However, as Herald editor, it is vital that I learn to know and understand Mennonite Brethren people, MB churches, the church generally and the world. I must know these things in the present but also in the past so that I can put the present into perspective. I must learn all of this, and keep on learning, so that I know what is relevant, what the members need to be taught. Above all, an editor needs discernment, and discernment comes from study, consultation, Bible knowledge, spiritual maturity and prayer. The editor must look at a variety of articles and choose which ones to publish.
Some articles are so good that they are accepted right away.
Others are so poor that they are rejected right away. The ones in between take the most time to evaluate, and while the ultimate decisions are mine, I sometimes seek an evaluation of an article from managing editor Susan Brandt or other Conference leaders. Sometimes, in conversation with someone, I hear a testimony or an idea that I think should be turned into an article, and ask the person to do so. Sometimes I hear a formal testimony or sermon and ask the speaker to turn that into an article. Sometimes I read a good article in another magazine or book and ask for permission to reprint it.