CINCINNATI (WordNews.org) July 9, 2012 –  The Christian Standard, believed to be the oldest Protestant weekly in continuous publication in the country, is a weekly no more.

Christian Standard publisher and editor Mark A. Taylor (left) with editor-at-large Paul S. Williams.

Beginning in September, Christian Standard will become a monthly publication, 146 years after its founding. The first issue rolled off printing presses on April 7, 1866. It’s been published every week ever since, with a brief exception, in 1937, when a flood stopped the presses.

Publisher and editor Mark Taylor said the move positions the Cincinnati-based Christian Standard for a strong future. The new monthly Christian Standard will be a total 68 pages, 64 pages plus a four page cover.

“The new format will be something like most weekly issues of Time magazine,” Taylor said. “But the changes will be more than in appearance,” he added. He said the thicker magazine will allow for more substantive treatment of subjects, including longer articles in some cases.

The mission of the Christian Standard will continue: to serve leaders of the church, both professional and volunteer, with a special focus on leaders in the independent Christian churches around the world.

The changes reflect changes within the church. Christian Standard’s weekly publication coincided for many years with its use in conjunction with adult Sunday School materials. But churches are now moving to different models that emphasize small groups.

Taylor said each issue will include special treatment of its cover theme, as well as other articles about current issues or church practices in light of Bible teaching. The first monthly edition in September will look at money and stewardship issues.

Paul Williams, chairman of Orchard Group, continues as editor-at-large and columnist. The publication has also recruited columnists and feature writers to give readers help and encouragement for many aspects of local church ministry.

“Christian Standard has been a major medium for connecting leaders and members in the independent Christian churches and churches of Christ around the world,” said Taylor. “We believe this new monthly format will do a better job of serving our subscribers and attracting new readers.”