THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘The Gospel Plan of Salvation’ (1927)
In 1927, L.A. Chapman, minister in Bedford, Ohio, compiled this listing of Scripture verses that "answer the question, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ presented without note or comment.”
Key Documents
Key Documents gathers important historical texts that shaped the Stone-Campbell/Restoration Movement and influenced churches across generations. Explore articles that introduce, explain, and provide context for foundational writings, statements, sermons, and publications—highlighting the convictions, debates, and developments that formed the movement’s identity. These resources help readers understand the historical setting, key themes, and lasting significance of major documents, and how they continue to inform unity, doctrine, and church practice today.
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘What If? . . .’ (1993)
Thirty years ago, Tom Claibourne posed several "what if" questions from the Bible. Examples: What if Mordecai had bowed down to Haman? What if Paul's tent business had taken precedence over his ministry? . . .
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘When Christians Disagree’ (1957)
Dr. Henry E. Webb wrote in 1957: "A necessary condition for the success of any approach to Christian unity is the development of a satisfactory concept of Christian liberty—one that recognizes the right of another person to exercise his sincere mental and spiritual faculties with the freedom we demand for ourselves. . . ."
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘IDES Was Started by a Man with a Mission’ (1991)
In honor of the 50th anniversary of IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service), we again share a 1991 article about Milton B. Bates, the man who started the disaster relief organization. IDES will mark its anniversary with an open house July 8 at its headquarters in Noblesville, Ind.
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘The Missionary Who Makes Mistakes’ (1963)
"Nobody seems more mistake-prone than the average missionary (with the possible exception of presidents, congressmen, mothers and fathers of teenagers, umpires, and tax assessors)," Ward Patterson, tongue firmly in cheek, wrote in 1963. "That the missionary should so excel in error-ability is a phenomenon worthy of the interest of all of us . . ."
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Why I Encouraged My Son to Be a Minister’ (1942)
More than 80 years ago, several Christian fathers wrote on the topic, “Why I encouraged my son to be a minister.” Today, we dust off and share two of those responses. The first is from Victor E. Hoven, father of Ard Hoven. The second is from R. C. Foster, father of Lewis Foster.
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Excerpts from 3 Essays About Pentecost
"It is my conviction that the day of Pentecost is the focal point in the history of the world," Wm. E. Sweeney wrote in 1929, ". . . that all the lines of history before that time converge to that great day, and that all the lines of history since that time have diverged." . . .
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Outstanding Mistakes of Preachers’ (1953)
In 1953, Leon Appel wrote: "A few of the suggestions made by elders and deacons at this [Kiamichi] clinic, if taken seriously, may help the preacher to extend the term of his ministry in a given field, and enlarge his measure of usefulness." . . .
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Men of Church Dig Coal’ (1933)
This short news item from 1933 is notable mainly for describing the lengths to which the congregation in Streator, Ill., went to heat their church building during the Great Depression. . . .
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Charcoal Sketches of Some of Our Pioneer Preachers’ (1919)
James A. Stevens, who ran newspapers in Mississippi and Texas after the Civil War, shares brief recollections of Alexander Campbell, Tolbert Fanning, W. K. Pendleton, Thos. W. Caskey, and others.
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Our Strength’ (1903)
In a 1903 issue, Christian educator and author D.R. Dungan (1837–1920) listed 15 strengths of our movement. No. 6: "Administering the ordinances in the same way and at the same time and for the same purpose as did the apostles and those who were taught by them, gives us strength in ourselves and character and standing before the world."
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Celebrating 37 Years of Christian Standard (1903)
The June 27, 1903, issue of Christian Standard was interesting for its extensive celebration of the 37th anniversary of the magazine. The issue listed hundreds of the magazine's "charter subscribers" who continued to receive the publication. . . .
February 16, 2023
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘When Every Preacher Was an Evangelist’ (1920)
“Brief word pictures [by evangelist J. Vincent Coombs] of a few of the men [John T. Johnson, ‘Raccoon’ John Smith, J. M. Canfield, L. C. Warren] who have typified the character of our evangelism at various stages of the history of the Restoration Movement. May every preacher be an evangelist.”
February 2, 2023
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Dates of Interest to All Members of Churches of Christ’ (1931)
In preparation for the 1931 North American Christian Convention, slated for June 17 to 21 of that year in Lexington, Ky., Christian Standard published a list of important dates in Restoration Movement history. . . .
September 29, 2022
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Jack Cottrell’s Thoughts on Biblical Inerrancy (1982)
Dr. Jack Cottrell, professor of theology at Cincinnati Christian University for 48 years, died Sept. 16, 2022. He was 84. In addition to writing 43 books, Dr. Cottrell also wrote numerous articles for Christian Standard. This one, titled "Inerrancy—Does It Really Matter?" was published nearly 40 years ago.
September 1, 2022
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Your Committee’s Ruined the Church!’ (1939)
A day or two after the finance committee mailed the letters to the church's members, the preacher came into my office. He was furious. He shouted, “Your committee’s ruined the church!” . . .
August 25, 2022
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Teaching the Worst Sunday School Class (1937)
"Pleased with the prospect of enlisting a newcomer [to teach the class], the superintendent led me to a barren, unattractive space . . . at the head of the stairs leading to the balcony of the church, where four boys around twelve years of age were huddled upon dusty, uncomfortable chairs. . . ."
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Owen Crouch’s ‘Study of Acts 2:44, 45’ (1953)
Greek scholar Owen Crouch was mentioned earlier this week in an article about Del Harris's induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Dr. Crouch served several Christian colleges and wrote 10 books. Today we share an article from 1953 that Dr. Crouch wrote about Acts 2:44-45.
Throwback Thursday: ‘Have We Outgrown the Plea?’ (1952)
"Have we outgrown the plea?" Will Sweeney is still right. The answer is, “No.” For to outgrow the plea, we would have to outgrow the Bible. . . .
March 1, 2022
The Search for Authentic Church Membership
What Leaders Were Saying About This Topic 90–150 Years Ago, from the Christian Standard Archives
