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.

June 22, 2008

Christian Standard

Lord, Help, I Am Hearing Voices!

By Terry O’Casey I can still picture the elder and his wife playing “footsie” beneath the folding fellowship hall tables at a board meeting at one of my first churches. It was in the days when the 18 deacons could outvote the six elders. Voting for some was by “secret” ballot, in the form of a swift kick. Seriously! The elders had just finished sharing a unified vision with the rest of those at the meeting. Then I saw it, plain as day, beneath the cheap tablecloth. She kicked her husband . . . hard””so hard he had to change

June 15, 2008

Christian Standard

We”ve All Been Blessed by Their Faithfulness

By John Samples This article mentions a photograph that appeared in publications that subscribe to the services of the Associated Press. While CHRISTIAN STANDARD purchased the rights to run the photo run with this article in our printed version, we do not have permission to post the image with the online version of this article. According to the old adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” However, here is one picture worth several thousand words. It is a picture of seven siblings who have attained at least 50 years of marriage. The two brothers and five sisters pictured have

June 1, 2008

Christian Standard

You Can Cope with Change

By John Derry Recently my wife and I visited three different congregations, each occupying beautiful historic buildings. The stained-glass windows were breathtaking; each sanctuary would be a perfect setting for a formal wedding. The pipe organs were magnificent and filled the room with majestic music in praise of God. The high ceilings and ornate symbolic architecture created a sense of awe and an atmosphere conducive to worship. On a very small scale, standing in such buildings offered a hint of what it might have been like to enter Solomon”s temple. At one time hundreds of church members filled these buildings,

May 18, 2008

Christian Standard

Can We Talk?

By Robert F. Hull Jr. Can we really talk? Not rant, emote, condemn, accuse, dismiss, but actually talk to each other? If you”re thinking “talk shows,” you have found me out. I used to be a confirmed nonlistener to talk shows; then I began idly dialing them in while driving, just to see (I told myself) what all the fuss was about. I came to see that, while not all talk shows are created equal, their premise is pretty much the same: I”m going to tell you what “the media” won”t talk about, because “the media” is too liberal, or

May 4, 2008

Christian Standard

The Church: A Place to Belong

By Jud Wilhite “What do you do in Vegas?” the waitress in Virginia asked me. “I”m a pastor at a church,” I said. “No you aren”t,” she fired back. “Yes, I am,” I replied. “No, you aren”t,” she said matter-of-factly. “There are no churches in Las Vegas.” Her certainty was absolute. After five minutes I gave up trying to convince her that churches can and do exist in unlikely places and minister to unlikely people. Her perception of the church just could not make room for Vegas. When you hear the word church, what comes to your mind? Do you

March 5, 2008

Mark A. Taylor

Restoration Movement identity

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

Christian Standard

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

May 23, 2007

Mark A. Taylor

Pentecost Sunday

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

Brad Dupray

Dan Gilliam God Touches

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

Barney Wells

newcomers in rural churches

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 17, 2007

Mark A. Taylor

postmodern worship services

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.

December 31, 2006

Christian Standard

Christian Standard obituaries

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

Lee Snyder

human touch

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

Arron Chambers

Me Church

‘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.

July 16, 2006

Christian Standard

Taking Small Groups to a Higher Level

By Greg Marksberry Most newer and larger churches believe small groups are a leading contributor to their growth. This strategy for building community has emerged as the most effective way to connect people within the body of Christ. But are we using small groups as well as we could to produce fully devoted Christ-followers? A recent Barna Research Group survey indicates small group participation has doubled over the last decade, with nearly a quarter of churchgoers attending weekly small group meetings. But while participation is up, discipleship is not. When asked to identify their most important goal in life, not

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