The Mennonite, Inc., welcomes your original submissions for our June 2018 print magazine issue and corresponding online content focusing on Costly Discipleship.

When Jesus called people to follow him, he told them to “count the cost” (Luke 14:25-33), and when foretelling his death and resurrection, he told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). The term “costly” can have a different meaning for people from different contexts. Someone in a privileged position may choose to face a cost out of commitment to their faith. A person who is oppressed may be paying a cost without having a choice in the matter.

Submissions may consider these and other prompts/questions related to the theme:

• How does our understanding of God impact the way we follow Jesus in our current sociopolitical and economic context?
• How has being a disciple of Jesus led you to face adversity or challenges?
• Who is someone who inspires you to bear witness to your faith at great cost? Tell us a story about that person, with their permission, and what you’ve learned from them.
• What is one way your congregation is attempting to live faithfully as a discipleship community?
• How can Anabaptist-Mennonites more fully bear witness to God’s shalom in our world today?

Submissions are due to Editor@TheMennonite.org no later than April 16, 2018.

We welcome written reflections—personal stories, biblical or theological reflections, poetry and more (800-1,200 words)—as well as original photography, multimedia products (including but not limited to original music recordings, music playlists and videos) and artwork on the theme.

Please note we are committed to anti-oppression reviews as part of our editorial process. We have pulled together a list of anti-oppression guidelines for writers to consider as they are developing their piece. You can also review our full editorial guidelines.