About Us
Leveraging the power that comes from our unity
This is the mission of Christian Standard Media. It’s critical because of the nature of the Restoration Movement. The incredible blessing of our independence can also work against us when it comes to learning, developing effectiveness, and fulfilling our commission to build the kingdom of Christ.
Christian Standard has been resourcing Christian churches since it was founded in 1866. Now it is the principal magazine connecting these congregations in the far-flung, nondenominational fellowship whose congregations are usually known as Christian Churches or Churches of Christ.
Christian Standard is the perfect resource for church staff, elders, small groups, or anyone who wants his or her church to achieve the New Testament ideal in the 21st century.
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Would you like to financially support Christian Standard? Visit our donations page or click a donate button located on any individual post. Christian Standard is owned and managed by Restoration Movement Media.
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Christian Standard Staff
Jerry Harris has served the Lord in ministry for over 45 years. Prior to his retirement in 2024, Jerry led The Crossing Church based in Quincy, IL for 26 years. In that time, The Crossing grew from 230 to over 8000 in in-person attendance in 11 locations across 3 states and baptized over 11,000 people into Christ. Jerry was a founding board member of The Solomon Foundation and has been the publisher of Christian Standard Media since 2017. He has written 3 books; Micropolitan Church, 50 Days, and Shifted: A Crossing Story for Exponential. Jerry and his wife Allison have served the church together for over 4 decades and have 4 grown children, 3 children-in-laws, and 7 grandchildren.
Shawn McMullen has been serving as editor of Christian Standard since September 2023. Prior to that, he served as editor of The Lookout from 2001–2013, and again from 2017–2020. In addition, Shawn has held ministries in Ohio and Indiana, served as campus minister and dean of students at Cincinnati Christian University, and currently serves as minister of the Vevay Church of Christ in Vevay, Indiana. He holds a BA in Christian Ministries and an MA in Theology from Cincinnati Christian University.
Dr. Rick Cherok completed a PhD in United States Religious History from the Kent State University. He has served as managing editor of Christian Standard since June 2024. Dr. Cherok has also served as a professor of Christian history at Cincinnati Christian University, Ozark Christian College, and Kentucky Christian University, and he continues to teach and preach in churches, conferences, and online settings as the opportunities arise. In addition to his work as a contributing author to several publications, Dr. Cherok has been an editor with both academic journals and with the College Press Publishing Company. Dr. Cherok has also held ministries in Ohio and Arkansas, and is the founder and executive director of Celtic Christian Mission, an organization dedicated to evangelism in Ireland. Dr. Cherok’s deep interest in missions has inspired him to lead hundreds of people on short-term missionary trips to various locations around the world.
David Faust serves as Contributing Editor for Christian Standard. A trusted voice in the Restoration Movement, he has written weekly lesson applications for the publication’s Bible study material for several years and is one of the writers behind 1717 Studies: Your Word Is Truth. He previously served as editor of The Lookout and also serves as senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN.
Tyler McKenzie serves as Contributing Editor for Christian Standard. He is also the senior leader of Northeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and has written the magazine’s Engage column for several years. Known for his cultural awareness and thoughtful, insightful writing, Tyler also contributes to the publication’s planning team as each issue is developed. In addition to his ministry and writing, he produces a Bible podcast for parents and their kids called The Preacher and the Piano Man.
Abby Wittler serves as designer for Christian Standard. Through her design work, she helps shape the visual presentation of the print publication and supports its mission of serving churches and leaders with clear, engaging, and high-quality content. Abby brings creativity, visual clarity, and thoughtful design to the Christian Standard team, helping communicate its message in a way that is both compelling and accessible.
Wes Woodell serves as Digital Strategist for Christian Standard. As CEO of Connect My Church and a seasoned church leader, Wes brings years of experience in disciplemaking, church planting, leading teams, business development, and high-impact digital strategies. Wes is deeply committed to the church and Christian ministry. Before becoming a follower of Jesus in his early twenties, Wes studied mass media and worked in the radio industry as on-air talent in major commercial markets. He holds an undergraduate degree in ministry from Harding University and a master’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Theology and Biblical Studies. He is currently pursuing a PhD through Talbot School of Theology, where his research focuses on contextualizing high-impact technology for use on the mission field.
Lane West serves Christian Standard in customer service and finance and is an accounting associate with The Solomon Foundation. He brings a strong financial background, attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting the mission and day-to-day work of ministry. His work helps strengthen the operational and financial systems that serve Christian Standard and its readers. Lane brings to Christian Standard a valuable blend of financial skill, reliability, and service-minded support, helping the organization carry out its mission with excellence and care.
Allison Harris is the marketing and publishing assistant at Christian Standard Magazine. She has worked alongside her husband Jerry for 43 years. Allison has served professionally and volunteered with churches in Indiana, Virginia, Florida, and Illinois. Her passion is to help churches of all sizes get to the next level. She and Jerry have 4 adult children, 3 sons and daughters in law we like better than our kids, and 7 perfect grandchildren. And on any given day she would rather either be in Disney World with her grands or Israel!!!
Christian Standard Advisory Board
Austin Bazil is senior pastor of Cross the Line Christian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. He is known for energetic biblical preaching, pastoral leadership, and a strong commitment to helping people grow in faith and become disciples of Jesus. Under his leadership, Cross the Line Christian Church continues to serve families and the broader Lincoln community with a clear gospel focus and a heart for spiritual growth. Austin brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board a passion for the local church, a love for Scripture, and a desire to see people transformed by the message of Christ.
Nathan Freeman is lead pastor of River Christian Church in Fleming Island, Florida. He is known for engaging biblical preaching, authentic pastoral leadership, and a strong heart for helping people grow in Christ. Under his leadership, River Christian Church has developed a clear disciple-making focus and a strong commitment to reaching its community with the gospel. Nathan brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board valuable ministry experience, a passion for the local church, and a deep commitment to helping people encounter Jesus, mature in faith, and live on mission.
Mont Mitchell is senior pastor of Westbrook Christian Church in Bolingbrook, Illinois, a multicultural congregation he planted in 1996 in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. He is known for visionary pastoral leadership, a heart for church planting, and a deep commitment to helping churches reflect the unity and diversity of the kingdom of God. Mont brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board decades of preaching and ministry experience, along with a passion for the local church, disciple-making, and reaching people from every background with the gospel.
Chad Goucher is lead pastor of The Refinery Christian Church in Goodyear, Arizona. He founded the church in 2009 after its early beginning as a campus of Christ’s Church of the Valley, and he has helped lead it into a thriving, community-focused ministry with a strong commitment to reaching people far from Jesus, reinforcing biblical truth, and reproducing disciples. Chad brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board years of preaching and pastoral leadership, along with a heart for church growth, discipleship, and helping people find hope and purpose in Christ. His ministry is marked by a passion for the local church and a desire to see lives transformed through the gospel.
Rob Denton is lead pastor of West Valley Christian Church in West Hills, California. A longtime leader within the congregation, he joined West Valley in 1987, came on staff in 1993, and became lead pastor in 2016. He is known for faithful pastoral leadership, a heart for the local church, and a deep commitment to helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus. Rob brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board decades of ministry experience, steady biblical leadership, and a passion for strengthening the church through discipleship, preaching, and spiritual encouragement.
Jeff Isaacs is pastor of RiverLawn Christian Church in Wichita, Kansas. He is known for clear biblical preaching, faithful pastoral leadership, and a strong commitment to helping people grow as disciples of Jesus. At RiverLawn, he serves a congregation devoted to making disciples who make disciples and leading people into deeper faith and mission. Jeff brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board valuable ministry experience, a heart for the local church, and a passion for biblical truth, spiritual growth, and gospel-centered leadership.
Dave VanDonge is senior pastor of Legacy Christian Church in Overland Park, Kansas. With decades of ministry experience, he has served in significant leadership roles at large and growing churches, including Christ’s Church of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona, and NewPointe Community Church in Dover, Ohio. He is known for strong biblical preaching, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to helping people follow Jesus faithfully. Dave brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board seasoned pastoral wisdom, a heart for the local church, and a passion for helping congregations grow in faith, health, and mission.
Matt Wilson is planting and lead pastor of Ekklesia Christian Church in Conway/Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Since launching the church in 2014, he has helped lead a growing ministry marked by bold faith, evangelistic passion, and a commitment to making Christ and his church known in South Carolina and beyond. Matt’s ministry is defined by “audacious, faith-filled moves” for the sake of Christ’s kingdom. Matt brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board strong church-planting experience, pastoral leadership, and a heart for discipleship and outreach. Matt is known for his energy, gospel focus, and desire to help people encounter Jesus and take meaningful next steps in faith.
Tradanius Beard serves as lead minister of the Northwest Church of Christ in Southaven, Mississippi, where he is committed to biblical preaching, discipleship, and kingdom impact. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies, a master’s degree in Christian Studies with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministry, and has completed the Doctor of Strategic Leadership degree at Liberty University. His dissertation focused on effective leadership style on improved discipleship. In addition to his pastoral work, Dr. Beard is co-founder of Beard Leadership Solutions, where he and his wife provide coaching, consulting, and leadership development. He is also founder of the NOW Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to economic empowerment, youth development, education, and community collaboration. He and his wife, Darlisha, are the proud parents of two daughters, Madison Grace and Kelsey Faith.
Jonathan Storment serves as preacher at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ in Little Rock, Arkansas. A gifted communicator and thoughtful ministry leader, he is known for his biblical preaching, pastoral heart, and passion for helping churches engage culture faithfully while remaining rooted in the way of Jesus. Jonathan brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board years of preaching and ministry experience, along with a strong voice for thoughtful discipleship, church renewal, and cultural engagement. He is the author of How to Start a Riot and Bringing Heaven to Earth, and is widely respected for helping believers think deeply and live faithfully.
Darryl Marin is lead pastor of The Hills Church in Evansville, Indiana. Since the church’s founding in 2018, he has helped lead a growing, community-focused ministry with a strong heart for reaching people who may feel overlooked, disconnected, or far from God. His preaching and leadership reflect a passion for authenticity, spiritual growth, and helping people encounter Jesus in real and life-changing ways. Darryl brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board years of pastoral experience, clear biblical teaching, and a deep commitment to the local church. His ministry is marked by a desire to build strong families, disciple believers, and create a church culture where grace, truth, and transformation come together.
Tim Spivey serves as vice president for spiritual life at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Tim brings decades of pastoral and preaching experience to the Christian Standard Advisory Board. Over the course of his ministry, he has served as senior minister at North County Church of Christ in Escondido, California, and Highland Oaks Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas, and he was also the founding and senior pastor of New Vintage Church in Escondido, California. In his current role at Pepperdine, Tim oversees the Hub for Spiritual Life and helps lead the university’s spiritual formation efforts. He also teaches as an adjunct professor in Pepperdine’s Seaver College Religion and Philosophy Division. A Pepperdine alumnus with three degrees from the university, he also holds a doctor of ministry degree from Abilene Christian University.
Mike Hull serves as lead pastor of True North Church in Fargo, North Dakota. He and his wife, Kristen, have served together in ministry for many years, and Mike has experience as a youth pastor, lead pastor, and teaching pastor. In Fargo, he has helped lead and shape True North Church with a heart for pointing people toward life with God and others. Mike brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board a passion for local church ministry, preaching, and reaching people with the gospel in practical, life-giving ways. His pastoral leadership and commitment to building a healthy, welcoming church make him a valuable voice for encouraging and strengthening church leaders.
Wes Woodell serves as Digital Strategist for Christian Standard. As CEO of Connect My Church and a seasoned church leader, Wes brings years of experience in disciplemaking, church planting, leading teams, business development, and high-impact digital strategies. Wes is deeply committed to the church and Christian ministry. Before becoming a follower of Jesus in his early twenties, Wes studied mass media and worked in the radio industry as on-air talent in major commercial markets. He holds an undergraduate degree in ministry from Harding University and a master’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Theology and Biblical Studies. He is currently pursuing a PhD through Talbot School of Theology, where his research focuses on contextualizing high-impact technology for use on the mission field.
Nate Bush is lead pastor of New City Church in Albuquerque, NM. He is known for faithful biblical preaching, steady pastoral leadership, and a strong commitment to helping people follow Jesus in community and on mission. At New City, he serves alongside the church’s elder team and helps lead a congregation committed to restoration, discipleship, and loving its city well. Nate brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board a heart for the local church, a passion for spiritual growth, and a deep commitment to gospel-centered ministry.
Phillip Holland is lead pastor of Valley View Christian Church in Littleton, Colorado. He is known for clear biblical preaching, thoughtful pastoral leadership, and a strong commitment to helping people grow into a full life in Christ. Under his leadership, Valley View continues to serve the Denver-area community with a focus on discipleship, spiritual formation, and gospel-centered ministry. Phillip brings to the Christian Standard Advisory Board a heart for the local church, a passion for teaching Scripture, and a desire to help believers grow in faith, maturity, and mission.
Restoration Movement Media Board
Doug Crozier serves as board chairman for Christian Standard and is the founding CEO emeritus of The Solomon Foundation. He helped launch The Solomon Foundation in 2010 and led it through March 2025, guiding its growth into one of the best-known church extension funds serving Christian churches and churches of Christ. With a background in banking and finance, Doug previously served as COO and president of Church Development Fund and has worked with more than 1,800 churches over the course of his career. He also played a key role in preserving Christian Standard’s future when The Solomon Foundation stepped in to acquire the publication in 2017.
Jerry Harris has served the Lord in ministry for over 45 years. Prior to his retirement in 2024, Jerry led The Crossing Church based in Quincy, IL for 26 years. In that time, The Crossing grew from 230 to over 8000 in in-person attendance in 11 locations across 3 states and baptized over 11,000 people into Christ. Jerry was a founding board member of The Solomon Foundation and has been the publisher of Christian Standard Media since 2017. He has written 3 books; Micropolitan Church, 50 Days, and Shifted: A Crossing Story for Exponential. Jerry and his wife Allison have served the church together for over 4 decades and have 4 grown children, 3 children-in-laws, and 7 grandchildren.
Renee Little brings to the Christian Standard board a valuable blend of operational leadership, strategic planning, and a deep commitment to the church and the Restoration Movement. Her experience serving both Christian Standard and The Solomon Foundation positions her to help guide the ministry with wisdom, clarity, and a strong vision for future growth.
Dr. Orpheus J. Heyward serves as senior minister of the Renaissance Church of Christ in the Atlanta, Georgia, area and is affiliate professor of expository preaching and Christian leadership at Lipscomb University. Known for his strong commitment to biblical exposition and leadership development, he is a respected preacher, teacher, and mentor who has encouraged churches and ministry leaders across the country. He holds master’s degrees in theology and biblical studies, along with a doctorate in theological exegesis, and is widely recognized for his passion for Scripture, church unity, and equipping the next generation of Christian leaders.
Mark E. Moore is teaching pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona. He previously served for 22 years as a professor at Ozark Christian College and is widely known as an author, speaker, and Bible teacher, including through books such as Core52 and Quest52. Mark brings to the Christian Standard board decades of experience in biblical teaching, ministry leadership, and equipping the church to follow Jesus faithfully.
