Why This Christian Paper Is Fighting to Stay in Print

Faith Facts

• The Christian Chronicle faces $56,000 monthly costs for printing and mailing, but overwhelming reader support has affirmed the value of keeping a print edition alive
• The publication exceeded its ambitious $168,000 fundraising goal for 2025, demonstrating strong support from faithful readers committed to traditional Christian media
• A $100,000 matching gift opportunity is now available to help sustain independent Christian journalism that serves Churches of Christ and the broader Christian community

God has been good to The Christian Chronicle over the past year. Despite multiple, ongoing challenges this publication faces as it moves to independent nonprofit status, readers continue to step up in their prayers and their contributions.

The price of printing and mailing this publication has risen substantially, costing the Chronicle about $56,000 per month. That’s tough to sustain for 12 issues per year.

Meanwhile, the publication has enhanced its digital offerings through downloadable PDFs of the print edition and expanded online coverage with video and additional photos. The Chronicle is active on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok, and is getting ready to enhance its award-winning podcast.

Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority of readers who responded to a query about the print edition talked about how much they value holding the news in their hands and reading it in a space and manner of their choosing.

“I believe I am more likely to read it cover-to-cover, as I do now,” one reader said. “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.”

Other readers pointed out how much they love the crossword puzzle. Even if it means going bimonthly or quarterly, they want the Chronicle to stay in print.

The plan is to keep producing a print edition as long as possible. This year the publication is experimenting with producing 10 issues instead of 12 to see how this impacts the bottom line.

“Having a central location of news for the church helps (to) keep the community feeling part of the larger Christian family,” one reader wrote. That’s why this ministry continues.

As part of the move to independence, the Chronicle moved its database to a new system and a few glitches resulted. If you’re getting multiple copies of the print edition, please contact Sawmi Sektak at sawmi@christianchronicle.org or call (405) 425-5070.

Moving to independence from Oklahoma Christian University also required the publication to separate its mail from the Post Office Box used by the university. Some dedicated supporters still have Business Reply Mail envelopes that have the old address.

Please do not send contributions or correspondence to PO Box 11000 in Oklahoma City. The new address is PO Box 5240, Edmond, OK 73083-5240. You also can send correspondence directly to the office at 2801 E Memorial Rd. Ste 102, Edmond, OK 73013.

Last year the Chronicle set the ambitious goal of raising $168,000 to help with one-time transition and equipment costs and ever-rising prices. Thanks to generous gifts, that goal was met and exceeded!

A $100,000 matching gift has been given toward the spring appeal. The funds raised will go toward stories that matter to Christian readers, including the publication’s “Who Are We?” series. Checks can be mailed to the address above or donations can be made through the “donate” button at christianchronicle.org.

In an era when traditional Christian values are increasingly marginalized in mainstream media, independent Christian journalism has never been more vital. The Christian Chronicle remains committed to serving its readers with news that strengthens faith, encourages families, and connects believers across the country.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.