Integrity (Restoration Movement Publication) Editorial Board Records

Integrity, a journal associated with the Churches of Christ, was published from 1969-2002 in Flint, Michigan. The editorial board for Integrity began meeting in April 1969 in Flint. The following men comprised the first editorial board: David Elkins, Richard Hodson, Hoy Ledbetter, Virgil Moughler, Amos Ponder, Frank Rester, John Smith, William Stark, Darrell Thoroman, Dean Thoroman, and James Welker. Hoy Ledbetter was appointed as first Editor-in-Chief and remained actively involved with the journal through mid-1990's. Later leaders included John and Jan Van Horn, Bruce and Diane Kilmer, Joseph F. Jones, and Keith Price. An early statement of purpose for the publication was "a refined and respected literary medium for sharing the Good News of God in Christ to people of varying needs." The editorial board made decisions regarding development of the mailing list, finances, fundraising, editorial policy, board development, equipment purchase, location of printing (initially, Hoy Ledbetter's basement), and process of publication, including cutting, assembling, trimming, folding, stapling, addressing, and mailing. The early board discussed plans for hosting lectures on themes such as the scriptural teaching on the role of women in church life. Articles submitted and reviewed for publication covered themes such as biblical interpretation, church growth, and unity of believers. Many of those who served on the editorial board also wrote articles for the publication. Purposes and goals of the journal as adopted in 1981 describe Integrity as "a ministry of reconciliation which seeks accurately to reveal God to both the church and the world so that all may become one as He is one." Goals included providing "an open forum for the pursuit of truth in light of the scripture" with articles written for "keen-minded readers who are searching for truth." Hoy Ledbetter stressed in board meetings the importance of addressing contemporary issues in a positive and constructive way. By the mid-1990's Integrity defined itself as a bimonthly journal dedicated to stimulating personal and public thought, prayer, and discussion about living the Christian life. With roots in Restoration Movement Christianity, defined as encompassing the Churches of Christ and the Christian Church, Integrity strove for unity among those who believe in the authority of the Bible. The journal had readers in many states beyond Michigan, such as Texas, Tennessee, California, Oklahoma, Ohio, Illinois and many others. Financial support was an ongoing challenge. The board conducted numerous reader surveys and formed a task force to increase readership. The publication folded in 2002 due to a lack of funding.