Over the decades of its existence, Mennonite Life has undergone many transitions in leadership, delivery format and frequency of publication. Some of these transitions, including the most recent one, have been near-death experiences. Following a decision to suspend publication with the Fall 2008 issue, Brad Born, Bethel College vice president for academic affairs, and a diverse group of faculty held wide-ranging discussions about the future of Mennonite Life. We finally decided to continue with the online version but to move to an annual issue format and to engage a broader circle of faculty and staff as an editorial and advisory council in order to solicit content from a wider network of contacts. We will also be more intentional about including student writing and essay material available on campus and from other venues. We are especially pleased that the work of the annual Mennonite Bibliography can continue in this space.
Mark Jantzen, associate professor of history, chaired the editorial committee for this issue. Other members included Nathan Bartel, assistant professor of literary studies; Rachel Epp Buller, adjunct assistant professor of art; Rachel Pannabecker, director of Kauffman Museum; Barbara Thiesen, co-director of libraries; and John D. Thiesen, archivist and co-director of libraries. John will also serve as book review editor for Mennonite Life. New as well is support in the form of layout by Web editor Krista Graber and copyediting by Melanie Zuercher, both staff of Bethel College Institutional Communications. Contact Mennonite Life at mennonite-life@bethelks.edu.