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.

April 2, 2006

Christian Standard

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

Doug Priest

Restoration Movement History

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.

November 30, 2005

LeRoy Lawson

Restoration Movement History Key Documents

What Kind of Church Is This?

In a world full of denominations, this article explains the Restoration Movement’s unity vision—“Christians only”—and traces key roots, leaders, and documents that shaped Christian churches and churches of Christ.

October 30, 2005

James B. North

Restoration Movement History

How several streams helped shape the Restoration Movement

Union in Truth

A historical overview of the Restoration Movement’s early streams, highlighting Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Barton W. Stone, and other related efforts pursuing “Union in Truth” and simple New Testament Christianity.

October 30, 2005

Clint Gill

Restoration Movement History Key Documents

The Church Is Intentionally One (Part 2 or 3)

Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address calls Christians to unity rooted in God’s reconciling work in Christ. Drawing from Paul’s teaching, Clint Gill urges the church to reject human divisions and live as “one new humanity.”

October 23, 2005

Clint Gill

Restoration Movement History Key Documents

The Church Is Essentially One (Part 1 or 3)

Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address challenged division and urged a scriptural basis for unity. Clint Gill argues the New Testament church is fundamentally relationships and fellowship, calling today’s heirs of the Restoration plea to renewed self-examination.

May 15, 2005

Mark A. Taylor

Restoration Movement History Biographies

Soft-Spoken, Kind, and Fondly Remembered

A tribute to Edwin Hayden, former CHRISTIAN STANDARD editor and longtime elder, remembered for humility, careful conviction, and enduring encouragement. Friends and former students recall his influence, his care for others, and his Christ-centered focus.