This new publication, e-pistle2equippers, will replace "The Whetstone," the very popular CCF newsletter which was discontinued in the fall of 1999, after a successful run of five years.

"The Whetstone" was designed to be a resource for pastors and other ministers, helping to sharpen their skills, "as iron sharpens iron," Prov. 27:17. Each issue contained an original sermon manuscript by Dr. Curt Scarborough, along with other sermon ideas, Bible study outlines, and teaching notes. It also contained feature articles, theological think-pieces, counseling hints, family resources, and other helpful materials of interest to persons engaged in Christian ministry.

"The Whetstone" dealt with a variety of subjects, such as 12-step support groups, prayer and spiritual warfare, and lifeskill development. It frequently contained helps for workers with preschoolers, children, youth, singles, and senior adults. From time to time, it highlighted topics ranging from personal spiritual growth and development to ministerial ethics and church administration. It also regularly included information about CCF workshops and other educational and service opportunities, as well as news about the Pillsbury Institute of Applied Christianity and the FreeWay Project's work of drug and violence prevention in the public schools of Missouri.

"The Whetstone" existed as a monthly publication through 1995 and 1996. It was reduced to bi-monthly in 1997, and to a quarterly newsletter in 1998 and 1999. At its peak, it had a circulation of over 3,000 ministers in Missouri. Its phenomenal success, however, let to its forced suspension of publication due largely to the increasing costs of postage.

Now, out of the ashes of the old "Whetstone," will arise CCF's new e-mail publication. The "e-pistle2equippers" will maintain the same basic content and format of its predecessor, but it will be published on a weekly basis.