Our 40th Year of Independent Bible Teaching
But things which were gain to me, these I have deemed a forfeit because of Christ (Philippians 3:7, CV).
2020 marked our fortieth year of independent Bible teaching ministry. While we started our teaching in earnest some six years prior, it was not until 1980 that God set us on a personal journey with Him.
It was in the fall of 1980 that I stepped away from the security of my professional church position as “assistant pastor.” This was an extremely difficult decision, for this was the church of my childhood. Conscience would no longer allow me to support many doctrines and practices that violated what I believed the Bible taught at that time. Over the years I have reflected, with true thanksgiving to God, for this decision that brought me out of the entrapment of “mainstream” religion.[1]
New Responsibilities
… that you might know our affairs … (Ephesians 6:22).
This year has seen unexpected changes and trials for most of us. Some significant changes in the labors of love have taken place within our efforts here as well.
My sons Clyde III and Nathan have taken outside work – including much overtime. As a result, regrettably they have had to restrict and relinquish some of their labors with our work. Some of these tasks are being postponed at the time being; however, one significant duty that Clyde III has had to relinquish is that of answering of our ministry phone. This was always something that he valued, enjoying fellowship and assisting our readers with their inquiries and orders. He always tried to answer the phone live whenever possible.
We’re always busy here: studying, writing, managing publishing and inventory, fulfilling orders, working on new projects, as well as helping students who long to better grasp the Scriptures. Presently, due to limited staff and time constraints we are unable to answer our phones live. However, make no mistake, your calls mean a lot to us. We just need for you to be aware that when you call you will need to leave a message. So, be prepared to leave your name, your phone number, and a little about the nature of your call and how it is that we can best assist you. We certainly appreciate your patience with us, as we are allotting time each week to return your many phone calls.
A Leave of Absence
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
For years we have had the faithful assistance of Mark Peters and Keith Martin with the editing of the BSN. For personal reasons both have had to take a leave of absence from this work. Both provided André Sneidar and me, as well as our readers, an invaluable ministry for which we owe a great debt of honor and gratitude.
In past editorials we have shared a little about these very dear servants who have given much to this work: Mark Peters in BSN #626, and Keith Martin in BSN #703. Though we continue precious fellowship with them both, their labors are nonetheless sorely missed.
New Assistant Editors
- Now my God shall be filling your every need in accord with His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, CV).
As the change from autumn to winter, as one season comes to an end – by divine design – another season proceeds. Likewise, Father has most graciously granted us with cherished brothers to assist in taking up the slack in this arduous work: J. Blake Botner, James Fine, Gary Ingison and Mark Vogt.
Some of our readers may remember that we shared about our beloved brother Mark Vogt in the Editor’s Desk in BSN #668. He has also had articles appear in this periodical as well:
- Christian Terrorism or, God Loves You … But BSN #732;
- Where Is Justice? and Where Is God? BSN #735;
- Have You Checked Your Paradigm Lately? BSN #753.
In due course it will be our pleasure to introduce you to the rest of our editorial assistants.
Remaining humbly reminded of Father’s goodness and provision …
[1] For a short autobiographical work, see:
The Steps I Have Taken, Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr., (or see the order form under “Clyde Pilkington”).
The Great Adventure of Faith 