End of an era…

Next-Wave has had five editors since it first started publishing in January 1999. In chronological order they are: Rogier Bos, David Hopkins, Jason Evans, Bob Hyatt and Charlie Wear. I put my name at the end of the list because I think of myself as the interim editor, that is, when my regular editor moves on to other endeavors, I fill in. This month marks the end of Bob Hyatt’s two-year tenure as editor of Next-Wave.

With the exception of myself and Rogier Bos, each of Next-Wave’s editors have started out as article contributors. In fact, David Hopkins probably still holds the record as the most prolific Next-Wave author. Each editor brought something unique to the mix. Bob Hyatt’s unique flavor has centered around his role as the founding pastor of a church in Portland, Oregon, the evergreen community.

Bob’s editorials and articles always had something of the pastor’s life in them. During his time as editor, he and his wife have birthed two children and his church has added an extra location.

Being editor of Next-Wave is a labor of love. It doesn’t pay much (in fact, the position is entirely voluntary). There isn’t much glory. I speak for myself here, there is a sense that one is playing a role in what the Holy Spirit is doing in the world today and that brings its own thanks.

Next month a new era begins as my friend, Scott Bane, takes over as editor of Next-Wave. Scott is a pastor starting a "church" in Northwest Indiana. More about him next month.

A little known fact about Next-Wave:
1. You can find Next-Wave through three web addresses: next-wave.org, the-next-wave.org, and the-next-wave-ezine.info. This is the result of an attempt to initiate a collaborative editorial content managment system using Manila. It was Jason Evans’ idea and worked great for the year that he was editor. After that, not so much :).