Remembering two leaders and looking ahead
In one November weekend, our fellowship lost two long-serving leaders—Russ Blowers and Gene Dulin—whose ministries influenced individuals and organizations for decades. This reflection also highlights CHRISTIAN STANDARD’s 2008 plans, including a “Reflections” writer lineup and a yearlong emphasis on the eldership.
- Russ Blowers and Gene Dulin left lasting influence through local church and mission leadership.
- Toronto Christian Mission’s work in Eastern Europe and the legacy of TCM Institute are noted as part of Dulin’s impact.
- CHRISTIAN STANDARD previews 2008 “Reflections” writers and upcoming theme issues, beginning with the eldership.
By Mark A. Taylor
Remembering Russ Blowers and Gene Dulin
In one November weekend, our fellowship lost two leaders who encouraged, challenged, and inspired us for decades. Our memories of Russ Blowers and Gene Dulin will last our whole lives, and their influence will be felt for generations to come.
Blowers touched individual lives and influenced parachurch ministries around the world from his home base in Indianapolis. He led the East 49th Street Christian Church to become the East 91st Street Christian Church and shepherded it to greatness in 45 years of ministry there. Always quick with an encouraging word, he brought wisdom and guidance to organizations and individuals far beyond what any one of them could know. In the weeks after his death, many shared fond memories through a blog posted at www.russstories.blogspot.com.
Dulin led a pioneering ministry throughout Eastern Europe and thrilled American audiences with stories of gospel victories behind the Iron Curtain. From his base with Toronto Christian Mission (TCM), he caught a vision for serving believers burdened by the oppression of communism. The mission purchased Haus Edelweiss outside Vienna, Austria, in 1971 to serve as a launchpad for this ministry. The far-reaching impact of TCM Institute today stands as a testimony to his legacy.
Many serving today knew both these men. Their ministries have influenced ours for many years. Their passing reminds us our own days to serve may be short and challenges us to redouble our efforts for God while we still have the opportunity.
Highlights for CHRISTIAN STANDARD in 2008
WE’RE MAKING THE MOST OF 2008 BY presenting readers with some of the best CHRISTIAN STANDARD issues you’ve ever seen. One indication of this is the outstanding lineup of “Reflections” writers slated this year:
David Bycroft, Tyro, Kansas
John Derry, Fullerton, California
Dave Ferguson, Naperville, Illinois
Phyllis Fox and Curtis Booher, Milligan College, Tennessee
Andy Hansen, Joplin, Missouri
Robert Hull, Johnson City, Tennessee
Ken Idleman, Newburgh, Indiana
Chuck Sackett, Quincy, Illinois
Mandy Smith, Cincinnati, Ohio
Sam E. Stone, Cincinnati, Ohio
Greg R. Taylor, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jud Wilhite, Las Vegas, Nevada
This week we kick off a yearlong emphasis on the eldership. Next week will be the first of 12 special monthly theme issues, and other helpful article series are also in the hopper—more, for sure, than we can describe in this space.
Make sure you—and the Christian leaders around you—don’t miss a bit of what CHRISTIAN STANDARD will offer you this year!
Author: Mark A. Taylor
Mark A. Taylor, who served as Christian Standard editor from 2003 to 2017, retired in June 2017 after almost 41 years with Standard Publishing (Christian Standard Media).
