June 1, 2008
Up a Creek . . . with a Paddle-Wheeler!
A 1908 Oregon Christian Convention offering helped launch a steamboat for Congo mission work, inspiring a century-later remembrance of faith, generosity, and shared mission.
Restoration Movement History
Restoration Movement History explores the people, ideas, and events that shaped the Stone-Campbell/Restoration Movement and its ongoing influence on the church today. Discover articles on key moments, core convictions, significant leaders, documents, and the movement’s theological and cultural development. You’ll find historical context, biographies, and thoughtful reflections that help readers understand where the movement came from and how its story continues to inform ministry and discipleship. This hub is for anyone who wants a deeper grasp of Restoration Movement roots and legacy.
Can We Do It His Way?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Christian unity, Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address, and a Great Communion opportunity calling believers toward the bold possibility of “one church.”
January 3, 2008
“Union in Truth”: Still Our Motto!
On the 200th anniversary of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address, Victor Knowles reflects on “union in truth,” the Restoration Movement’s growth, and the movement’s divided streams—urging believers toward unity grounded in Holy Scripture.
December 16, 2007
Scholarship in the Stone-Campbell Movement
Douglas A. Foster traces how anti-intellectualism shaped the Stone-Campbell Movement—and how Disciples, churches of Christ, and Christian churches/churches of Christ increasingly embraced rigorous scholarship and wider academic engagement.
November 4, 2007
Common Ties, Gratefully Shared
Standard Publishing donated a major archival collection to the Disciples of Christ Historical Society in Nashville, including 19th-century periodicals, key leaders’ books, and thousands of biographical files that help preserve Stone-Campbell history.
August 29, 2007
Interview with Pete and Pat Mitchell
For 58 years, Pete and Pat Mitchell—“The Singing Mitchells”—served churches through music, revivals, and steady travel from their home in Robinson, Illinois. They share how marriage, family life, and ministry shaped their journey.
June 24, 2007
Traveling the Unity Road
Victor Knowles reflects on churches of Christ and Christian churches unity after the 2006 NACC, highlighting shared worship, mission partnerships, leadership conversations, and renewed fellowship across the Restoration Movement.
June 10, 2007
An Unfinished Restoration Acknowledged
Gary Weedman reflects on the unfinished work of restoration within the Stone-Campbell fellowship and highlights contemporary voices calling the church back to ancient worship, spiritual life, and unity.
Celebrating a Celebration
Why celebrate 2009? Pat Magness reflects on the bicentennial of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address and the centennial of the 1909 Pittsburgh gathering—then points to a Lord’s Supper–centered vision for renewed unity.
December 10, 2006
The Restoration Movement: Its Vitality, Quirks, and Needs in the 21st Century
LeRoy Lawson reflects on the Restoration Movement’s quirks and strengths, then points to key needs ahead—renewed purpose, celebrated diversity, deeper cooperation, and relevance to the pre-Christian world.
October 1, 2006
Why I Left the Christian Church
By Kent Williams I have spent my entire life in the Christian church. I graduated from a Christian church college, as did my wife. Both of my sons attended that same college. I ministered for 25 years in Christian churches. In my family and my wife”s family there are ministers and missionaries serving in Christian churches. I have led revivals, spoken at conventions, served on boards, and written articles almost exclusively with organizations associated with Christian churches. Almost all of my friends in ministry serve Christian churches. But a couple of years ago I left the Christian church. I was
September 17, 2006
NACC President’s Message: Together in Christ
David Faust calls the Restoration Movement to rebuild unity through Christ. Using Ephesians 4 and vivid “earthquake” imagery, he urges shared mission, humble attitudes, and practical steps—prayer, heart change, and peace-making—to keep the unity of the Spirit.
July 2, 2006
A Common Plea: From the New Book ‘Together Again’
A book excerpt urging humility and unity: Jesus’ words in Mark 9 and Restoration Movement leaders remind believers to be “Christians only,” while admitting we are not the only Christians.
1906: The True Story
A closer look at the people and correspondence behind the 1906 Census of Religious Bodies—and how its published data became a lasting symbol of the Churches of Christ and Disciples of Christ division.
We Strayed from Original Principles
Tom Langford revisits Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address to show how insisting on human inferences as fellowship tests fueled division. He offers a hopeful Lubbock example of unity pursued without sacrificing convictions.
Relationships Prevent Misunderstandings
James B. North argues the 1906 division grew from deeper tensions than organs or missionary societies. He points to relationships, trust, and liberty in opinion as keys that might have prevented separation.
CHRISTIAN STANDARD AT 140: It Fills a Hole in the Sky
Ben Cachiaras reflects on The Christian Standard’s 140 years, using a willow tree metaphor to show why the magazine remains a vital hub for communication, conversation, and encouragement across the movement.
April 2, 2006
CHRISTIAN STANDARD AT 140: 140 Years of Leadership
By Henry E. Webb Seven score years ago (to borrow Abraham Lincoln”s reckoning) CHRISTIAN STANDARD was launched in Cleveland, Ohio. It was at a time when the nation was facing a critical period of transition. The terrible Civil War had just ended. The South was defeated, demoralized, and impoverished. In contrast, the North was on the brink of a new era that would bring vigorous industrial expansion and technological leadership to part of the nation. If the South faced postwar depression, the North entered a time of prosperity and progressive expansion. Hitherto divided over slavery and war, the nation would
April 2, 2006
CHRISTIAN STANDARD AT 140: 25 Years as the Editor
By Sam E. Stone I can”t remember just when I started reading CHRISTIAN STANDARD. My dad subscribed to it for many years. Each week it arrived at our home in Clovis, New Mexico. I do know for sure that I was reading it regularly when I was a teenager. The evidence for that is my letter to the editor that was published on August 28, 1954. At that time the venerable W. R. Walker wrote a weekly column, “The Counselor”s Question Box.” In it he responded to questions and comments from the readers. I wrote in to take exception to
January 29, 2006
Things I Appreciate About Us
Doug Priest reflects on the Restoration Movement’s heritage and the freedoms he values—freedom to choose, fellowship, listen, serve, and cooperate—while pursuing unity and holistic ministry across the Stone-Campbell tradition.
