Lydia Magazin is a Christian magazine for women and was founded in 1986 in Germany by Ditmar and Elisabeth Mittelstädt. It was initially titled “Die christliche Zeitschrift für die Frau,” which translates to “The Christian magazine for women” Its goals are to support Christian women in their connection with God and their families, give them the resources they need to raise children and keep their marriages strong, and act as a evangelism tool.
Its audience are primarily Christian women between the ages of 20 and 65 including mothers, wives, and unmarried women. It specifically serves people who are in pain, and it targets German-speaking women of all ages as well as non-Christian women.
History of LydiaMag
Lydia was founded by Elisabeth Mittelstädt in 1986. She shares the moving story of how a dream she had as a child developed into a vision that has since guided many women to God. Lydia Publishing was operated independently by Elisabeth and Ditmar Mittelstädt until December 2009. Lydia Publishing joined Gerth Medien in early 2010 and has been a part of the SCM Publishing Group since 2020.
Origin of Name Lydia
Lydia came from the Lydia region of Asia Minor and was a purple merchant. In other words, she is “a woman from Lydia.” The Bible tells her narrative in Acts 16. She resided in the Macedonian city of Philippi in Europe. Lydia, as was likely her custom, walked to the riverside to join the other ladies in prayer on the Sabbath.
The Jews had been allowed to worship on the riverside by the Roman government. Paul, the apostle, mentioned Jesus there. After listening to Paul, Lydia came to realize that Jesus Christ was the answer to her questions and her desire. She became the first Christian in Europe after being baptized.
The first church gathering in Europe took place at her home. Later on, this church provided Paul with money to help as he served God. This magazine’s concept is shaped by Lydia’s life values: she had an open hand to help spread the gospel, an open heart for the gospel, and an open house to share God’s love.
Themes and content of LydiaMag
- Community
- Parenting
- Spiritual Growth
- Relationship
- Personal and motivational stories
Team of LydiaMag
Ellen Nieswiodek–Martin: She began serving as Lydia’s editor-in-chief in 2014 and she believes it as an honor to have had the opportunity to interact with and learn about so many diverse women via Lydia. Writing about individuals and their experiences, particularly when they might inspire and assist others, is something she is passionate about. She also enjoys urging others to develop their own narratives.
Nicole Schol: Since 1997, Nicole Schol has been an editor at Gerth Medien. Even with her vast experience and the countless projects she has managed, she is still inspired by the positive impact God can have on people’s lives and the treasures the various authors unearth from the Bible. She thinks Lydia magazine’s interaction with individuals who share their encounters with God to be exactly what makes it so wonderful.
Yannika Bolz: Yannika Bolz moved to beautiful Hesse to volunteer at Lydia, where she has been since April 2025. Speaking candidly about their experiences and sharing life stories with her makes her feel moved. She also likes spending time with friends over a glass of wine or a good cup of coffee, enjoys relaxing days at the lake and deep conversations.
Daniela Janzen: Daniela has been working as an editorial assistant at SCM Bundes-Verlag since 2023 and she loves taking nature walks, owns a dog, and is married. Lydia is appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of the human life stories that inspire and uplift her.
Saskia Barthelmeß: Saskia Barthelmeß began her career with Lydia more than two decades ago, and she continues to work for the magazine as a columnist and freelance contributor. She joins in the “Church in the Cinema” program, lives with her family in her adopted home of Tyrol, and finds joy in reading and eating chocolate.
Kerstin Toepel: Kerstin works as an art director in Mannheim, where she pursues her passion for design. She enjoys life with a pen in hand, a dog by her side, friends by her side, and Jesus in her heart and always looking for new ways to express her creativity in her spare time.
What’s inside Lydia?
- Believe and Life support– In searching for truth and meaning: How our relationship with God brings us comfort, pleasure, and peace.
- Body and Soul– Holistic living: Valuable ideas on how we may healing and take care of ourselves.
- Profession and Company– Being a blessing in the world: Inspiring stories of women changing their communities.
- Family and Relationships– Living in the Community: Helpful tips for getting married and starting a family, being single and maintaining friendships, and all the other relationships that are important to us in life.