (which provide longer, more in-depth coverage of a topic). However, we will keep your input in mind as we plan for the future of the magazine.

I think you picked up on the style of Seek and are maintaining it really well. Featuring new writers, new designers, new illustrators is a great way to get fresh voices in the mix.

You did well in sticking to the theme of the magazine. I particularly appreciate the news stories from the “In Motion” pages.

The magazine was interesting and challenging and up-to-date.

My only criticism is that the articles barely touch the surface. About the time my brain gets into gear on the subject at hand the article is wrapped up.

Due to In Part’s comparative brevity, its articles do tend to be on the short side. (And as you can see from the other comments from this very survey, some people like this and some people don’t.) We hope, though, that the articles, despite their length, remain articulate, substantive, and probing. But for even more in-depth treatment and information on the articles, I would encourage you to visit In Part Online at inpart.org. Here, you will find additional resources, discussion, and stories that augment articles published in the magazine.

I appreciated Lynn Thrush’s article on “Salvation and the Restaurant,” which caused me to consider the topic of salvation in a more holistic (and more appropriate!) way. As always, I found Perry Engle’s article full of charm, humor, and insight. I also loved the idea behind this issue’s “Vibes” article: a perfect way to engage both one’s love of reading and one’s love of faith.

Nothing really grabbed my attention. I read the letters to the editor as I really like to hear what “the people” are saying more than “the professionals.” I did thumb through it looking at titles and authors. Sometimes an author is of interest to me.

It grabs my attention, and I often sit down and read it right away.

I liked going online and reading more.

Although this publication may have readers primarily from BIC perspective, I would challenge and encourage the magazine to go to the broader Christian audience with in its editorials. Catching the readers up on news about the BIC “family” is nice but becomes exclusive to other readers that do not have roots in the BIC denomination, unless that is the motivation beforehand (??).

While it is certainly not our aim to shut non-BIC believers out from the magazine, we do affirm the mission statement of In Part, whichis as follows: In Part invites readers into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ within the context of the shared life and ministry of the Brethren in Christ Church. In saying this, we are intentionally reaching out specifically—but hopefully not exclusively—to the BIC community, with the content of the magazine especially reflecting BIC values. If you are interested in reading publications that cover an even wider view of the Church, I would certainly encourage you to check out other magazines, like Christianity Today, which specifically seek to provide a look at the Christian faith from a broader context.

The story of Johnny Dennison in “Part of the Whole” was a great inside story from another culture.

I found it very easy to read. Not too crammed full of information that it would overload you. I could sit down and read it front to back as soon as it comes, that’s how well it is written. But I keep it on the kitchen table and read an article throughout the week so I can make it last. Something as simple as the paper you print it on makes it great—it’s solid and easy to hold or prop up and read while eating breakfast or lunch. The use of colors and spacing make it a joy to read.

Good content. It seems like you are really hitting your pace now. Articles are very formal when set against graphics that suggest a pop culture approach, but still encouraging and helpful.

I love the story of Kristine’s “conversion” at three. As one Chinese girl said recently, “I don’t know when Jesus came into my life, but He’s there.” We need to allow the Spirit freedom to work and not think everyone must fit into our box.

In Part is just another book that comes to our house and I don’t read.

You cover so many different areas of life. I’m interested in the ideas and thoughts of others that may expand my thinking by their experiences. I appreciate my walk with the Lord, but value what others can share from theirs.

I found the artwork that accompanied “Forsaking a Halfway Covent” awe-inspiring. The article was one of the best I have read in a long time. So many people abandon the newly baptized and do not walk beside them and guide them out of everyday sin.

I have a problem that there is little information about what’s happening in the church. Some of the older constituency enjoys such information. Some traditional aspects are not going to hinder your contemporary format.

We know that the Church News section of The Evangelical Visitor was an appreciated one for many. Keeping this in mind, we created “In Motion,” a section of the magazine where we highlight three or four particularly unique or captivating stories of BIC churches and individuals “in action” all over the world. These brief but in-depth stories give a taste of what is going on and not only report that an event happened, but also share its deeper significance.

We have also launched a new “Local Church News” website, available at www.bic-church.org/localchurchnews, which highlights local news from BIC churches across North America. This will have a very similar style to the Church News section of The Visitor.

Again, I would like to see more on missions and where BIC people are at in the world, whether short-term or long.

Thank you very much for the thoughtfulness reflected in this issue.

I was very excited to receive In Part . . . the look is good, the articles are extremely relevant, the depth of the articles was “just right.” I immediately looked to see who was responsible for this new look/approach, and I was pleasantly surprised to see just what a young crew is involved in this publication . . . really, God has good things “in store” for In Part!

I felt it was a very artistic issue. The layout was visually appealing.

What is your overall impression of the magazine?

I like the overall look. The graphics and the photos fit together. I appreciate the reference to all age groups, while still being relevant to the young. The length of the magazine seems about right to actually read in full.

The graphic design is excellent, and you have done well with including some Canadian content. Keep developing networks of correspondents to get the stories on the ground from our churches.

I like it. It’s clean and fresh and well put together. It’s one that I’m happy to pass on to others, especially those who are new in their faith.

It is quite good. The short but to-the-point articles spurred me on to do research on my own.

I feel that In Part is reaching to a part of the world that is not only Brethren in Christ. The message is relevant and has clarity.

Being visual, I always look at photos first and then decide if I have time to read the articles. I liked the brevity of the articles—I could pick up the magazine over several days and still feel connected.

I’m sure it is very expensive to send out the magazine to everyone. I wonder if there might not be a better way to use God’s money.

You are definitely right: Creating, printing, and mailing In Part magazine is an investment. But as the BIC family grows increasingly diverse (ethnically, geographically, generationally), we sense the increasing value in chronicling and sharing the story of the church as it welcomes new folks in. In Part seeks not only to encourage those within our family who otherwise might not know about each other, but also to collectively recognize and celebrate God’s work and faithfulness across the denomination in order to deepen each reader’s relationship with Christ.

I do not live near a BIC church, so everything that is in each issue is an encouragement to me.

In Part is so spiritually relevant. I thank God for the young staff which has broken the old mold of publication. The articles are short enough to read quickly, and there is online for deeper probing.

I enjoyed it, but would like to see more on missions.

We agree! So, in this summer issue of In Part, we were sure to include an “In Motion” article to welcome Chris Sharp into her new role with BICWM, and we also featured Karen Hess, a STEP team participant, in the “Part of the Whole” department. We also hope to intentionally continue our coverage of stories in BICWM.

I am greatly impressed with In Part. I am greatly encouraged by its content and theological depth.

The content can be improved. The magazine is in a transition period, so there is a lot of work to do.

I do not have any familiarity with its predecessor, but this magazine is very well done all around! It’s a great piece that can be given to anyone outside the Church, too. The format / “look” well carry the content for an outside audience.

What ideas or suggestions for improvement do you have for the communications team as we plan future issues of In Part magazine?

In this spring issue, your writers are quite representative of the geography of the denomination in North America. I also like the idea of presenting a theme. It adds impact to the concept. The one thing that bothers me is the cardboard-like texture of the magazine itself. It is very stiff to hold and difficult to turn the pages.

Several other readers have expressed similar reservations about the type of paper chosen for In Part. After considering several other options, however, our communications team feels that at this point, the current paper selection remains the best choice for the magazine. If we used a thin or glossy paper, the publication (at its current length) would not be sturdy enough to send in the mail. Additionally, glossy paper is not recyclable in some areas of North America.

On the other hand, the current paper stock is durable, distinct, recyclable, and made from a blend of both recycled and FSC-certified paper. (Refer to page one of the magazine for more information.) We’ve also heard some positive feedback on the paper from readers!

To debunk two other In Part paper myths we’ve heard, mailing the magazine using this paper does not cost more due to its weight. Because of the mail services used to send In Part, the postal charge is not based upon weight. Also, some people have reported strange smells issuing from the magazine’s paper. This scent is not from the paper itself, but rather the ink used by the printer, which would be the same regardless of what paper we used.

None. I thoroughly enjoy In Part. Keep it coming!

A piece by Warren Hoffman or Don McNiven would be good.

Historical articles would be good, if well written in narrative form . . . many newer readers do not have a grasp of the historical (positive and negative) aspects of the BIC.

This is a good suggestion that we can keep in mind for the future. In the meantime, however, I would also direct you to the BIC Historical Society, which puts out a quarterly Newsletter, as well as issues of Brethren in Christ History and Life three times a year. For more information about these publications and the Society, please visit www.bicweb.org/ministries/histsoc.

You all seem to be on top of current relevant issues and an attractive format. I like seeing old names of writers whom I like in the new style of magazine!

I like one or two regular columns/themes, maybe with invitations to contribute. One thing I’m interested in is hearing how decisions are made about what to write and who writes it. I’m guessing there is some kind of student internship, and I did enjoy the editorial info with the first issue of In Part.

Please visit www.bic-church.org/inpart/propose for information on how to submit your story ideas. Generally, though, we hear of a story idea and then assign stories to writers and artists (most of whom are part of the denomination) on a freelance basis. Additionally, our office does have an internship program for college-aged students. Inquiries about the internship can be directed to me, Kristine Frey, at kfrey@bic-church.org.

It might be longer...?

Need a bit more text. Editing can remain tight, but give more meat to chew on.

None. I like having it online as well as in written format.

Areas of conflict/concern or debate in the Church (not just the BIC) are of interest. Also, point-counter point articles (not too long) can be of great interest by giving the reader two points of view to read and digest. I need things that will challenge my thinking, take me in a new direction. I’m not sure what the mission of In Part is. Oh, I did read the editor’s article in the last issue. So that says something.

It did not communicate to me what it said it was to communicate. Seems like some of the small snippets of things scattered about is wasting valuable space—maybe I’m just miserly—and the space could be used more productively.

The design of the “To The Point” department doesn’t seem to have much connection to the actual substance of the material shared therein. The off-kilter boxes are distracting, and there seems to be a lot of text shared in a small space. Really enjoy the breakdown of statistics from the church member profile, though!

Continue on the theme format for future issues.

Art design more bold with more people pics.

I believe the personal testimonies make daily Christian living real. A good mix of testimony and teaching.

Continue media articles. Perhaps more movie and book reviews.

There is not much that could be done to improve In Part, but rather, I wish that the magazine could be put out more often.

WELCOME