Engaging and inspired design, sophisticated illustrations, and smart editorial content covering important contemporary issues in theological education today inspired one judge to call In Trust magazine “a gift” that “makes me want to subscribe.”

In Trust magazine won the best-in-class award, the highest possible, in the Associated Church Press’ annual Best of the Church Press Awards. It is the second consecutive year the magazine has captured the award.

The magazine also received an Award of Excellence for best magazine cover for its winter 2022 issue; won Awards of Merit for best interview (Matt Hufman) and best design (Carla Frank); and captured honorable mentions for cover design of a single issue and design of a story.

The magazine was redeveloped in 2020, which brought new designs, sections, and features. Last year, for the first time in the magazine’s history, it earned the best-in-class award for denominational or other special interest magazine in the Press’ contest.

This year, the judges wrote: “Clearly deserving the top honors. This publication is a gift. Stunning, clean covers, beautiful layout throughout. Easy to read and navigate. Relevant, timely articles expertly told. Great writing. Makes me want to subscribe.”

Creative director Carla Frank’s design work for In Trust also recently won two awards in the national Society of Publication Designers’ annual contest.

Amy Kardash, president of the In Trust Center, noted this is the best the magazine has done in any single year. “We want the magazine to serve as a resource for our members, and we get good feedback about it,” Kardash said. “It’s gratifying that judges outside of our field have recognized the magazine, as well.”