May 31, 2009
The Day I Went to Church and Ended Up in a Closet
Mark Atteberry shares a humorous church visit gone wrong and the deeper lesson it revealed: even strong congregations have embarrassing moments and need grace.
Church Life
Church Life explores the shared rhythms, relationships, and practices that shape a healthy congregation. Discover Bible-based articles on worship gatherings, fellowship, unity, hospitality, discipleship in community, and caring for one another through life’s joys and challenges. You’ll find guidance for building a welcoming church culture, strengthening membership and belonging, handling conflict with grace, and encouraging spiritual growth across the body. Whether you’re a church leader or a committed member, these resources help you cultivate congregational life that reflects the love of Christ and supports faithful discipleship.
March 29, 2009
What Is the Glue?
David Faust reflects on what truly holds Christian churches together, arguing that unity is found not in institutions or personalities, but in the Savior, the Spirit, Scripture, and service.
February 25, 2009
Preventing Spiritual Desertion
Mark A. Taylor reflects on spiritual warfare, Civil War desertion research, and how unity, fellowship, camaraderie, and trust can help congregations remain faithful in the battle.
December 21, 2008
The Spiritually Dynamic Church
Ken Idleman reflects on the spiritually dynamic church at Antioch, showing how its witness, joy, hunger to learn, and generosity can shape congregations today.
August 31, 2008
Welcoming the “Strangers” in Your Life
Jan Johnson reflects on a simple church guideline that helped her notice newcomers, welcome strangers, and practice the hospitality Jesus modeled toward those often overlooked.
August 24, 2008
Life-Influencers
Sam E. Stone remembers teachers, friends, preachers, and elders whose quiet encouragement helped shape his faith, ministry, and desire to influence others for good.
July 27, 2008
Lessons Learned from Christ’s Church
Bruce E. Shields reflects on ordinary congregations, faithful mentors, grief, generosity, and mission, showing how Christ’s real and often messy church teaches wisdom no classroom can fully provide.
May 4, 2008
The Church: A Place to Belong
Jud Wilhite calls churches to reject gated-community thinking and create cultures of belonging where messy people can encounter grace, compassion, and the life-changing message of Jesus.
March 5, 2008
Your Opinion About Our Unique Identity
CHRISTIAN STANDARD invites readers to complete a survey about connection and identity within the Restoration Movement. The article highlights encouraging growth and influence, while raising concerns about drifting from the movement’s unique plea.
February 3, 2008
How a Visit to a Country Church Changed Many Lives
By Ruth M. Groover My father said “yes” reluctantly, but I would have done the same thing under the circumstances. My parents, Ernest and Ila Miller, were born in rural Georgia. My father knew how to raise corn and cotton, and he planned to make a living as a farmer. My mother was quite happy with life on the farm. But things changed. Walter S. and Civilla D. Martin are remembered primarily for their work as Christian musicians. Harvard-educated, Dr. Martin”s strength was writing music. Mrs. Martin wrote the words. The beautiful hymn “God Will Take Care of You” is
September 12, 2007
Let’s Add Our Voices to the Conversation
Mark A. Taylor considers what the emerging church conversation can teach existing congregations about restoration, renewal, and learning humbly from others.
May 23, 2007
Of Pentecost and Mission Trips
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Pentecost Sunday as the church’s birthday and invites readers to share how they commemorate it. He also encourages thoughtful discussion about short term mission trips and their purpose.
April 25, 2007
Interview with Dan Gilliam
Dan Gilliam discusses his book God Touches and the spiritual journey behind it—describing church as authentic fellowship, exploring recovery and brokenness, and urging readers to seek fresh, honest expressions of community and faith.
April 22, 2007
Land of Opportunity
Newcomers are moving into rural communities, and churches can feel the strain when long-term residents and newcomers collide. This introduction explores agrarian and cosmopolitan contrasts and why understanding them can ease conflict.
January 28, 2007
Seven Heavens: Memories of Growing Up in Parsonages
A preacher’s kid looks back on seven parsonages in the 1950s—misfit houses, constant visitors, and unforgettable family mishaps—discovering that imperfect places can hold the happiest memories.
January 17, 2007
A Nagging Concern
Mark A. Taylor reflects on house churches, silent worship, and interactive services—and urges readers to look past comfort to deeper questions about what best forms worship, obedience, and a meaningful witness to postmodern adults.
January 7, 2007
Can We Know the Future of the Church?
A forecast of “unlimited” visibility sparks a reflection on whether the church’s future is predetermined. Jeff Walling argues Scripture calls believers to faithful choices today that shape tomorrow.
December 31, 2006
Obituaries from 2006
An alphabetical collection of obituary notices honoring ministers and Christian leaders. Each entry shares key details of a life of service, along with surviving family members and service or memorial information when available.
November 26, 2006
The Human Touch
A small group’s culture shifted when one leader chose to offer appropriate, caring touch. Lee Snyder explores why touch matters, how it communicates acceptance and sympathy, and why Christians should practice it wisely and respectfully.
October 15, 2006
‘Me’ Church or ‘The’ Church?
What would an honest sign outside your church say? A typo on a church marquee sparks a challenge to reject “Me” Church consumerism and pursue “The” Church—worshiping God, giving in fellowship, serving in ministry, and going to the lost.
