February 27, 2025
The January/February edition of the Christian Standard has been dedicated to the development of Christian leadership. The concern for leadership within our churches is nothing new. Over 100 years ago, on July 12, 1919, M. M. Boteler addressed the subject of developing Christian leaders in the pages of the Christian Standard.
December 26, 2024
In his editorial for the start of 1875, Christian Standard’s founding editor, Isaac Errett, offered 5 suggestions to his readers that will enable them to “consecrate” themselves anew to Christ’s service in the forthcoming year. Though Errett’s suggestions are nearly 150 years old (originally published on January 2, 1875), we believe his comments are just as valuable today as they were when they were first published.
"When is a church not a church?" an Iowa preacher wrote in 1967. "A church is no longer a church when it becomes a club. . . . A church is no longer a church when it becomes a bank." . . .
In this "Epistle from Thistle," the columnist and correspondent describes (in his own unique way) "seven multisyllabic mistakes, or 'speaking faults,' preachers or, I suppose, any public speaker can make." . . .
Sam Stone wrote in 1962, "If the early leaders of the Restoration movement are like men engaged in a race, it might be said that Barton Warren Stone took an early lead, but was later passed by Alexander Campbell." Sam Stone contended that Barton Stone was deserving of greater appreciation . . . and he did so by presenting this "survey of his life." . . .
May 2, 2024
"God’s Word provides some rather explicit instruction concerning the basis for choosing church leaders," Sam E. Stone wrote in 1968. "Four basic principles are outlined in the opening verses of 1 Timothy 3." . . .
April 25, 2024
"In one sense Christians are clones," Virgil Felton wrote in 1984. "We are cloned in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). We are cloned by a new birth (John 3:5). We are cloned as new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). . . ."
April 18, 2024
When Isaac Errett [1820–1888] came into leadership in the Restoration movement there was need of a new type of literature. . . . His writings were more Scriptural and less theological, more practical and less philosophical. . . .
April 11, 2024
The Restoration Movement is "not liberal, not really evangelical, not fundamentalist—as a group we are generally conservative, but not consistently so," LeRoy Lawson wrote in 2006. "In fact, critics could accuse us of not being consistently anything" . . .
April 4, 2024
"Is there a church that has no story to tell about prayers at the Lord’s table?" William S. Boice asked in 1984. "We of the New Testament order often find ourselves criticized by our denominational brethren of a more liturgical custom who find our somewhat casual approach to Communion to be nearly offensive. It bears thinking about." . . .
March 28, 2024
"This Lord’s Day will find nearly all the churches having the largest crowds of the year," editor Burris Butler wrote in 1949. "It has become almost proverbial that many people attend church on Easter Sunday who never come at any other time" . . .
March 21, 2024
"Not 1804, not 1809," Ira M. Boswell wrote in 1924, "but that day in January, 1832, when the union between the Disciples of Christ and the Christians was consummated, is the greatest date in religious history between Pentecost and now" . . .
March 14, 2024
"Their [the Restoration pioneers'] troubles were many. There were enemies without and within," Ira M. Boswell wrote in 1924. "I shall not have time to notice them all, but will give my attention to those which prevailed before the union between the disciples of Christ and Christians" . . .
March 7, 2024
"The nineteenth century dawned on an America that was far from Christian. Unbelief was prevalent and popular," Ira M. Boswell wrote in 1924. "The Bible was considered a dead book and the gospel powerless to save. Speaking to sinners concerning personal salvation was objectionable to pious believers, and looked upon as a personal interference with the plans of God." . . .
February 29, 2024
"When we pray we do not always get precisely what we ask for," Max Ward Randall wrote in 1954. "What are some of the reasons?" . . .
February 22, 2024
For his "Best Practices" feature in 2014, former editor Mike Mack introduced a listicle by writing: "Acts 20 contains 21 character traits of the apostle Paul. Look over this list, and then take time to assess yourself as a leader." . . .
February 15, 2024
In 1924, Ashley Johnson, the founder of what is now Johnson University, wrote: "Nine years ago I broke down completely and was under the care of a physician. While I waited in bed for two months, Mrs. Johnson kept the work going and came nearer freeing it from debt than ever before. During these nine years I have fought for my life and the work which God gave me to do with all my heart." . . .
February 8, 2024
A 2005 reflection on “Integrity in the Pulpit” confronts sermon stealing, defines pulpit plagiarism, explores why it happens, and urges pastors to practice honesty by giving clear attribution in preaching.
January 18, 2024
Christians gathered at The Lexington Cemetery in 1909 to hear J.W. McGarvey offer his recollections of eight "pioneer preachers" who are buried there, including John T. Johnson, Raccoon John Smith, Robert Milligan, and more. (Part 2)
January 11, 2024
Christians gathered at The Lexington Cemetery in 1909 to hear J.W. McGarvey offer his recollections of eight "pioneer preachers" who are buried there, including John T. Johnson, Raccoon John Smith, Robert Milligan, and more. (Part 1)
Sponsored
Sponsored
Sponsored
May 5, 2026
Doug Redford
May 5, 2026
Joel Riehle
May 5, 2026
David Faust