The Associated Church Press awarded In Trust magazine the Award of Excellence for Best in Class for Denominational or Other Special Interest Magazine. It’s the first time the magazine has won the top award, and it was the first year the magazine was eligible to enter the best-in-class awards with its redeveloped magazine.

“There are a lot of good publications doing super work in the contest, so it’s a real honor to win this,” said Matt Hufman, who is vice president for communications for the In Trust Center and oversees the magazine.

In Trust magazine was redeveloped in 2020, with the first new issue appearing in the fall of 2020. Consultants Carla Frank and Mark Kelly spearheaded the redevelopment, after surveying member schools and others in theological education. They continue to work with the magazine.

The redeveloped In Trust magazine has been cited by judges 10 times since its debut in autumn 2020. The recent best-in-class award is a first for the magazine.

Amy Kardash, president of the In Trust Center, expressed gratitude for the award, saying, “It’s wonderful to be noticed as best-in-class. Our goal is to serve our members well and are thrilled the judges noticed.”

The judges noted the diversity of voices and said, “The publication is beautifully designed and carefully focused on a unique niche audience. ... It looks smart and polished. Very well done.”

ACP judges also recognized the piece “What your CFO wants you to know,” which appeard in spring 2021 for the overall package, which judges said was “a brilliant work.”

The CFO piece also won a AM&P Excel Award for design in a national contest that includes top-flight magazines.