
November 5, 2026
Not Just on Sunday
Lonetta McKee

The March 2018 Christian Standard issue explores The Dot, church growth, conflict resolution, political issues, and leadership challenges facing today’s church.
The March 2018 issue of Christian Standard focuses on church leadership, conflict, and long-term ministry effectiveness in a changing culture. Anchored by Jerry Harris’s feature article “The Dot,” this issue asks churches to think carefully about the people they are reaching, the age range for which they are most relevant, and what it takes to remain effective across generations. That theme of honest evaluation runs throughout the issue and connects with other major articles on conflict, political issues, civility, discipleship, and restoration.
Readers will find practical guidance on healthy conflict resolution, leading through conflict, and extinguishing the flames of division in the church. The issue also includes thoughtful reflection on whether Christian leaders should confront political issues, how believers can remain civil in less-than-civil times, and how churches can respond after painful loss or division. These themes are balanced by hopeful stories of restoration, including Ken Idleman’s account of Sammy Harris and Leesburg Christian Church.
The Dot church growth theme is especially important for pastors, elders, and ministry leaders who want to understand how relevance, discipleship, and leadership decisions shape a church’s future. Alongside that feature, the issue addresses addiction, ministry heartbreak, church splits, spiritual disciplines, and the public witness of believers.
For readers interested in church growth, church leadership, and conflict resolution, the March 2018 Christian Standard issue offers a useful and honest snapshot of ministry challenges and opportunities. It is a strong resource for leaders seeking wisdom, clarity, and hope for the church’s future.
2-3 | Letter from the Publisher
Jerry Harris
6-8 | Letter from the Editors
Michael C. Mack & Jim Nieman
9-11 | Movement
A Roadmap for Healthy Conflict Resolution
David Dummitt
12-14 | Metrics
What Are Your Church’s Push and Pull Factors? Part 2
Kent Fillinger
15-17 | e2: Effective Elders
Leading Through Conflict
Jim Estep
18-19 | Horizons
Standing Firm in the Spotlight
Emily Drayne
20-21 | Imagine
Worn-Out Boots and Real-Life Ministry
Mel McGowan
24-29 | His Favorite Thing
Ken Idleman
30-37 | Feature Article
The Dot
Jerry Harris
38-43 | Extinguishing the Flames of Conflict
Walt Wilcoxson
44-52 | Should Christian Leaders Take a Stand on Political Issues?
Bob Russell
52-58 | When the Church Splits: Hope After the Loss
Jessie Clemence
58-64 | Civil Liberty: How Christ Frees Us to Be Civil in Less-than-Civil Times
Shawn McMullen
64-67 | Headlines
Chris Moon
68-71 | Interact
72 | Communion Meditation
Proclaiming His Death
Dick Wamsley
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