I enjoyed working with In Part’s wonderful editor, Kristine Frey, who recruited me for the piece. It’s fun to write for a wider audience that deeply cares about these issues.

Historically, I sum it up this way: the Brethren in Christ are basically Mennonites who like to get caught up in revivals. The denomination was initiated by Mennonites in Pennsylvania who felt like their own Mennonite community did not have the kind of “heart-felt” relationship with Jesus that they should have. The historic movement of the BIC church, I think, was motivated less by theology in their adoption of Pietism and Wesleyanism, and more by the passionate spirituality of those movements. The fact that these traditions did not conflict too much with their Anabaptist heritage helps. One of the connecting factors for all of these movements, I believe, is a commitment to radical and visible obedience to God.

Now the BIC church struggles with the influences of generic Evangelicalism, and even a little bit of fundamentalism in some areas of the country, which I think is unfortunate. But that’s true of a lot of denominations. One of my Anabaptist professors said that a lot of Mennonite churches in the South are basically fundamentalist congregations with a peace stance. Kind of odd. Anyway, I’m getting away from myself a little bit here. Mainly, I’d just like to send you over to Shawn’s post.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Communications Editor/Writer

Position Summary: The Communications Editor/Writer is responsible to the Director of Congregational Relations to produce and publish Seek magazine and the companion online publication, Seeking more, provide editorial support for the denomination website and print publications as requested, and assist in producing presentation multimedia resources for General Church leaders.

Qualifications:

Faith: A vital Christian experience; commitment to the BIC

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. A degree in a related field such as journalism, communications, public relations, or marketing is an asset.

Experience: Print and web writing, editing and proofreading experience is required. Experience working with graphic designers and supervising volunteer and freelance writers and student interns is an asset. Knowledge of and experience with the Brethren in Christ Church is desirable.

Traits: Interacts confidently with good interpersonal skills; works well in a team; proficient in collaboration and networking; proactive and resourceful; able to focus on multiple tasks; works well under pressure of concurrent deadlines with creativity, accuracy, completeness, consistency; works with minimum supervision; focuses on objectives and attains desired outcomes; paces self and coworkers to meet deadlines.

Special Skills: Excellent publications management, editing, writing, proofreading, and communications skills; ability to recruit a network of qualified volunteer and freelance reporters, student interns, writers, editors, photographers, and illustrators; demonstrated planning and organizational skills to effectively utilize a team to meet deadlines; working knowledge of Windows operating system and industry-standard software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and GroupWise; experience with or knowledge of Macintosh platforms is desirable; must be internet savvy and able to use (or learn) the Shelby database.

Ability to speak and write in Spanish is desired but not required.

View the full job listing at http://www.bic-church.org/news/employment/positions.asp

I did one other review for BIC History & Life. It was a sort of triple-review. I reviewed Brian McLaren’s A New Kind of Christian trilogy. That was published in the April 2006 issue. But now I’m actually moving into New Testament studies. Well, at least it’s a theologian’s take on a New Testament book. Close enough. For this one, I’ll be sharing my thoughts as I go along in my blog. The hard part will be eventually condensing it into two pages or however much BIC History & Life would like.

Now I just have to figure out how to get a free review copy. I looked at Brazos Press’ website and couldn’t find anything that would apply to me, the reviewer, requesting a review copy. Any ideas? Should I just call their 800 number and ask?

Update (03/19/2007): I heard back from the publicity contact person for Baker’s academic lines (which includes Brazos Press) and they will be shipping me a review copy in the next few days. Thanks Brazos!!