Gospel Today “I WILL HELP” Campaign

Lifeway Christian Bookstores Ban Current Issue of Gospel Today Magazine

GT Launches “I Will Help!” Campaign

In a year that has seen unprecedented momentum among African American and female leadership—with Barak Obama becoming the first African American to receive the nomination of a major political party; Senator Hillary Rodman Clinton making a historic run for President, and Governor Sarah Palin being declared a front-running Vice Presidential candidate— Gospel Today Magazine shared a riveting and timely story in its current issue (Sep/Oct ‘08) about dynamic women who are “Breaking The Stained Glass Ceiling” as pastors of churches.

Five powerful female pastors were featured on GT’s cover: Pastor Tamara Bennett (Sacramento, CA), Pastor Claudette Copeland (San Antonio, TX), Bishop Millicent Hunter (Philadelphia, PA), Pastor Sheryl Brady (Durham. NC) and Pastor Kimberly Ray (Chicago, IL).

However, to the shock and disappointment of many, because of this cover story, the Southern Baptist Convention-owned Lifeway Christian Bookstores opted NOT to display this issue of GT.

This decision affects GT’s sales in 123 Lifeway Christian Bookstore outlets nationwide, and threatens to severely reduce the magazine’s distribution income. Gospel Today became aware of Lifeway’s decision not to display the current issue after complaints were made to the Gospel Today offices from customers who were not able to locate the current magazine in Lifeway stores.

Lifeway management confirmed that indeed they were not going to display the current issue, indicating “Theology differences” as the reason. In 2000, the Southern Baptist organization declared, “Scripture teaches that a woman's role is not identical to that of men in every respect, and that pastoral leadership is assigned to men.” According to Gospel Today’s founder and publisher, Teresa Hairston, “We were not attempting to challenge the Southern Baptist Convention’s doctrine, only to report a story. We respect their right to their doctrine, but we wrote about a growing trend that is exciting and positive. These women are role models to their communities and to millions of females who dream of impacting people’s lives!”

Gospel Today, a 19-year-old Georgia-based publication, is the oldest and most prominent nationally-distributed urban Christian lifestyle publication. The advisory board of the magazine includes Bishop T. D. Jakes, Bishop Eddie Long, Pastor Paula White, Dr. Floyd Flake, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, Bishop B. Courtney McBath, and many other Christian leaders. Several national leaders commented that they were not surprised by Southern Baptist’s decision, although they were disappointed by the lack of sensitivity from the Lifeway organization in not alerting the publisher to the financially damaging action.

Gospel Today representatives have placed several calls to the Lifeway Christian Bookstores’ corporate offices in an attempt to gain clarity. Calls have not been returned.

Meanwhile, Hairston is asking the following:
1) Pray for the leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention. Specifically for fairness and tolerance of journalistic coverage of positive issues; and sensitivity to the financial impact on this Christian-owned business.
2) Pray for and encourage women in leadership. Women, both inside and outside of religious institutions are making bold strides and providing powerful, positive leadership. GT’s support of women is timely and relevant. Even though this issue has been banned from display, this story of trendsetters must be told.
3) Pray for and support GT by participating in the “I WILL HELP!” Campaign. According to Hairston, “Community support can more than make up the difference!” The “I Will Help!” campaign asks churches and organizations to subscribe to Gospel Today at the discounted rate of just $10/yearly subscription (6 bi-monthly issues).

Help turn a negative into a positive!
For more information, or to participate in the “I Will Help” campaign, go to gospeltoday.com