Good News Magazine

03/24/2026

"When Hearts Are Right, Hands Can Join" draws its biblical foundation from 2 Kings 10:15—the same passage that shapes John Wesley’s sermon, The Catholic Spirit.

At the center of this meditation are the lives and ministries of two extraordinary leaders whose influence shaped the Wesleyan Holiness-Pentecostal movement and left a lasting mark on Christianity in America and around the world: Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, Sr., founder of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), and Dr. Aimee Semple McPherson, founder of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.

"When Hearts Are Right, Hands Can Join" draws its biblical foundation from 2 Kings 10:15—the same passage that shapes John Wesley’s sermon, The Catholic Spirit . At the center of this meditation are the lives and ministries of two extraordinary leaders whose influence shaped the Wesleyan

03/10/2026

By Jonathan A. Powers

In the long history of the Christian Church, few figures stand as tall as Saint Augustine of Hippo. Throughout his ministry Augustine proved himself to be a brilliant thinker, a prolific writer, a persistent polemicist, and a devoted pastor. Trained in philosophy and rhetoric and living in a time of cultural collapse and ecclesial crisis, Augustine managed to articulate a vision of God, humanity, and the Church that still shapes Christian thought today. He was more than a philosopher or rhetorician, though. Augustine was at heart a pastor-theologian committed to shepherding people toward the love of God, helping them navigate the complex terrain of their own hearts.

01/27/2026

Archive: An Unintentional Irish Pilgrimage. By Steve Beard.

Of the more than 5,000 artifacts displayed floor-to-ceiling at The Little Museum of Dublin, few are more intriguing than a broken stained glass panel of Saint Brendan (484-577) hanging in a window. The scene portrays the beloved Irish holy man in a boat with three other monks. The poster-sized damaged window looks as though a golf ball or a mop handle knocked out a couple of sections of the illuminated glass – eliminating what once was Brendan’s face.

Of the more than 5,000 artifacts displayed floor-to-ceiling at The Little Museum of Dublin, few are more intriguing than a broken stained glass panel of Saint Brendan (484-577) hanging in a window. The scene portrays the beloved Irish holy man in a boat with three other monks. The poster-sized damag...

01/23/2026

Great conversation on the ministry of healing with Drs. David Watson, Jessica LaGrone, and Steve Seamands.

Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone sit down with Dr. Steve Seamands, Professor Emeritus of Christian Doctrine at Asbury Theological Seminary and one of...

01/21/2026

Maxie Dunnam: There are some experiences or encounters that are so solidly lodged in our memory they continue to invade our consciousness – to haunt us – to help us or to hinder our Christian walk, to call and challenge us to be more than we are.

John Birkbeck is a person around whom for me a whole cluster of memories is gathered – memories that invade my immediate awareness now and then. John was a Scot Presbyterian preacher. During a part of my tenure as the World Editor of The Upper Room, he was the editor of the British edition of The Upper Room. He was a marvelous preacher in the classic style of the Scot divines. (more)

Explore why personal holiness in ministry sustains leaders, overcomes discouragement, and helps you finish well. Read and renew your calling today.

01/15/2026

https://goodnewsmag.org/wesleys-faith-decision/

John and Charles Wesley met German Pietists on their voyage as missionaries to a new colony in the Americas, Georgia. John Wesley observed the deep faith and assurance the German Moravians had when their ship encountered storms crossing the Atlantic so serious that their boat almost sank. This near-...

01/15/2026

An Appreciation to Steve Beard

By James V. Heidinger II

In October of 2024, the Good News renewal movement celebrated 57 years of renewal efforts within the United Methodist Church, and marked the end of its ministry. With the Global Methodist Church having launched as a new, more orthodox denomination in the Wesleyan theological tradition, the Good News board and leadership believed its ministry of renewal within the United Methodist Church had come to an end.

Though I had retired from the ministry in 2009, my wife Joanie and I were extended a gracious invitation and made the trip to Houston for the final Good News board meeting at the beautiful Woodlands United Methodist Church followed by a celebratory dinner at a nearby restaurant. The dinner was a wonderful evening, sharing fellowship with Good News leaders Rob Renfroe, Tom Lambrecht, Steve Beard, other staff, board members and a few major donors to the ministry. A number of us spoke briefly about Good News’ 57 years of prayerful efforts for renewal and reform within the United Methodist Church.

Though Good News’ ministry was coming to an end in December of 2024, the ministry’s board took action to continue one more year of Good News magazine, providing the funds for its publication and Steve Beard’s editorship. This last year it has been under the auspices of the Institute on Religion and Democracy and its long-time President Mark Tooley, and the John Wesley Institute, headed by its President, Ryan Danker. The magazine’s focus during 2025 has been on impressive, enriching articles in the Wesleyan theological tradition, but aimed at the larger, world-wide Wesleyan community.

While I was pleased with the extension of the magazine for another year, I have felt something more needed to be said about the ministry of Steve Beard. He has served as editor of Good News magazine for some 34 years, a lengthy tenure of excellent, faithful service that is now finally coming to an end. Wow! We all should pause a moment and reflect on whether we know of anyone who has continued faithfully in a single ministry assignment for 34 years! By any measure, this is a remarkable feat of faithful and fruitful service. Thinking about it makes me think of Eugene Peterson’s great Christian classic, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.

I remember when Steve came to Kentucky to join our staff in 1991, having served previously at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and the Institute on Religion and Democracy, both located in Washington, D.C. One of my favorite photos of Steve’s was taken from a conversation he was having back then with no less than the famed William F. Buckley, founder of National Review magazine, and his wife Pat at a dinner. Both Buckley and his wife were leaning forward listening carefully to what the young staffer at EPPC, Steve Beard, was saying. Usually, people were leaning forward listening carefully to what the brilliant Bill Buckley was saying. I grew to understand how bright and engaging this young man was when he became a part of our Good News staff, editing our ministry’s magazine.

There are so many things I have appreciated about Steve’s work with Good News magazine. He was committed to producing a magazine that had balance, making sure there was something for our entire United Methodist readership, both clergy and laity. After a number of years, I realized how easy it would have been for me to lean toward a publication geared mainly for just clergy. Steve made sure that didn’t happen. There were articles for persons of all ages, for clergy and laity, men and women, urban and rural, and with racial sensitivity. He was careful that we not be consumed by the negatives, which of course, there were many. In a time when general readership magazines were languishing, Steve continued to make Good News a quality, well-informed, inspirational, edifying, and always challenging publication—just a great read! He had keen insight and concern about how the Good News movement would be perceived across the denomination, and he was always careful to avoid things that would invite unnecessary criticisms of Good News’ larger renewal efforts.

Steve also maintained cordial and positive professional relationships with those involved at United Methodist Communications in Nashville. He respected them, treated them cordially, and I sensed that they responded positively to Steve in return, even while understanding that he represented a renewal ministry with which they often disagreed.

I would add that Steve is an excellent journalist, that is, a very gifted writer, in church matters and beyond. Many of us were impressed at his articles reviewing movies and critiquing pop culture. He was a contributor to National Review Online and BreakPoint.com. He was a contributing author to Spiritual Journeys: How Faith Has Influenced Twelve Music Icons (Relevant, 2003) in which he wrote chapters on Bono, Johnny Cash, and Al Green. He was also asked to contribute the forward to Steve Stockman’s book, Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2 (Relevant Books, 2001). Steve’s articles have appeared in Charisma, Discipleship Journal, The Washington Times, and World magazine. Yes, Steve was and is a profoundly gifted writer.

Steve also has great instincts to see the larger picture of things. He regularly helped me with articles, editorials, as well as the monthly letters to our constituents. He made me a better writer. I am thankful for his patience and gentle critiques during those many years we worked together.

So, it has been hard to see this major investment of Steve’s life and energy come to an end without some acknowledgement or recognition for all he’s done. Thanks to you, Steve Beard, for serving faithfully for 34 years as an editor who consistently gave us a first-class magazine of which we could all be proud (about 200 issues in all)! I wish there could have been one final magazine to give many of us a chance to say a much-deserved thank-you, well-done, and “Farewell.”

Do know, Steve, that for many of us who have been your colleagues and co-laborers, we know well the significance of your ministry—for a full third of a century—to the vital renewal venture in which we have all shared. You have made an enormous contribution to this endeavor.

Then, as your friend and brother in Christ, I want to express personally my heart-felt gratitude and appreciation for you, your friendship, and what your ministry has meant to me. You, dear friend, have my deep and enduring admiration. For all you have done, I give thanks to our Heavenly Father. You are an example, indeed, of “a long obedience in the same direction.” Do keep writing!

James V. Heidinger II is President Emeritus of Good News. This article first appeared on the Institute on Religion and Democracy’s website Juicy Ecumenism.

01/05/2026

Brokenness, Burgers, and Redemption

By Steve Beard

2020

At the height of the government mandated lockdown in 2020 because of the pandemic, Kraft Heinz factories were operating around the clock in order to meet the demand for macaroni and cheese. According to the New York Times, retailers at the same time saw a 50 percent increase in demand for Slim Jim beef jerky and Chef Boyardee pastas.

Apparently, even some of those who had been eating organic kale and quinoa salads were turning to foods they had banished from their cupboards. “Consumers are reaching for foods that trigger a comforting childhood memory or simply their go-to snack when they need to relieve stress,” the Times reported. In an era of instability, we all look to the safe haven of comfort food – savoring the tastes, smells, and good memories.

My comfort food is a Double-Double Animal Style, a signature menu item at In-N-Out Burgers, a Southern California-based phenomenon. “No Microwaves, No Freezers, No Heat Lamps” is one of the company’s time-tested commitments. The simplicity, freshness, and mystique has garnered a passionate fanbase from Hollywood hot shots to celebrity chefs who crave an In-N-Out fix.

“What can I say about this place? It's the only fast-food chain that I actually like, and think is reasonably good for the world,” said the late chef and television host Anthony Bourdain. “Whenever I come to L.A. ... as soon as I arrive I’ll hit the airport In-N-Out, and on my way out of town ... I’ll pick up another.” He called In-N-Out his favorite restaurant in Los Angeles and described his double-double as “a ballistic missile, a perfectly designed protein delivery system.”

McDonald’s vs. Burger King, Shake Shack vs. Five Guys, Wendy’s vs. Jack In the Box. I leave the debate to others. I’m a lover, not a fighter. When I fly home to the West Coast to see my family, the first stop from the airport is In-N-Out. Go ahead, ask my mom and dad. In-N-Out reminds me I’m home.

Founded in 1948 by the innovative Harry and Esther Snyder, In-N-Out has had the same minimalist menu for the last 72 years. It is a privately-held, debt-free family company committed to strategic growth, high quality ingredients, and paying its employees better than any other fast food chain. As of mid-December, there are more than 360 bright red-and-white retro-style restaurants in seven Western states with a gigantic yellow arrow pointing the way to a premium burger.

Two years ago, Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, the Snyder’s granddaughter, was on the cover of Forbes as In-N-Out’s President and CEO. Analysts speculate that the company is worth about $3 billion dollars – a far cry from the spartan 10x10 foot hamburger stand of its humble origin. “I felt a deep call to make sure that I preserve those things that [my family] would want. That we didn’t ever look to the left and the right to see what everyone else is doing, cut corners, or change things drastically or compromise,” Snyder-Ellingson told Forbes. “I really wanted to make sure that we stayed true to what we started with. That required me to become a protector. A guardian.”

The 38-year-old leader has consistently been recognized in the top tier of Glassdoor’s list of best CEOs ranked by employees. In 2019, she was listed as #3 with a remarkable 99 percent approval rating.

Carrying on a family obsession, Snyder-Ellingson is also a drag racer, competing in amateur categories with the National Hot Rod Association. Her grandfather was part owner of the Irwindale Raceway in the 1960s and sold hamburgers out of the track’s concession stands. In-N-Outs became a hangout for hot rodders. She actually races in an orange 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. “I’m a lot like my dad, a little bit of a daredevil,” she told Orange Coast Magazine a few years ago. “I like an adrenaline rush. My dad took me to the racetrack for the first time when I was 2 or 3. … Anything with a motor, that was in my blood.”

Her unanticipated path to leadership in the business has been strewn with heart-wrenching tragedies. After her grandfather died in 1976, her uncle took over the family business until he was killed in a plane crash in 1993. At that point, Lynsi’s father took over until he died from a prescription drug overdose in 1999. Lynsi’s grandmother died in 2006. At age 28, Lynsi inherited the entire company in 2010. During all this turmoil, she experienced a string of broken marriages and escaped two failed abductions.

“I didn’t always serve and pursue God with my whole heart,” Snyder-Ellingson confessed at the commencement for Biola University last year. “My past is filled with pain. I chased after things of this world only to find myself feeling even more empty. In my brokenness, I was reckless.”

She spoke openly to the graduating class of the Christian school in La Mirada, California, about her failed marriages, family tragedies, and abuse of ma*****na and alcohol. “I know God has given me a story to show others the power of his relentless pursuit of our hearts as his children to show how he can use even the most broken people if they surrender a willing heart to him,” she said.

In the middle of her high-profile public failures, Snyder-Ellingson wrestled with intense guilt. “I started to believe that I deserved to be treated like someone with a scarlet ‘A’ on their chest.” For a time she believed that she was being punished for her mistakes and that she somehow deserved to be mistreated and abused in her relationships.

She testifies that her faith eventually broke the grip of her shame. “God brought me to a place where I truly got to know a Jesus who walks on water, Jesus who heals the sick, and the God who saw beauty from my ashes,” she said.

“Today, God has transformed my life, freed me from being ‘the woman at the well,’ and allowed me to serve his kingdom through multiple foundations that I am passionate about.” She directs the In-N-Out Foundation, an organization which fights child abuse and runs an organization called Slave 2 Nothing, which helps victims of human trafficking and people suffering from addictions.

Snyder-Ellingson and her husband also founded a discipleship ministry called Army of Love that was inspired by Isaiah 61: “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

Moving from the black sheep of the family to the visionary CEO of an iconic company was a painful journey. Snyder-Ellingson has chosen candid vulnerability and grace to move forward with the passion of a former captive who has been set free.

“I want to encourage you that God can use the broken parts and the beautiful parts of your story for his glory,” she told the graduates. “So I will leave you with these two words: Live radically. Jesus’ disciples were called to live differently, to do things that hadn’t been done before, to have authority unlike ever before in the name of the Holy Spirit. Do not deny the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life as he reveals radical truth to you in your journey.

“Go out into the world and live a life worthy of the calling of Christ – a life that is making an impact for the Lord Jesus Christ in our world,” she concluded. “Die to self and throw out trying to please man. Fear God and please him to the end.”

This article appeared in Good News in 2020. Photo by Steve Beard.

01/01/2026

By Ryan Danker

Happy New Year! Or we can even say, Merry Christmas, until Jan. 6.

Among the early Methodists, the coming of the new year was a special time, a time of thanksgiving and an opportunity to re-commit one’s life to Christ. Unlike modern celebrations marked by parties, countdowns, or dropping objects in Time Square, early Methodists gathered in prayer.

These faithful believers would often use a service that came to be known as a watch night service. The name gives it away. The faithful gathered to watch, to pray, in something like a vigil. Watch nights were not uncommon in early Methodism, but it took some time for them to develop into the services we now know. In terms of holding this service on New Year’s Eve, it was the London Society that eventually led the way.

And within the service, we find the famous Covenant Prayer.

Inspired by Richard Alleine, a seventeenth-century Puritan divine, Wesley crafted the Covenant Prayer in 1755. It’s a prayer worth using throughout the year—but particularly at New Year’s—as it is prayer committing ourselves entirely to God and His ways, and thus a life of holiness.

The prayer reads:

I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.

As we wrap up 2025, my prayer for you is that God fills you with His grace in 2026, a grace that overflows into a world earning for the light of His truth.

12/29/2025

By Ryan Danker

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.

I have spent the Fall in Boston and will be heading back to Washington, DC at Christmas. But my time in New England has been a godsend, particularly serving at the Church of the Advent, an historic (and faithful) parish on Beacon Hill.

One of the things that I’ve been reminded of here is the month that Charles Wesley spent in Boston in 1736. He and his brother, John, came to the American colonies the previous year, to the new colony of Georgia. It was not the easiest period for either of them. But they learned a great deal from their experiences.

After six months in Georgia, Charles travelled to Charleston, SC to board a ship for England. But the captain of the ship was drunk and ran the ship into rocks along the South Carolina coast. To make the ship seaworthy, they had to head north to Massachusetts for repairs. Charles was not impressed with the captain.

But here in Boston, he became something of a celebrity. By 1736 there were three Anglican parishes in the city, but it was still dominated by the Puritans. So having a priest from the Church of England in town encouraged the Anglicans, and raised a few eyebrows among their opponents. Wesley preached at Christ Church (famously known as “Old North”) and at King’s Chapel before heading home.

A few days ago, when I was out for a walk in the city, I ended up on State Street. It quickly dawned on me that this was originally King Street, the main thoroughfare that led from the Long Wharf up the hill to the colonial state house. The colonial state house is still here. And so is the Long Wharf. So, I was walking along the same street that Wesley did when he departed the damaged ship and entered the city.

But what struck me more than the historical walking tour is the fact that as Christians we are “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.” And Charles Wesley is a witness. He witnessed to Christ. He preached Christ here in Boston all those years ago, and his witness lives on.

As Advent comes to an end next week, I hope that during this season of expectation that you’ve been able to sing some of his hymns. One that he wrote eight years after his time in Boston perfectly encapsulates the season, and it’s a beautiful prayer:

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

12/23/2025

Maggie Ulmer: One of the gifts of the Incarnation is how the revelation of its truth and implication for all things continuously unfold over the entirety of a believer’s lifetime. Perhaps it's my age, midlife tends to bring on bouts of self reflection, but I find my attention captured by the angelic annunciation of Jesus' birth to the Shepherds. Why would one of, if not the most, cosmically significant moment in all eternity be shared with those who were considered among the least important?

One of the gifts of the Incarnation is how the revelation of its truth and implication for all things continuously unfold over the entirety of a believer’s lifetime. Perhaps it's my age, midlife tends to bring on bouts of self reflection, but I find my attention captured by the angelic annunciatio...