Archive: The Influence of Two Persons

by James V. Heidinger II, Chairman Good News Board of Directors

By now, most of you reading this know of the announced resignation of Dr. Charles W. Keysor, the Founder of Good News, and our Editor and Executive Secretary. Dr. Keysor will be devoting himself full-time to teaching journalism at Asbury College, where he has been teaching part-time since September of 1972.

History can often be traced accurately by noting great ideas and/or movements—both of which are usually embodied in a person. It is my personal conviction that church historians will cite Good News as the most significant movement of this century within the United Methodist Church. To Charles and Marg Keysor, who have embodied this vision for renewal within the United Methodist Church, we give thanks to God. Some fourteen years ago, they launched Good News out of their parsonage in Elgin, Illinois. Chuck provided prophetic leadership as Founding Editor of the magazine and head of the movement while Marg gave faithful and untiring service in many behind-the-scenes tasks. To Chuck and Marg we owe a profound debt of gratitude.

What has impressed me as I have reflected on the leadership Chuck and Marg have given Good News is the magnitude of influence of two persons. There are literally thousands of you reading these pages who have remained within the United Methodist Church because of what Chuck and Marg Keysor have done. Hosts of discouraged and disillusioned United Methodists have found reason to hope for renewal and revival within United Methodism because of Good News. Countless hundreds of pastors across the church who have been intimidated by alien theological positions have found courage to open their mouths “boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel.” Many of us have found help in better articulating our points of disagreement with the predominant liberalism of mainstream United Methodism. Good News has provided the needed “Forum” for an alternative voice in the denomination. As one board member reflected the day Chuck announced his resignation, “Just what would the United Methodist Church have been like these past 14 years without Good News?” The battle has not been won, but an alternative standard has been raised.

A small expression of the indebtedness and gratitude that so many of us feel was made tangible at the October board meeting when the Board of Directors voted unanimously to elect Chuck to a lifetime membership on the board.

The future ministry to which Chuck goes is one of awesome and exciting potential—that of training young committed Christians in journalism. Already, from Chuck’s part-time teaching, there are a number of effective, growing journalists making an impact for the Kingdom of God. A notable example is Gregg Lewis, now Editor of CAMPUS LIFE Magazine, out of Wheaton, Illinois.

So to one who has been and remains so many things to so many of us—prophet, theologian, visionary, counselor, historian, author, editor, and friend—we say, “Thank you, Chuck, for your faithfulness and obedience to the heavenly vision.”

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