Why This Christian Paper Refuses to Go Fully Digital Despite Rising Costs

Faith Facts

• The Christian Chronicle is maintaining its print edition despite $56,000 monthly printing and mailing costs after overwhelming reader support
• Readers emphasized the irreplaceable value of physical newspapers for faith-based news, with many saying they read cover-to-cover when holding the paper
• The publication exceeded its $168,000 fundraising goal for transition costs and now has a $100,000 matching gift available for spring donations

In an era when many publications have abandoned print entirely, The Christian Chronicle is charting a different course. Despite facing substantial financial pressures, the faith-focused newspaper is listening to its readers and keeping the presses running.

The publication’s move to independent nonprofit status has brought multiple challenges, including printing and mailing costs that now total approximately $56,000 per month for 12 annual issues. That’s more than half a million dollars per year just to produce the physical newspaper.

President and CEO Erik Tryggestad posed a direct question to readers in January: Should the Chronicle stop printing? The response was clear and passionate.

“I believe I am more likely to read it cover-to-cover, as I do now,” one reader responded. “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 feedback revealed something publishers across America are rediscovering: physical newspapers create reading habits that digital formats often can’t replicate. Readers spoke about the tangible nature of holding news in their hands, the ability to read at their own pace and place, and even their appreciation for features like the crossword puzzle.

The Chronicle has invested significantly in its digital presence, offering downloadable PDFs of the print edition, expanded online coverage with video content, and active social media engagement on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. An award-winning podcast is also being enhanced.

Yet none of these digital offerings could substitute for what readers value most about the printed page. Many suggested they would accept bimonthly or even quarterly print editions rather than lose the physical newspaper entirely.

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

The publication is adapting to financial realities while honoring reader preferences. This year, the Chronicle is experimenting with 10 issues instead of 12 to help manage costs while maintaining the print presence readers cherish.

The transition to independence has brought some growing pains. A database migration resulted in some subscribers receiving duplicate copies. The publication is asking affected readers to contact Sawmi Sektak at sawmi@christianchronicle.org or call (405) 425-5070 to resolve the issue.

Readers should also note a new mailing address. The Chronicle has separated from Oklahoma Christian University’s postal box and now receives mail at PO Box 5240, Edmond, OK 73083-5240. Correspondence can also be sent directly to the office at 2801 E Memorial Rd. Ste 102, Edmond, OK 73013.

Despite the challenges, there’s good news on the financial front. The Chronicle set an ambitious goal of raising $168,000 for one-time transition and equipment costs. Thanks to reader support, that goal was not only met but exceeded.

Currently, a $100,000 matching gift has been secured for the spring appeal. Funds raised will support the publication’s ongoing coverage, including the “Who Are We?” series. Contributions can be made by mailing checks to the address above or through the donate button at christianchronicle.org.

The story of The Christian Chronicle illustrates a broader truth: when publications serve their audiences well and maintain their core mission, readers respond. In a media landscape increasingly dominated by digital-only operations, this faith-focused newspaper is proving that print still has a vital role in connecting Christian communities.

The publication’s commitment to continuing its print edition reflects both financial stewardship and servant leadership. By listening to readers and adapting thoughtfully rather than abandoning what works, the Chronicle is charting a sustainable path forward that honors both its mission and its audience.

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