PUBLICATION LEADERSHIP – EMQ

ABOUT EVANGELICAL MISSIONS QUARTERLY

In the 1964 inaugural issue of Evangelical Missions Quarterly (EMQ), the first editor stated that the quarterly had two purposes: to provide the Church with the insights gained from its global work and for mission agencies to keep each other stimulated and informed with ideas and practical missionary tactics.

The content in EMQ continues to focus on fresh, innovative and accessible ideas pertaining to world missions that have practical application for mission leaders, mission pastors, missions students and educators, and especially working field missionaries. It is also a tool to connect missionaries and help them collaborate. Over the years, EMQ has had several publishers. In 2018, Missio Nexus – the largest network of North American mission agencies – became its publisher.

After serving EMQ as a volunteer substantive editor and issue editor in 2019, Heather Pubols began a transition to become the fifth editorial director of EMQ in October 2021. In January 2022, she fully assumed that role. As editorial director, Heather directs the creation and delivery of EMQ including the following responsibilities: shaping editorial vision, planning editorial themes and calendar, assigning and selecting articles, substantively editing content, authoring quarterly editorials, finding and selecting photos, maintaining a network of key relationships to facilitate future content, and tracking progress towards publication goals.

One of her key passions is to see more diverse voices influencing global Christian thought. Applying this to EMQ has resulted in her facilitating more than 50 authors (including many from the majority world) to publish an article in EMQ for first time.

The titles below are links to EMQ issues for which Heather has played a publication leadership role.

EMQ-Volume-60-Issue-1-COVER

January 2024: EMQ Vol 60, Issue 1

Around the world more and more people from Majority World nations are diligently working as missionaries in near and far places. At the same time, economic hardships and unrest have displaced hundreds of millions of people. Unreached and unengaged peoples are now on the doorsteps of local churches in otherwise reached nations. The skills cross-cultural missionaries acquire are increasingly needed in even rural North American towns.

Heather’s role in this issue:

Editorial Director

EMQ-Volume-59-Issue-4-COVER

October 2023: EMQ Vol 59, Issue 4

Healthcare missionaries around the world, today, follow Jesus’ example of demonstrating God’s love by relieving the suffering of many.

Heather’s role in this issue:

Editorial Director

EMQ-Volume-59-Issue-3 COVER

July 2023: EMQ Vol 59, Issue 3

From apps to AI, the increasing availability of digital technology is changing the world and the way we do missions. This issue features practitioners working at this crossroads of missions and technology. They share their thoughts about digital missions, digital evangelism, digital discipleship, digital churches, digital prayer meetings, and even digital and metaverse mission fields.

Heather’s role in this issue:

Editorial Director

EMQ-Volume-59-Issue-2 COVER

April 2023: EMQ Vol 59, Issue 2

Throughout the Scripture, we can read about the response of all creation to God’s glory. It is commanded to praise, rejoice, sing, and testify of who God is and what he has done. However, God’s creation is also permeated with the effects of our sin, and, today, that is more obvious than ever. But what does this have to do with missions? Can we consider that the work for which Christ calls us does not end with saving human souls?

Heather’s role in this issue:

Editorial Director

EMQ-Volume-59-Issue-1-COVER

January 2023: EMQ Vol 59, Issue 1

Prayer is the power and foundation of any and all participation in God’s mission. In and of itself, prayer is as significant a part of the Great Commission as any strategies devised, or work performed. Prayer also plays a more intimate function in our work and faith. It joins us together in communion with one another and our Creator, and it aligns us with God’s purposes.

Heather’s role in this issue:

Editorial Director

EMQ October-December 2022

October 2022: EMQ Vol 58, Issue 4

Gen Z is the first digital native and post-Christian generation. What does this mean as missionaries worldwide seek to develop transformative relationships with the next generation? How do we effectively engage Gen Z with the gospel and mission?

Heather’s role in this issue:

Editorial Director

EMQ July-September 2022

July 2022: EMQ Vol 58, Issue 3

Today’s Bible translation movement involves a multifaceted and multinational group of clergy and lay people from across all types of churches who work together collaboratively.

Heather’s role in this issue:

Editorial Director

EMQ January-March 2022

April 2022: EMQ Vol 58, Issue 2

How can organizations and churches adequately care for a globally based workforce?

Heather’s role in this issue:

Editorial Director

EMQ January-March 2020

January 2020: EMQ Vol 56, Issue 1

At the core of missions in the 2020s is the need for mission cooperation. Networks and partnerships are key to making this a reality.

Heather’s role in this issue:

Issue Editor: Directed the work of 20+ writers, and substantively edited all submissions.
Writer: Contributed 2 articles for the edition.