The Evangelical Press Association (EPA) wrapped up its 2025 annual convention on Tuesday evening in Branson, Missouri, with a keynote address by Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin, Chief Operating Officer of Christianity Today. Approximately 200 Christian journalists, editors, writers, and publishers gathered for the three-day event, which featured a variety of speakers, workshops, networking opportunities, and recognition of excellence in evangelical publishing.

Martin’s keynote, delivered during the closing banquet, centered on the biblical passage Jeremiah 20:7–13. She framed the prophet’s internal struggle and perseverance as a parallel to the experience of those working in Christian media today, describing the tension between calling, cost, and conviction in an increasingly complex and polarized information landscape.

“Jeremiah’s words about feeling compelled to speak even when it brought him criticism are deeply relevant for anyone working in Christian journalism,” Martin said. “Many of us know what it’s like to carry a message that isn’t always welcomed—but is still necessary.”

The call and the cost of Christian communication

Martin highlighted how Jeremiah, despite feeling “deceived” and overwhelmed, could not remain silent. “His word is in my heart like a fire,” she quoted. “A fire shut up in my bones.” That image, she noted, captures the inner drive and sense of mission that sustains those called to communicate biblical truth.

Drawing on her own experience in Christian publishing, Martin discussed the challenges many in the field face—not only in content creation, but in the broader demands of the work, including leadership responsibilities, organizational pressures, and the emotional toll of navigating constant feedback, both positive and negative.

“Everyone wants to be in media, but not everyone understands what that means,” she said. “It’s not just about visibility. It’s about integrity. It’s about telling the truth even when it’s unpopular. And it’s about continuing to speak when staying silent might be easier.”

Martin described this as a form of godly leadership, differentiating it from secular definitions of success or influence. While good leaders are often defined by performance metrics, she argued that godly leaders are defined by calling—and that such a calling often requires sacrifice, courage, and long-term faithfulness.

“We didn’t all sign up for this with full knowledge of what it would cost,” she said. “But our willingness to say yes—despite the uncertainty—leads us into deeper dependence on God.”

A Biblical framework for media work

Throughout her message, Martin returned to Jeremiah 20 as a lens through which to understand Christian vocation in media. She identified three characteristics of godly leadership found in the passage: being divinely deceived (or rather, led beyond one’s understanding), divinely discontent (a persistent inner urging that refuses to be silenced), and divinely driven (perseverance rooted in God’s presence and purpose).

“Jeremiah was overwhelmed by the weight of his message,” she said, “but he also recognized that the fire within him was from God—and that it would not go out.”

She linked these themes to the current challenges facing Christian media organizations, including financial constraints, declining subscriptions, increased polarization, and evolving digital landscapes. Yet rather than discouragement, she called for resilience, grounded in theological vision and a long view of faithfulness.

“We may be in a time of transition,” she said, “but our mission remains the same. We are here to tell the truth, to point to hope, and to lift up the name of Jesus in everything we publish.”

Convention highlights, leadership transition and the next convention

The Branson gathering included training sessions on editorial leadership, digital strategy, audience development, and several workshops on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on publishing and journalism. The annual Awards of Excellence were presented across multiple categories, recognizing outstanding work in magazine publishing, design, writing, podcasting, and online journalism.

During the EPA business session, members confirmed new board leadership for the coming term. Sandra Glahn concluded her two-year tenure as EPA president, with Dwight Widaman, publisher of Metro Voice, now stepping into the role. He served in the EPA president-elect position, which is held for two years prior to assuming the presidency, providing continuity in leadership development and governance.

The next EPA annual convention is scheduled for May 11–13, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. Organizers say the event will continue to focus on equipping members for excellence in faith-based journalism and communication in an evolving media environment.

Martin closed her address by encouraging attendees to continue in their calling, even in the face of difficulty. Using the story of test pilot Chuck Yeager—who described the turbulence experienced just before breaking the sound barrier—she drew a parallel to the shaking many organizations and leaders feel today.

“When the pressure intensifies, it doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong place,” she said. “It may mean you’re getting close to breakthrough. Don’t give up.”