New editor for 'Charisma' magazine

Written by Christine D. Johnson

Thursday, 01 April 2010 01:06 PM America/New_York

A new editor has been named for Charisma magazine as the publication approaches its 35th anniversary serving the charismatic movement with a re-launch and a new-media focus.

Marcus Yoars has replaced J. Lee Grady, who stepped down after 11 years. Yoars, aged 34, takes over after serving as editor of publisher Strang Communications' Ministry Today for three years. Born and raised on the mission field in Hong Kong, he has been in publishing for more than 15 years, including serving as an editor for Thomas Nelson, LifeWay and Focus on the Family.

"We see this transition as very strategic," said Steve Strang, founding editor and founder of Strang Communications. "It comes at the same time we are re-launching Charisma with a renewed focus and some exciting new initiatives."

Re-launched with the May issue, Charisma features a new design, including shorter articles and new contributors. Editorial content is presented in three new sections that aim to "Inspire, 'Inform, Empower." Other changes include a new logo and tagline, "Life in the Spirit." Dropped from the title is + Christian Life, referring to the name of the magazine Charisma absorbed in 1986.

In addition, the new Charisma offers an interactive digital edition with exclusive additional content, including videos, podcasts, music and photo galleries. Other new-media developments include an enhanced Web site, and a breaking-news mobile-phone application.

The changes are intended to make Charisma "more accessible, relevant and helpful than ever," Yoars said.

"Seasons change," said Strang, who launched the magazine in August 1975. "While Charisma was born in the midst of a dynamic spiritual movement, the dynamics of that movement have changed and God is doing new things.

"We want to stay in step with the Holy Spirit's new direction," Strang added. "That is why we are re-launching our publication to better serve our subscribers, reach younger readers and better serve the global church."

Strang Communications Co. has published Christian Retailing magazine since 1986, adding The Church Bookstore and Inspirational Gift Trends supplements in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

The company publishes books in English under the imprints Charisma House, FrontLine, Siloam, Realms, Christian Life, Excel Books and Creation House. Its Spanish-language Casa Creación has been named Publisher of the Year four times by the Spanish Evangelical Products Association.