September 11, 2023
September 17 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The Friends Speak” (Song of Songs 1:4b-8; 3:1-11), by Mark Scott.
Church & Ministry
Church & Ministry equips leaders and everyday believers to build healthy, gospel-centered congregations. Explore biblically grounded articles on church leadership, preaching and teaching, eldership, staff and volunteer development, discipleship systems, small groups, church planting, church growth, and ministry strategy. You’ll also find practical guidance for navigating transitions, cultivating congregational health, and serving your community with wisdom and compassion. Whether you’re a pastor, elder, ministry staff member, volunteer leader, or church member who wants to help your church thrive, this hub brings together resources to strengthen the local church and advance Christ’s mission.
September 4, 2023
September 10 | The Husband Speaks
The woman in the Song of Songs took her sense of romance from the closeness and affection of her husband and being desired by him. The man took his romance from the sight, smell, and touch of his wife. . . .
September 4, 2023
September 10 | Application (‘Tell Her’)
If God has blessed you with a noble wife, thank him—and tell her. . . .
September 4, 2023
September 10 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The Husband Speaks” (Song of Songs 1:15; 4:1-15), by Mark Scott.
September 1, 2023
What Does the Bible Say About Everything?
By Chris Philbeck As I write this column, I’m in the middle of a message series called, “Truth Over Trend” (series title not original to me). The specific topics are gender identity, same-sex relationships, deconstruction of the Christian faith, and having the courage to speak up for biblical truth. You’d have to have your head buried in the sand not to realize the seriousness of these issues in our world and culture, and the impact they have on our local communities and families. Writing the first two messages on gender identity and same-sex relationships reminded me of an important truth
Helping the Church Thrive Between Ministers
An Interview with Leaders from Transitional Interim Pastor Services By Shawn McMullen Recently Christian Standard met with three leaders who serve with Transitional Interim Pastor Services, a ministry of NXTStep Church Services (yourncs.org), to learn about their unique approach to interim ministry. John Cutshall, a graduate of Cincinnati Christian University, has been in ministry for more than 40 years. He spent his first 20 years in youth ministry before serving in senior ministry positions. Greg Comp, also a graduate of CCU, is a second-generation minister. Following his graduation from Bible college, Comp served as an associate minister. At age 30
September 1, 2023
Gen Z Is Giving Us Hope!
By Jacob Stewart We have seen the data. We have heard the news. We get it. Gen Z is the worst. At least that is what I am accustomed to hearing. Generation Z (comprised of people born from 1997 to 2012) may go down in history as the most analyzed, picked on, studied, and bashed generation in the world . . . right next to Millennials (those born 1981–96). Have you seen the memes? It’s brutal out there. As a youth pastor for 10 years, I have worked closely with Gen Z. I agree with my current high school ministry
August 28, 2023
September 3 | The Shulammite Woman Speaks
In Song of Songs, students will learn of a woman’s love for her husband, the husband’s love for his wife, the watchful celebration of their love by the couple’s attendants, and the Lord of love whose love is the basis for all other loves. . . .
August 28, 2023
September 3 | Application (‘Candy’s Five Things’)
My wife Candy's marriage advice boils down to five key factors . . .
August 28, 2023
September 3 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The Shulammite Woman Speaks” (Song of Songs 1:1-4, 12-14; 2:1, 3-7, 16-17), by Mark Scott.
August 21, 2023
August 27 | Justified
A theological dilemma in the biblical story is this: How can God punish sin (and thereby stay true to his promise and character) and yet absolve the sinner? . . .
August 21, 2023
August 27 | Application (‘The Best Singing Voice of All’)
"Music educates and entertains," David Faust writes. "It stirs our emotions, shapes our moods, and communicates ideas. Music impacts our everyday lives." . . .
August 21, 2023
August 27 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Justified” (Zephaniah 3:9-20), by Mark Scott.
5 Preaching Tips from C.S. Lewis
In a letter to a seventh-grade girl from 1959, C.S. Lewis shared eight pieces of writing advice, the first five of which I believe to be quite relevant for preachers.
August 14, 2023
August 20 | Justice Dispensed
The world is on a collision course with the God of justice. If God did not punish sin, he would be untrue to his word and his nature (Romans 3:26). . . .
August 14, 2023
August 20 | Application (‘The Crumbling House’)
I wondered, "What made a home that once looked classy and inviting become so ugly and empty?" . . .
August 14, 2023
August 20 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Justice Dispensed” (Zephaniah 2:1-15), by Mark Scott.
August 7, 2023
August 13 | Where Is the Justice?
God revealed to Habakkuk that he was going to bring justice to Judah via the nation of Babylon. This confused Habakkuk, for he struggled with God’s sense of justice. . . .
August 7, 2023
August 13 | Application (‘Would Everyone Please Be Quiet?’)
Do you build quietness into your daily schedule? The Bible says, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life” (1 Thessalonians 4:11), but how can we do that in hectic times when so much is going on? . . .
August 7, 2023
August 13 | Discovery
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Where Is the Justice?” (Habakkuk 1:12-17; 2:1-20), by Mark Scott.
