RELEVANT and NEUE

I often find myself unintentionally 'endorsing' movies and music and other things on this blog. I guess it's this stuff of life that inspires me. There are two magazines that I've been reading, one for about six years and the other only very recently—Relevant and Neue. They're both published by the same media group, Relevant Media. Founded by editor Cameron Strang, Relevant Media Group takes a fresh, hip look at Christianity and how it's impacting modern culture.

What I find interesting enough to write about is that these magazines, specifically Relevant, are surviving, if not thriving, in an economy where many magazines, including the similar, very popular, Paste, have had to limit their product to the Internet alone. Maybe Christians have simply stepped up to support Relevant. Maybe Cameron Strang and company have been innovative enough to break economic trends. They started with a magazine and publishing company in 2003. They printed a number of great books and, after dropping the book line, have once again investigated its re-establishment. They launched Relevant.tv and a really popular podcast, free online avenues to further build interest and buzz. They keep their Web site current, with new stories posted daily, so that the print product isn't the only way to stay connected to their content.

Relevant keeps its focus on popular culture and how Christians are working in that culture. They highlight up-and-coming bands, new movies, not-for-profits that are having a real impact, and other bits of news that add to the faith discussion. Neue has its focus on the Church and ministry. It's not a magazine specifically for pastors, but anyone who works or actively volunteers in a church. These magazines are a leading torch for young, progressive Christians who want to know what ministries and what people are making headlines because of their faith and involvement. These magazines are also diamonds in the rough. As I mentioned before, this is a time where the Internet is killing off print products one by one. Every artist and musician also feels the wrath of the almighty Internet. For a publisher to succeed in this time and place is a remarkable feat. When it's a Christian publisher, it's even more impressive.

If you're a Christian who's active in your church, I recommend both of these great magazines. I continue to find the articles challenging and motivating, all at once. I've been reading Relevant for a long time, and the columnists, articles, and direction of the magazine are as good today as in 2003. An iPad app is in the works, and there are plenty more goodies on the assembly line at Relevant Media Group. And I can't wait.   
www.relevantmagazine.com