PHOENIX (BP)–Dimension magazine, a publication of Woman’s Missionary Union geared toward WMU directors, pastors, church staff and missions leaders, will change names after 34 years.
During the WMU annual meeting held June 15-16 in Phoenix, the executive board of WMU approved “Missions Leader” as the new title for the quarterly piece. The name change will not go into effect until September 2004.
“Although the direction and philosophy will remain the same, the name Missions Leader will connect stronger with our readers and target audience,” said M. Steve Heartsill, editor of Dimension magazine.
In January 2002, WMU’s churchwide team and associational missions leadership team began to closely evaluate printed materials to determine ways to provide the best resource material for missions leaders in churches and associations.
“The changes we are making to Dimension magazine are the result of intensive research, including surveys of state WMU staff, WMU executive board members, WMU advisory groups, Dimension writers, and directors of missions,” said Dick Bodenhamer, WMU marketing strategist. “Our ultimate purpose is to work collectively with all missions leaders in churches and associations to encourage greater missions involvement among God’s people.”
In addition to changing the name to Missions Leader, the publication’s format will be more relevant to readers by offering more practical, hands-on missions ideas and suggestions, quick tips and how-tos.
The delay in the name change until September 2004 will allow for a “seamless transition” and allow for further research and study, Heartsill said.
While Missions Leader magazine focuses on individuals who lead in missions activities, another WMU publication, Missions Mosaic, is for all female church members who want to be more involved in the mission of God. Joanne Parker, editor of Missions Mosaic, said it is for “every woman in the church, not only members of a missions organization.” Each month, the magazine highlights missionaries and their work and offers monthly devotionals, mission project ideas and Bible studies.
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