Customized Just For You—The “New” Subscription Plan Q&A

By EMILY SIMPSON
Baptist Progress Editor

Mrs. Lisa Maynard, answering all your subscription questions at the Baptist Progress office

If you have followed the Baptist Progress for some time, you’ve likely heard about our “new church subscription plan.” If not or if you’re still curious about it, then this article is for you. Last November we announced the release of our new plan and since then we have had a great response from our churches. To give you an update and refresher, we sat down with our own Subscription & Finance team member, Lisa Maynard.
 
1. Who are you and what is your role at the Baptist Progress?
My name is Lisa Maynard, and I serve as a team member with the Baptist Progress. My primary responsibilities include managing subscriptions and handling financial operations for the ministry.
 
2. In a nutshell, what is the New Subscription Plan?
The New Subscription Plan allows churches to provide digital access to the Baptist Progress for all of their members through an affordable church-based subscription model. Members can receive a monthly email or text messages that gives them access to the digital edition of the Baptist Progress as well as the Making Progress podcast, which highlights and discusses articles and topics from that month’s publication.
 
3. What was the goal behind the New Subscription Plan, what need is it addressing?
When the Baptist Progress became an agency under BMA Texas Missions, one of the first priorities discussed was transitioning our focus from a primarily printed publication to a more accessible digital format for churches.
 
Previously, we offered free digital subscriptions to individuals who already received the printed edition. While the idea was well received, many churches did not provide email addresses for their members, which limited participation.
 
As we evaluated the future of the publication, we gathered information on current BMA churches, estimated attendance figures and churches already participating in church-wide subscription plans. Our goal was to create a pricing structure that churches could realistically afford while making the Baptist Progress available to every member of the congregation.
 
The result was a subscription plan based on average church attendance. This allows churches to provide access to all members, helping us reach more people with BMA news, ministry updates, missions information and other resources in a format that is convenient and accessible.
 
4. How has the plan been received?
The plan has been well received. Several churches have already transitioned to the new subscription model. We have been encouraged by the positive response and by the willingness of churches to embrace a digital approach that expands access for their members.
 
5. What is something you’d like people to know about the plan or Baptist Progress that they may not be aware of?
Many people still think of the Baptist Progress primarily as a newspaper. While the publication remains an important source of news and information, it is also a ministry resource that helps connect churches, ministries and individuals across the BMA family.
 
The new subscription plan is about more than simply changing the delivery method. It allows churches to place information, encouragement, ministry stories, and BMA updates directly into the hands of every member. In addition, subscribers gain access to the Making Progress podcast and the new ladies podcast, Grace in Progress, with more to come. 
 
6. How can someone sign up for the new plan?
Learn more - Churches interested in the New Subscription Plan can visit our website to see pricing.
 
Sign up - If you’d like to sign up, submit a Church Contact Information Google Form or you can contact Lisa Maynard at the Baptist Progress office (972-923-0756) for pricing and enrollment information. We can help determine the appropriate subscription level based on average attendance and assist with the setup process.

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