News & Updates delivers timely reporting and important announcements relevant to church leaders and the Restoration Movement community. Explore articles covering ministry developments, events, organizational news, and updates that impact churches, leaders, and readers of The Christian Standard. You’ll find information on conferences, initiatives, partnerships, and significant stories shaping the life of the church today. Check back regularly to stay informed and connected to what’s happening across the movement and within The Christian Standard network.
July 12, 2023
Chris DeWelt has retired as president of College Press Publishing, a company founded by his father, Don DeWelt, 64 years ago. . . . SpireConference plans preconference options. . . . Reggie Epps and Eddie Grover have passed away. . . . Chris Philbeck announces retirement plans. . . .
July 5, 2023
In May, Dr. Jody Owens, professor of Bible and congregational ministry at Johnson University, conducted a brief survey of Christian leaders on issues of sexuality and gender identity, two of the most polarizing issues of our day. . . . Plus briefs from two churches in Illinois, ICOM, Orchard Group, and more. . . .
By Michael C. Mack Welcome to our “faith” issue! Our purpose is not unlike that of the Bible’s faith chapter, Hebrews 11. The articles in this issue are designed to illustrate what faith is through the examples of faithful people in our churches. Stories of faith, old and new, remind us to trust God even through pain, hardships, and loss; they can reassure or restore our faith amid challenges and doubts; encourage us toward bold, loving action; motivate us toward extreme forgiveness; and propel us to obey God even when it’s tough. As Christ followers, we need stories like these.
June 28, 2023
Strong winds ripped off part of the back wall of Madison Hills Christian Church in Richmond, Ky., on Sunday night. The winds also blew off a front door. . . . Also briefs about J.K. Jones and Nathan Shedd, and briefs from Kentucky Christian University and ICOM.
June 12, 2023
Rob Raynor of Lakepoint Community Church in Eatonton, Gal., is retiring this summer after nearly 50 years in ministry. His start in ministry was unlikely, and his time in ministry has been innovative. . . .
June 7, 2023
The former financial director of Pikes Peak Christian Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., is accused of stealing more than $340,000 from the church, according to a news report. An arrest warrant charges her with 896 counts of financial-related crimes. . . . Plus briefs from Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.
May 31, 2023
Central Park Christian Church in Topeka, Kan., is planning a “Rooftop Revival” this weekend to bring the community together and help raise funds for the church’s youth ministry. Also briefs about funeral arrangements for Nell Stacy, a new book on Hebrews by Chad Ragsdale, and more. . . .
May 24, 2023
Tim Keller, renowned pastor, speaker, and best-selling author, died Friday. Several Christian Church leaders shared with us how Keller impacted their lives and ministries. . . .
May 16, 2023
Rioters and roaming mobs in Northeastern India have killed dozens of Christians, destroyed scores of church buildings, and burned down hundreds of houses belonging to Christians. . . .
May 6, 2023
Prayers are needed for Christians in and around the city of Imphal in India, near the border with Myanmar, where more than two dozen Christian churches have reportedly been burned down in recent days. . . .
May 1, 2023
By Kent E. Fillinger When I look back at the last few years through the filter of our annual survey results, I would argue that 2020 was a year of crisis, 2021 was a year of adaptation, and 2022 was a year of transition. In-Person vs. Online Worship Attendance One exciting transition churches experienced last year was more people shifted back to in-person worship from watching online. Comparing 2022 in-person worship attendance data to 2021 showed attendance increases for churches of all sizes. The megachurches (with average weekly worship attendance of 2,000 or more) suffered the greatest attendance declines during
May 1, 2023
Here are the charts for Christian Standard's annual survey of churches. These statistics are for the year 2022.
May 1, 2023
AVERAGE WEEKLY IN-PERSON WORSHIP ATTENDANCE Megachurches: 5,136 (22 churches) Emerging Megachurches: 1,367 (37 churches) Large Churches: 714 (49 churches) Medium Churches: 361 (61 churches) Small Churches: 159 (83 churches) Very Small Churches: 51 (118 churches) _ _ _ AVERAGE WEEKLY IN-PERSON + ONLINE WORSHIP ATTENDANCE Megachurches: 6,375 (36 churches) Emerging Megachurches: 1,393 (45 churches) Large Churches: 705 (44 churches) Medium Churches: 363 (57 churches) Small Churches: 161 (87 churches) Very Small Churches: 53 (101 churches) _ _ _ TOP 3 FASTEST-GROWING CHURCHES (2021-22)* Megachurches: 67.4%: Southbrook Christian Church, Miamisburg, OH 53.8%: Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY 53.7%: The Crossing, Quincy,
April 26, 2023
On May 1, ICOM is launching a "Pray for the Nations" initiative that will lead up to the annual gathering in November. Also briefs about the New Creation singing group at Johnson University Florida, TCM's Every Nation Summit, and more.
April 21, 2023
Former Great Lakes Christian College professor Ron Fisher, 94, gave his final sermon April 16 after 74 years of ministry. Alumni, former professors, and members of West Lansing Church of Christ listened to him share on what he called his favorite subject, “Jesus Christ and His Church.” . . .
April 19, 2023
The Common Grounds Unity Podcast will drop an episode Friday that features three Christian Standard writers discussing the Asbury Revival. Plus briefs about "Senior Saints in the Smokies," a new book ("Tombstones to Cornerstones"), Boise Bible College, and more. . . .
April 17, 2023
Nick Vipperman shares an appreciation for his predecessor, Tom Plank, who served 50 years as minister with Galilee Christian Church, Jefferson, Ga. "I’ve never had a greater friend in ministry," Vipperman writes. Mr. Plank died April 1 at age 81.
April 5, 2023
Mulberry International is planning an “American-style” summer camp experience for 29 children who were evacuated from Mariupol, Ukraine, about a year ago and resettled in a German village. Also, briefs from e2:effective elders, Waypoint Christian Church (Lancaster, Ohio), the Northwest Christian Convention, and more . . .
Sponsored
Sponsored
Sponsored
May 13, 2026
Shawn McMullen
May 12, 2026
Rick Cherok
May 12, 2026
David Faust
