Editorial Comment . . .

This special 25th Anniversary Edition of Searching Together is a distillation and update of an original thesis submitted by Jon in 1983 as a "partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Ministry" that was subsequently awarded by the California Graduate School of Theology. It was the same year that Jon and his family moved from Oregon to Wisconsin to become a part of our Word of Life Church family.

It has been my privilege to serve as an elder ever since our fellowship was formed in 1980 - a privilege made all the more enjoyable when Jon was also appointed as an elder within a year of his arrival. In the 15 years that have gone by, Jon and I have enjoyed a unique oneness of mind and heart in substantially all areas of biblical doctrine and practice. As "iron sharpens iron," that oneness has only strengthened as we have served our assembly together and as we have labored side-by-side in the production of this magazine.

Before Jon's thesis could be published in this magazine format, the original typewritten manuscript had to be converted into a computer compatible format. We are deeply grateful to Charles Edminsten, Dale LaVoie and Nigel Jarvis for their combined efforts on this necessary, but laborious task.

Once computerized, considerable additional editing was needed to clarify and update where necessary, and to condense wherever possible. We felt that it was important that the final version not only be faithful to the original thesis, but also reflect our current views - and still meet the space constraints of our magazine. It has been a privilege and honor to have Jon entrust me with this responsibility. It is a task that would not have been nearly as enjoyable if we were not in such total agreement on the these vital issues. For Jon and me - and for all of the believers in our assembly - nothing less than complete "unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God" (Eph. 4:13) is acceptable.

The job of final editing is normally a rather mechanical task - a chore primarily focused on the details of syntax, punctuation, and overall readability. In this case, however, I frequently found myself breathing a thankful "amen" as these wonderful truths stirred my heart anew. Every page I have edited, of course, has been submitted to Jon for his approval before being included in this publication. It is our prayer that God will use these truths to direct the attention of his people away from any other perspective that detracts from the focus, devotion and obedience that rightly belongs to his Son. - Cliff Bjork