Biographies shares the stories of men and women whose lives have shaped churches and the Restoration Movement through faithful ministry, leadership, and witness. Explore historical profiles, ministry highlights, and reflections that illuminate how God has worked through individuals across generations. These biographies provide context for key movements and ideas, offer lessons from successes and failures, and encourage readers to pursue Christ-centered character and service. Whether you’re studying church history or looking for examples of faithful discipleship, this hub gathers biographical content in one place.
March 13, 2026
In this 1899 Christian Standard article, J. Z. Tyler explains why young people should study Restoration Movement pioneers: to understand the present, grasp guiding principles, and recover the heroic spirit needed for ongoing work.
The story of the Philippine Mission Churches of Christ is one of faithfulness to God’s Word, endurance amid overwhelming trials and challenges, and persistent commitment to the cause through many, many years.
March 5, 2024
Ozark Christian College President Matt Proctor shares a remembrance of Bill Hauser, who preached at New Testament Christian Church during Matt’s growing-up years in Keokuk, Iowa. "When you say the word 'preacher,' the first picture that pops into my mind is always his," Proctor wrote. "He preached loud, and sweat poured off him" . . . Hauser died Feb. 21. . . .
September 7, 2023
"For over forty years Mark Collis has ministered with Broadway Church, Lexington, Ky. Here he lets us into the secret—unblemished reputation, scrupulous use of time, patience, sense of humor, faithfulness to the New Testament teaching, and unselfishness." . . .
March 13, 2023
Bob Vernon may not have blazed trails through uncharted wilderness regions in the style of famous explorers like Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett, but he was a genuine pioneer in the emerging frontier of Christian television broadcasting.
November 16, 2022
We remember Ben Merold, who died this morning (Nov. 16), by reposting this appreciation written by his longtime friend Bob Russell, with whom he led monthly retreats for ministers for many years.
October 21, 2021
In the 1930s a church in Ohio wrote, "Our present church membership roll will be scrapped on Friday, April 10, and the entire membership will be called upon to reconsecrate themselves to Christ and His church” . . .
October 7, 2021
In October 1943, Christian Standard shared approximately a dozen autobiographical sketches on “How I Happened to Be a Minister.” Here are two sketches by folks who served decades in Christian education—William Jessup and Dan Eynon.
September 1, 2021
I waited outside the dean’s office on a steamy summer afternoon in 1976. I was 22 years old—eager but nervous about enrolling in graduate school—and I brought my wife with me to meet the seminary dean. A friend once advised, “If you have butterflies in your stomach, get them to fly in formation,” but Candy and I couldn’t disguise our apprehension as we took our seats on the other side of the dean’s desk. Our anxiety quickly changed to relief when he smiled, his eyes sparkling behind dark-rimmed glasses. The dean shook our hands and said warmly, “I’m glad you’re
June 24, 2021
"Before he became blind he had traveled all over this and the surrounding communities, . . . and this knowledge enabled him to go, unattended, to his preaching appointments . . . frequently to towns ten and twelve miles from where he resided."
June 10, 2021
"Plan your work, then work your plan. Go according to schedule so far as possible. Most people are as lazy as the circumstances will permit. If you will lay out a given amount of work to do each day, you will whip yourself into line to do it."
March 1, 2021
A funeral service for Christian preacher and educator George Faull, 80, took place Monday at the Church of Christ at Grissom, Peru, Ind., with his three sons speaking.
February 25, 2021
Just a few years after retiring as editor, Sam E. Stone was asked to reflect on his 25 years in that role (1978–2003) for the 140th anniversary issue of Christian Standard in April 2006. Those thoughts and reflections will serve as our final Throwback Thursday for February, a month during which we have shared writings from Sam, who died Jan. 25 at the age of 84. _ _ _ Christian Standard at 140: 25 Years as Editor By Sam E. StoneApril 2, 2006; p. 8 I can’t remember just when I started reading Christian Standard. My dad subscribed to it
February 18, 2021
We continue to celebrate the life of Sam E. Stone this week by highlighting humorous and poignant snippets from articles he wrote primarily in the years before he became Christian Standard’s editor in 1978. The “Throwback Thursday” features throughout February are dedicated to Sam, who died Jan. 25 at age 84. As you’ll see—and as friends, family, and longtime readers surely remember—Sam had a deft ability to weave anecdotes, stories, and quick asides into his articles (and sermons) to entertain the reader (and listener) while making larger points grounded in Scripture. Here are some examples . . . _ _
February 11, 2021
In this week's "Throwback Thursday" we share the first Christian Standard article ever written by our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died Jan. 25. The article from 1958—shortly after Sam graduated from college and married—is solid evidence that Sam was a great encourager from a young age.
February 7, 2021
We are devoting our “Throwback Thursday” features during February to our long-serving editor Sam E. Stone, who died Jan. 25 at age 84. Sam served as Christian Standard’s editor for 25 years—longer than anyone else—before retiring in 2003. (We are posting the first feature this month a couple of days late due to some necessary updates to our website.) This first installment will focus on what two prior editors wrote about Sam upon his hiring for the position and conclude with what Sam himself wrote upon his retirement. _ _ _ Sam E. Stone, Editor, 1978 By Edwin V. HaydenEditorialMay
January 27, 2021
Former Christian Standard editor Sam E. Stone passed away from cardiac failure on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, at the age of 84. Over a lifetime of Christian ministry, Sam served as a preacher of the gospel in Ohio and Missouri, academic dean of Cincinnati Christian Seminary, Bible college professor, president of the North American Christian Convention, world missions advocate, author, and advocate for the developmentally disabled. He served as Christian Standard editor for 25 years, from 1978 to 2003, the longest tenure in the magazine’s 154-year history. The New Mexico native graduated from Ozark Bible College, Joplin, Mo., and also
August 11, 2020
By Ben Merold As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .
May 17, 2020
By Gonzalo Venegas The Restoration Movement is an inviting movement—that’s something I’ve learned firsthand. You see, I didn’t start out in the Restoration Movement. For a long time, my faith experience was limited to having served as an altar boy in the Catholic church. Then I spent time in gangs. (See “My Life Story . . . from Gang Member to Church Planter” from March 2019.) After coming to faith in Michigan, I was discipled, educated, and ordained by the Reformed Church in America. I developed a seemingly unquenchable desire to study God’s Word. I preached many sermons and did
March 5, 2020
This editorial from 1910 is—more than anything else—a comparison and commentary on the career choices of Disciples of Christ minister turned sociologist James P. Lichtenberger. The editorial also shares a rather amusing anecdote. Lichtenberger (1870—1953), a native of Illinois, preached in churches from 1896 to 1908 before earning a doctorate in philosophy from Columbia University in 1909, according to the website of the American Sociological Association (www.asanet.org). Lichtenberger served as a professor with the University of Pennsylvania the balance of his career, and in 1922 was president of the American Sociological Society (later changed to Association). Lichtenberger penned Divorce: A
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April 28, 2026
Rick Cherok
April 28, 2026
David Faust
April 28, 2026
Rick Cherok