Friends,

Pastors and other church leaders spend about 90 percent of their time working behind-the-scenes.

That’s where they’re busy investing in the everyday lives of people and doing what’s necessary to keep congregations and church-related organizations afloat.

For the other 10 percent of their time, they strap on a microphone or stand on a stage and speak or lead in a more public way. I’m not pulling this 90:10 ratio from research. It’s merely my experience of the last four decades and my observation of ministry leaders across the country.

The depth, integrity, and inner wisdom that church leaders need to behave and function at a high level all get developed when leaders are working out of public view. In other words, for about 90 percent of their working lives, leaders in the church need resources that will offer them honest insight and nourishment for the soul.

Here’s where the Christian Century plays such a vital role. We don’t just write about gun violence, voting rights, Supreme Court decisions, and congregations doing innovative things, to name a few recent topics. We’re interested in providing church leaders with the tools they need to shape personal and professional lives that are ready to meet every challenge they face.

Give a gift to the Christian Century today that expresses your gratitude for the difference this magazine makes in all those behind-the-scenes days when leaders are busy cultivating faithful lives. We’re trying to reach the $30,000 goal of this month’s campaign with just a few days left in the campaign. Your gift can help send us to the top.

But before you click the donate button, please know of my gratitude for your investment in our work. It’s sincere!

Many thanks,