Nashville, Tenn.: United Methodist Communications announced today that Interpreter<\/em> magazine, the official program journal of The United Methodist Church, will cease publication after the November\/December 2017 issue.<\/p>\n The action comes in response to research regarding readers\u2019 changing needs as part of an overall plan to align and clarify communication channels for the church\u2019s various target audiences, including members, church leaders and external audiences.<\/p>\n \u201cReadership has decreased over the years as people consume information in new ways. The expense of publishing a print magazine isn\u2019t the best use of denominational resources without a larger base of subscribers,\u201d said Dan Krause, Interpreter\u2019s<\/em> publisher<\/a> and chief executive of United Methodist Communications. \u201cAs the magazine winds down over the remainder of the year, we\u2019ll be taking into consideration our audiences\u2019 needs and preferences and determining the best and most effective ways to serve those needs.\u201d<\/p>\n “The General Commission on Communication is committed to serving the needs of local churches around the world,” said Cashar W. Evans, Jr., president of the Commission. “That sometimes means we need to move in new directions to remain both good stewards and relevant communicators.\u201d<\/p>\n Interpreter<\/em> magazine dates back to 1969 when two publications merged —The Methodist Story<\/em> and Spotlight<\/em>. It was originally distributed to 340,000 church officials, but the circulation has dwindled over the years despite changes<\/a> in design, format and content. In 2009, the magazine became available in a digital format<\/a> as well as print. In recent years, the magazine expanded its audience to include active church members as well as church leaders. Even so, subscriptions have continued to decline.<\/p>\n At one time, the award-winning magazine was the main source of information for church leaders about denominational initiatives and program areas.<\/p>\n \u201cThe proliferation of new forms of media over the past few decades has made it easy to get information through a variety of communications channels, including Internet, email and social media,\u201d said Jennifer Rodia, United Methodist Communications\u2019 chief communications officer.<\/p>\n Rodia said much of the magazine\u2019s content is available presently on multiple other channels such as the denomination\u2019s website, UMC.org<\/a>, and similar and expanded content will continue to be available there. Many of those who receive Interpreter also subscribe to another of the digital publications produced by United Methodist Communications.<\/p>\n The communications agency initiated two new e-newsletters earlier this year, one targeted towards members and one towards potential new church members. New communication vehicles focused on the needs of church leaders \u2013 including a website, newsletter and social media channels \u2013 are under development and will begin to launch later this year, continuing into 2018.<\/p>\n Krause praised Interpreter\u2019s long-time editor, the Rev. Kathy Noble, who will take on new responsibilities within the agency. \u201cKathy has done a great job with the magazine, and her editorial expertise and deep commitment are much appreciated,\u201d he said. \u201cHer experience and insights will be helpful in determining our next steps.\u201d<\/p>\n
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