‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: […] a time to keep and a time to throw away …’ Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1 and 6
When I think back to the early days of Ignite and the uncertainty, privilege, and responsibility that Karen and I felt in being entrusted to produce it, it is thrilling to see how much God has blessed and used it over these last few years. We have a lot to be thankful for – the written contributions and kind support that you have given us, the wonderful software and printing services* that have allowed us to produce it to such a high standard, and the amazing opportunity to tell our community something of what goes on at St Saviour’s and to give a glimpse of what it means to follow Jesus.
But now, over three years and 20 issues on, are we in a new season? Is this a time to keep or a time to throw away? As many of you will have realised, we are reviewing the future of Ignite and, to that end, we produced a survey in July about possible ways forward. Very many thanks to those of you who returned our questionnaire. It was good of you to take the time to let us have your thoughts. The response rate was low, but the views expressed were very humbling and helpful. Thank you so much.
Overall, the survey results showed that the magazine is popular, well respected, and valued, with many positive comments. However, it is also evident that getting people to write for Ignite will continue to be a challenge, making the way forward unclear.
Perhaps the most important question of all was not on the survey, but is certainly one we are seeking an answer to in prayer! What does God want? One thing is for sure – there is no doubt that our focus needs to be Jesus. Please join us in praying about the magazine’s future, be open to what God wants, and do let us know if you have any further thoughts about this. We are confident that God will show us!
‘… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.’ Hebrews 12, verses 1-2
Clare Shearing, Co-editor
[* Very many thanks to Jason Harris and all at IMS.]
