Church Renewal | Christian Standard, August 2017 highlights stories, strategies, and reflections centered on helping churches move forward with fresh vision, stronger leadership, and renewed mission. Across feature articles, ministry insights, and practical leadership content, this issue explores how congregations can recover momentum, clarify values, and embrace the convictions that shaped the Restoration Movement.
The issue features the turnaround story of First Christian Church in Canton, Ohio, where renewed courage, clearer vision, and a commitment to excellence helped breathe new life into a historic congregation. It also tells the story of Eastpoint Christian Church in Portland, Maine, where Scott and Beth Taube followed God’s call to plant a Restoration Movement church in a state where none had been meeting. Rubel Shelly’s article, “Now More Than Ever,” reflects on the movement’s theological and practical DNA, while other pieces address network church planting, leadership development, core values, staff evaluation, and ministry rejuvenation.
Taken together, the visible contents show a strong emphasis on church renewal, church growth, and leadership health. This issue is especially useful for pastors, elders, and ministry teams preparing for a new season of service or rethinking how to strengthen their congregation’s culture and mission.
For readers researching church renewal, Christian Standard, August 2017 offers a rich snapshot of how churches can pursue growth, restoration, and faithful leadership without losing sight of biblical conviction and gospel purpose.
