Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the alife Transition

Why is alife transitioning to a complimentary publication?

In its 128-year history, the primary objective of the Alliance magazine has been to tell the story of God at work through the C&MA—not to “sell magazines.” At a time in our culture when people are less inclined to pay for periodicals, a paid subscription-based model becomes a hindrance to the delivery of the Alliance message. If our goal is to present this message to as many Alliance people as possible, we must remove the financial roadblock.

How, and by whom, was this decision made?

On June 24, 2009, at the urging of the vice president for Development, Dr. Gary Benedict, C&MA president, sent a special correspondence to all licensed official workers asking for their input regarding the future of alife magazine. This feedback was then compiled with other solicited and unsolicited feedback from subscribers and nonsubscribers. A working group was formed to act on this feedback. Based on the findings of this group, a recommendation was developed and presented to the C&MA Board of Directors in October 2009. The Board passed the recommendation with overwhelming support.

Without subscription income, how will the magazine’s printing and distribution be funded?

Printing and distribution of the magazine will be funded partially through advertising income and partially through the Great Commission Fund (GCF)—which has always subsidized our denominational magazine. Over the past several months, Alliance Life has worked with print and distribution vendors to reduce the magazine’s operating costs. alife readers also will be given the opportunity to help offset these costs and broaden the reach of the magazine’s ministry through voluntary contributions.

I am a current U.S. subscriber. How can I make sure I continue to receive the magazine after March 1?

If you are a current subscriber and reside in the United States, you will continue to receive alife automatically at no cost once your paid subscription cycle ends—unless you notify Alliance Life that you wish to discontinue.

Once it is complimentary, can anyone request and receive the magazine?

Our priority is to ensure that members of the United States Alliance family who want the magazine will receive it. This applies to anyone who attends a U.S. Alliance church or actively supports Alliance Great Commission Ministries through prayer and/or giving. Current non-U.S. subscribers may continue to receive the magazine after their current cycle ends but will be asked to make a voluntary annual contribution to help offset shipping and customs costs. These voluntary fees will be waived for licensed Alliance workers. NO NEW OR GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS WILL BE OFFERED TO NON-U.S. ADDRESSES.

I am a licensed C&MA worker in the United States. What do I need to do to receive the magazine?

Absolutely nothing. Effective March 1, all licensed U.S. Alliance workers will receive the magazine automatically.

I am a licensed Alliance worker overseas. Our subscription was recently cancelled due to budgetary concerns. Does this mean I’ll start receiving the magazine again?

Yes. All international Alliance workers will again receive the magazine starting March 1, with the exception of those who serve in creative-access areas, where receipt of the magazine could jeopardize their security.

I am a retired Alliance worker. What do I need to do to receive (or continue receiving) the magazine?

Absolutely nothing. Effective March 1, all retired Alliance official workers will receive the magazine automatically.

Can I still send gift subscriptions?

Effective January 1, 2010, Alliance Life will no longer process requests for gift subscriptions. Current subscribers will be given the opportunity to refer new subscribers to alife. Again, our goal is to ensure that members of the U.S. Alliance family are given priority with regard to the distribution of the magazine. New subscriber referral cards will be included in every magazine starting with the March 2010 issue.

Will there be any changes to the future printing and distribution of the magazine?

Yes. The frequency of distribution will change from monthly to every six weeks, and the page count will increase from 24 to 32.

For more information, contact Casaundra Hrbac, Alliance Life Data Specialist, at hrbacc@cmalliance.org or at 1-877-284-3262 (choose option 3).

Alliance Life

The Christian and Missionary Alliance
8595 Explorer Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Phone: 719-265-2171
Fax: 719-599-8234
E-mail: alife@cmalliance.org