I came on board as editor of Religious Product News six months after its inception five years ago, and I was immediately dedicated to its mission: to provide a comprehensive guide for church leaders as they evaluate and purchase products and services to operate their facilities and ministries efficiently and effectively.

I never tire of hearing our publisher, Loren Stiffler, describe the story behind the magazine and the motivation for its launching. After many years in the trade magazine publishing business, Loren found himself at a crossroads after a company merger. At the same time, he was going through the building process with his own church and discovered a need for a resource to guide both his church and others.

To quote Loren in his premiere issue letter, "Although attending church for many years, I never fully realized what went into furnishing a religious facility or equipping its worshippers. However, the more I got involved in the construction process at our church, the more I began to understand the enormity of this task—and was surprised in just how few resources are available for those responsible for carrying it out."

Thus, the magazine you hold in your hands was born. Five years later, we're thrilled to continue serving as the ultimate solution to your purchasing needs.

Next month will mark my fourth year attending the NACBA convention, and one of my favorite things at the conference is speaking to you about what's going on in your own churches. As trends and technology change, so do our conversations, and I learn each year exactly what your current needs are when it comes to equipping your facilities. I'm always glad to see your now-familiar faces at our booth and around the conference hall.

Your input drives our editorial content each month. We strive to be completely responsive to your feedback and reflect the changing styles of today's churches so that you can make the best possible decisions during the purchasing process.

I hope you enjoy our special anniversary celebration, featuring a state-of-the-industry report from growth expert and monthly contributor Lyle Schaller, a compilation of our "best of" articles across a variety of topics, and a sampling of some of the hottest products and services featured in our magazine over the past five years.

Thank you for inviting us into your worship facility each month. I know I speak for everyone on staff when I say that you all have made this experience so fulfilling, both personally and professionally.

Please continue to let me know your thoughts about the magazine. I can be reached at jill@rpnmag.com.

God Bless,

Jill Pinheiro
Managing Editor