In one of the most innovative moves in its 98-year history, the Church of God Evangel will be available on-line beginning with the December 2007 issue.
Rev. Joseph A. Mirkovich, general director of publications for the Church of God, states that “the time has come for Church of God Publications to reach out to the ‘Internet generation.'” According to Mirkovich, research shows that over 650 million people use the Internet on a regular basis, and the average American home has the Internet up and running 25 ½ hours a week. This technology, said Mirkovich, makes the Church of God Evangel available to the entire English-speaking world.
The new on-line Evangel will allow subscribers to read the magazine anywhere and at anytime a computer is available. Audio-video streaming will allow messages from the general overseer or the editorial staff to be viewed and heard around the world. Beginning on December 1, 2007, the on-line Evangel can be accessed at www.onlineevangel.org. The December 2007 and January 2008 on-line issues will be available free of charge, with a nominal subscription fee going into effect with the February 2008 issue (subscription prices will be announced on the website).
Dr. James E. Cossey, editor in chief, emphasized that the new on-line Evangel will not replace, but supplement, the paper Evangel. Cossey states that his research shows that more than 80% of magazine readers still prefer to receive a paper copy, although this is expected to decline as younger, more Internet-savvy readers, over time, become the majority. Cossey states that the content of the on-line and paper versions will be virtually identical, although the on-line version may allow for some articles and advertisements not found in the paper version because of limited print space.
Local pastors and current subscribers should watch their mailboxes in November for a detailed announcement regarding the new on-line Church of God Evangel. For more information, visit www.pathwaypress.org or call (423) 478-7649.