Evangelical Press Association Name Change Approved by Members

The Evangelical Press Association is now the Christian Communicators Network. Nearly 60 percent of members voted in favor of changing the name to better reflect its mission in a changing media environment, President Dwight Widaman announced on Thursday.

“Our theology has not changed,” he said. “Our commitment to journalism has not changed. Our standards have not changed. However, the way Christian communicators fulfill that mission has changed dramatically. Today’s members communicate in ways unimaginable in the 1940s.” He points out that in addition to magazines and newspapers, consumption is now focused on websites, apps, podcasts, blogs, social media and emerging technologies. “Our organization’s name is defined not by the medium through which its members communicate but by the calling they share — to communicate biblical truth with professionalism, integrity and excellence.”

For more than 75 years, the organization has served as the premier professional association for evangelical publishers, editors, writers, journalists and ministry communicators. Through professional development, fellowship, ethical standards and recognition of excellence, EPA has strengthened Christian journalism and publishing for generations. Over the past year, however, the board of directors engaged in an extensive process of prayer, research, strategic planning and discussion regarding the future of the organization.

Although the board worked hard to educate members about the reasons behind the proposed name change, they also realize that change is never easy. Several national Christian media outlets interviewed those opposed to the change.

“I know there are members who are disappointed, and I understand that,” Widaman said. “Some have been part of EPA for decades. That name means something to them. It means something to me, too. But I hope they’ll stay involved, because we need them. One thing I heard from members was that the process and discussion were healthy. People care about this organization, and I’d be more concerned if they didn’t.”

Now that the vote is official, he encourages members to embrace their mission to encourage the church and share truth with the broader culture.

“The vote’s behind us now,” he said. “I don’t want anyone feeling like they lost and no longer have a place here. That’s not how I see it. Whether you voted for it or against it, you’re still part of this organization, and you have a say in where we go from here.”

Now it’s time to do just what the new name suggests – use the tools that God had provided, from print to digital, to communicate the timeless truths of Christianity, he said.

“I’d be surprised if you could change the name of a nearly 80-year-old organization without some disagreement,” Widaman said. “People have invested a lot of their lives in EPA. You don’t just brush that aside. But at some point, you have to ask what’s best for the next 20 or 30 years, not just the last 20 or 30, and what’s best for the generation coming next.”

Widaman and the rest of the board believe the best is yet to come for the Christian Communicators Association, its members and their readers and listeners.

“I’ve said it before,” he said. “A new name doesn’t guarantee us a new future. We’ve opened a door, but now somebody has to walk through it. That’s where our members come in. I believe Christian journalism is just as important today as it’s ever been. Maybe more so. But the way people get their news has changed, and we need to be reaching the people who are working in those new areas. We can’t afford to ignore them, or their readers.”

I’m optimistic. I wouldn’t have supported the change if I didn’t think it could make a difference. But now we’ve got to prove it was worth doing. That’s going to take work, and I’m hoping our members will roll up their sleeves and help make it happen.”

–By Alan Goforth

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