[1][2] Following its inception, it went by several names before assuming its final title in 2006: As Zion's Herald, it was published as an insert in the Southern New England Reporter from 1979 to 1992.

[6] The name change was suggested by a marketing consultant to attract more readers and subscribership grew 50% in the following year.

[7] The Zion's Herald was founded by a group of lay Methodists to be a journal "devoted to religion and moral subjects".

After it was acquired by the Boston Wesleyan Association its editorial stance was one of "boldness and outspokenness on questions which agitate the public mind.

"[9] In April 2008, the Associated Church Press, North America's oldest religious journalism association, recognized The Progressive Christian print magazine with its Award of Excellence as the Best General Interest Magazine in its class (which includes, among other notable publications, Christian Century and Sojourners).