Faith-Based News Publisher Faces Crucial Decision on Print Future

Faith Facts

• The Christian Chronicle faces $56,000 monthly printing and mailing costs, prompting evaluation of its print edition’s sustainability
• Readers overwhelmingly expressed their desire to keep the print edition, valuing the ability to hold and read the paper in their own time and space
• The publication exceeded its $168,000 fundraising goal for transition costs, demonstrating strong community support for independent Christian journalism

A prominent Christian news publication is navigating significant financial challenges as it seeks to maintain its print edition while adapting to the digital age. The transition has sparked an important conversation about the future of faith-based journalism and how believers prefer to receive their news.

The Christian Chronicle, which recently moved to independent nonprofit status, is grappling with mounting production costs. Printing and mailing the publication now costs approximately $56,000 per month for 12 annual issues—a substantial burden that has forced leadership to carefully consider the publication’s future format.

Despite enhanced digital offerings including downloadable PDFs, expanded online coverage with video content, and active social media presence across multiple platforms, readers have made their preferences clear. The overwhelming majority who responded to an inquiry about the publication’s format expressed strong attachment to the physical newspaper.

One reader explained their reasoning:

“I believe I am more likely to read it cover-to-cover, as I do now. I usually keep it out on the counter and read it over the course of a few days. With digital, it wouldn’t be in plain sight for me to keep going back to.”

The sentiment reflects a broader truth about how many Christians engage with content that matters to them. Physical newspapers offer a different reading experience—one that allows for contemplation, sharing with family members, and returning to stories multiple times. Many readers also mentioned their appreciation for features like the publication’s crossword puzzle, which has become a beloved tradition.

Leadership has responded to reader feedback with a commitment to continue print production as long as financially viable. As an experiment to manage costs, the publication is producing 10 issues in 2026 instead of the usual 12, allowing officials to assess the impact on the organization’s financial sustainability.

One reader captured the publication’s broader mission perfectly:

“Having a central location of news for the church helps (to) keep the community feeling part of the larger Christian family.”

The transition to independent status has not been without growing pains. Some subscribers recently received duplicate copies due to database migration issues during the move from Oklahoma Christian University. The organization is working to resolve these technical problems and has encouraged affected readers to contact their office for corrections.

The separation from the university also necessitated a new mailing address. Supporters should note that correspondence and contributions should no longer be sent to the old PO Box 11000 in Oklahoma City. The new address is PO Box 5240, Edmond, OK 73083-5240, or directly to the office at 2801 E Memorial Rd. Ste 102, Edmond, OK 73013.

Despite these challenges, there is much to celebrate. The publication set an ambitious fundraising goal of $168,000 last year to cover one-time transition costs and equipment expenses. Thanks to the generosity of faithful supporters, that goal was not only met but exceeded—a testament to the value readers place on independent Christian journalism.

The momentum continues with a current $100,000 matching gift opportunity for the spring appeal. These funds will support stories that matter to the Christian community, including the publication’s “Who Are We?” series exploring faith and identity in contemporary America.

This situation highlights a broader challenge facing Christian media organizations nationwide. As traditional print media faces economic pressures, faith-based publications must balance financial realities with their mission to serve and inform Christian communities. The strong response from readers demonstrates that there remains a hunger for quality Christian journalism delivered in formats that work for busy families.

The preservation of print Christian publications matters for several reasons. Physical newspapers can be shared easily in church buildings, placed in waiting rooms, and passed between generations. They don’t require internet access or digital literacy, making them accessible to elderly believers and those in rural areas with limited connectivity. Perhaps most importantly, they create space for intentional, focused reading away from the distractions of digital devices.

As the publication moves forward with its experimentation and fundraising efforts, it serves as an important case study for other Christian media organizations facing similar decisions. The outcome will help determine not just the future of one publication, but potentially influence how faith-based news organizations across the country approach the print-versus-digital question.

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