Rashional Thoughts: Would you miss us if we were gone? Let’s not find out

More than a decade ago, our team at The Alabama Baptist realized how close our paid subscription numbers were to The Birmingham News, the Mobile Press-Register and the Huntsville Times.

We were consistently sharing the top spots with the most prominent newspapers in our state, and I shared that information with a large group of Alabama Baptist pastors and other leaders.

I remember doing some quick math right before my time to speak and shared with the group that if each one of the church families present that day would help us add a mere 10 new subscriptions each then we would jump to the top spot.

Largest-circulated newspaper in the state

It took longer than I anticipated to get there, and it happened in a way I had hoped wouldn’t be the case — the three major papers ceasing to print — but with the recent change, The Alabama Baptist is officially now the largest-circulated newspaper in the state.

While continuing to offer news online, The Birmingham News, Mobile Press-Register and Huntsville Times all ended an era on Feb. 26 with their final print editions rolling off the presses.

Similar moves have happened with many of the state Baptist newspapers across the nation, which is a major reason why our team launched The Baptist Paper in 2021. We are committed to ensuring every person in Alabama and across the nation has access to fact-based news, information and resources of the day — no matter how they prefer to receive the content.

The print edition of The Baptist Paper is mailed to subscribers every other week and complements each state’s existing communication method.

Variety of media platforms

In Alabama, we’ve got plenty of options for how to stay informed and connected.

For those who enjoy digital offerings, we are set. We’ve been gradually building a wide variety of digital platforms for nearly 25 years now.

For those who prefer receiving a newspaper, we deliver The Alabama Baptist right to your mailbox every week (except the weeks of July 4 and New Year’s Eve).

Your city and community newspapers also are working to provide content across all platforms to maintain a central hub of communication that keeps your community connected and informed.

As all of us attempt to help hold together our communities, the reality is we need your continued support and advocacy.

Truth with compassion

For The Alabama Baptist team, it’s not about selecting one form of content delivery over another nor following trends. It’s about ensuring every Baptist and beyond who desires to be informed, stay connected and remain inspired toward the things of God has access to a trustworthy source for those things.

Additionally, it’s about truth with compassion.

Our team members are followers of Jesus Christ, professionally trained, have a deep understanding of Baptists and are committed to providing calm, fact-based coverage as well as consistent reminders of love, hope and grace.

With the streamlined structure of what is offered through The Alabama Baptist and now The Baptist Paper, every individual can stay engaged and informed in whatever form is most comfortable to him or her.

Also, every ministry leader can contribute to the longevity of The Alabama Baptist and The Baptist Paper by advocating, subscribing, sharing, commenting, advertising and following.

The list of ways to ensure the 180-year-old ministry continues to be available in all forms is endless — and really simple.

3 ways to spread the word

1. If you are reading the print edition or digital PDF right now, keep reading and subscribing. From time to time, urge a friend to read and subscribe as well.
2. For those reading online without a subscription, consider subscribing for yourself or a family member/friend. Make a donation to help underwrite the ministry or purchase advertising for your business or ministry service.
3. If you prefer engaging solely through social media, that works great as well. Follow us, share articles and make comments to keep us moving forward. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn as well as YouTube and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Each person will engage differently, and readers will disagree about what information is vital. But we hope every Alabama Baptist realizes the minimal subscription rate is a simple way to make a big difference.

Thank you for praying for our team and the ministry we are called to do. You are keeping us strong for future generations.