Series: +The Lookout

The Lookout’s story begins in 1888. At the time, a young people’s prayer movement known as Christian Endeavor was sweeping the nation. In response, Standard Publishing introduced Young People’s Standard, a journal created to encourage and promote the work of young adults in the local church. On March 10, 1894, the journal was renamed The Lookout. The new name reflected an expanded purpose as a magazine of Christian education for older young people and adults. “The Lookout” was drawn from the most influential committee in Christian Endeavor work—the Lookout Committee—a group responsible for attendance, promotion, and growth.

Since then, The Lookout has faithfully served the local church by promoting Christian education and Christian living. Influential leaders such as James DeForest Murch and Guy P. Leavitt guided the magazine as editors. Trusted Bible teachers—including P. H. Welshimer of Canton, Ohio, and Orrin Root of Cincinnati, who wrote the Sunday school lesson commentary for more than 50 years—provided rich, biblically grounded content week after week. From the moment it first rolled off the presses, The Lookout has appeared weekly in homes and churches across the United States and around the world—without interruption—except for a single issue (February 7, 1937), when a flood prevented shipping from the magazine’s Cincinnati office near the Ohio River.

In December 2015, the publishing company adopted the corporate name Christian Standard Media, LLC, continuing to publish The Lookout and Christian Standard as flagship publications and serving as a trusted ministry partner in a rapidly changing world. For more than 120 years—and more than 125 when including the Young People’s Standard era—The Lookout has equipped Christian adults with biblical teaching and timely insight, helping readers grow in Christ, cultivate godly relationships, and live as faithful witnesses in the world.