Christianity Today: The Flagship Magazine of Evangelicalism
Founded in 1956 by the renowned evangelist Billy Graham, Christianity Today has established itself as a cornerstone of evangelical Christian media. Described by The Washington Post as "evangelicalism's flagship magazine" and by The New York Times as a "mainstream evangelical magazine," it serves as a vital intersection of faith, culture, and current events for a global audience.
Based in Carol Stream, Illinois, and published by Christianity Today International, the magazine provides a platform for theological reflection and journalistic reporting. With a monthly circulation of 130,000 and a digital reach extending to millions, it remains one of the most influential voices in the evangelical world.
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Key Facts
- Founder: Billy Graham
- Established: October 1956
- Headquarters: Carol Stream, Illinois, USA
- Current Editor-in-Chief: Marvin Olasky (appointed September 24, 2025)
- Monthly Reach: Over 2.5 million people across print and digital platforms
- Digital Traffic: More than 5 million pageviews per month
Editorial History and Leadership
The magazine's intellectual trajectory has been shaped by a series of influential editors. Its first editor, Carl F. H. Henry, set the foundational tone, followed by contributors such as F. F. Bruce and Walter Martin. During the tenure of Harold Lindsell, the publication became a center for critical debates regarding biblical inerrancy—the doctrine that the Bible is without error in its original manuscripts.
Subsequent leadership under Kenneth Kantzer, Terry Muck, and David Neff continued to evolve the magazine's voice. In 1982, V. Gilbert Beers was appointed to expand the magazine's appeal to lay readers. More recently, the publication has seen leadership from Mark Galli (2015–2020), Daniel M. Harrell, and Russell Moore (2022–2025). In September 2025, Marvin Olasky, formerly the Editor-in-Chief of World magazine, took the helm, while Russell Moore transitioned to the role of Editor-at-Large and Columnist.
Navigating Political and Moral Waters
Christianity Today has frequently used its editorial voice to address the moral conduct of U.S. presidents, often sparking significant debate within the evangelical community.
Presidential Impeachments
- Richard Nixon: In 1974, the magazine argued that the constitutional process regarding Nixon's potential resignation should be followed with dispatch.
- Bill Clinton: In 1998, an editorial criticized President Clinton's "nonapology" and argued that immoral acts had compromised the administration's moral leadership.
- Donald Trump: In 2019, Editor-in-Chief Mark Galli wrote a prominent editorial asserting that President Trump's actions were "profoundly immoral" and a violation of the Constitution, calling for his removal from office. This led to a backlash from nearly 200 evangelical leaders and public criticism from the President.
The Evolution of the Publishing Family
Under the leadership of Harold Myra, who became president and CEO in 1975, the organization adopted a "family" of magazines strategy to stabilize overhead costs and diversify its reach. While many of these specialized publications have since been shuttered or integrated into the flagship brand, they reflect the magazine's historical effort to serve various demographics.
Active and Digital Presence
Today, the ministry operates a vast digital network including SmallGroups.com, Preaching Today, and Church Law & Tax. In 2021, the organization acquired Ekstasis, a journal focused on Christian arts and media originally founded in Toronto in 2016.
Defunct Publications
The organization once managed a wide array of niche titles, many of which ceased print publication following the 2008 financial downturn. Notable former titles include:
- Leadership (1980–2016): A practical journal for clergy.
- Campus Life / Ignite Your Faith (1982–2009): Aimed at high school students.
- Books & Culture (1995–2016): An intellectual book review journal.
- Christian History (1989–2008): A thematic journal of church history.
- Men of Integrity (1998–2017): A partnership with Promise Keepers for Christian men.
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Publication Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Billy Graham |
| ISSN | 0009-5753 |
| Primary Language | English |
| Digital Reach | 5M+ pageviews / month |
| Key Current Publication | Christianity Today (Flagship), Ekstasis |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Christianity Today?
The magazine was founded in October 1956 by Billy Graham, the world-renowned evangelical evangelist.
Who is the current Editor-in-Chief?
As of September 24, 2025, Marvin Olasky serves as the Editor-in-Chief, having previously led World magazine.
What is the magazine's digital reach?
Combined print and digital views reach more than 2.5 million people monthly, with the website receiving over 5 million pageviews per month.
Has the magazine ever taken a political stance?
Yes, Christianity Today has published editorials on the impeachments of Presidents Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump, often focusing on the moral and constitutional implications of their actions.
What happened to the sister publications like Leadership and Books & Culture?
Many of these publications were discontinued between 2008 and 2016 due to financial shifts or strategic changes, with much of their content being integrated into the main Christianity Today brand or transitioned to digital platforms.