EPA Unites with MTI to Supercharge Global Christian Publishing Training

A major milestone for Christian publishing has arrived: the Evangelical Press Association (EPA)—a professional network supporting Christian print and digital publications—is taking the reins of Magazine Training International’s (MTI) acclaimed online training program and resource-rich website. MTI, founded to equip and inspire Christian magazine publishers, is transferring its assets to EPA with the fall retirement of founder Sharon Mumper.

“This agreement represents a powerful step forward for Christian publishing,” said Dwight Widaman, EPA board president and editor of metrovoicenews.com. “By combining the strengths of EPA and MTI, we’re not only preserving a legacy but also expanding EPA’s commitment to support and inspire publishers in a rapidly changing media landscape.”

Through an asset transfer agreement, EPA will own and operate magazinetraining.com and all MTI’s digital training resources, with MTI functioning as a division of EPA under its own name. The organizations have partnered since 2015, sharing the goal of encouraging and equipping Christian magazine publishers worldwide.

“Years ago, EPA Executive Director Lamar Keener shared with us his vision for continued education for Christians in magazine publishing,” said MTI President and Founder Sharon Mumper. “Since then, we have worked together to provide professional training for EPA constituents in North America and our international colleagues. I’m thrilled this high-quality instruction will continue to be available to Christians in publishing worldwide.”

Keener added, “I am both humbled and grateful for this opportunity to continue the legacy of MTI as a vital resource for Christian magazine publishers worldwide.”

MTI Communications Director Jennifer Howard, who has been largely responsible for MTI’s online program, will continue to direct the training. EPA will also collaborate with Media Associates International (MAI) to provide magazine training for their triennial LittWorld conferences held globally.

Founded to train newly-freed Eastern Europe after the fall of Communism

Since its founding in 1989 to train Eastern Europe’s new Christian publishers after the fall of communism, MTI has expanded its reach to the former Soviet Union, Southeast and West Asia, and both anglophone and francophone Africa. Over the years, MTI has hosted more than 70 onsite conferences in about 20 countries. In 2013, it launched live online workshops, trainer-led courses, ebooks, and training videos—reaching thousands in more than 100 countries.

“The MTI board is grateful that the training ministry of MTI can continue to equip publishers around the world to reach their cultures with the Good News,” said MTI Board Chair Carla Foote.

While EPA and MTI received grant funding for this transition, they encourage continued donations through magazinetraining.com to support the future of digital training and online resources for Christian communicators.

–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice