As outlined in my editorials over the past six months, and as also communicated to churches via the Delegates' Dinner in October, the Witness will be an online publication this year. While we are calling it a trial period, the facts (see the below attachments) make it clear that it's unlikely we can return to a regular print magazine.
After undergoing a length review process, and taking into account the shift in focus for the BUV as a whole towards equipping leaders for mission (rather than catering to the wider Baptist community in the pews directly), the magazine is taking a brave but essential step forward into the digital age. This means exciting new possibilities and creative ways of engaging with our readership even more than before.
But we aren't leaving behind those who prefer to read the Witness in print format. Every article online will be printable by either an individual, or (if readers don't have access to the internet) by their church upon request. If you don't have a computer, laptop, iPad or smartphone - or even if you do but you prefer to read articles from a piece of paper in your hand - then the print function is the key.
In addition to this, we will print occasional 'Best of' editions, collating the best of the online submissions from the previous few months. These will be distributed strictly on a preordered arrangement only. Those wishing to receive a print copy of the 'Best of' editions will have to pay for them in advance. There will be no cost for readers to access any other portion of the Witness (unlike before). The move online has meant that we've been able to drop the annual subscription fee previously paid by individuals or churches. This means that renewing for this year is not essential. (Subscribing to the 'Best of' editions will be handled separately when we get to that stage.)
Please take the time to download the below Fact Sheets regarding the need for (and benefits of) this move online. Many of your questions will be answered there, and I daresay there are new features available now that you may not have anticipated. It really is an exciting time ahead.
Thank you for your support over many years. I look forward to bringing you even more wonderful articles and news from the Baptist community in the months and years ahead.
