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.
Sam Stone wrote in 1962, "If the early leaders of the Restoration movement are like men engaged in a race, it might be said that Barton Warren Stone took an early lead, but was later passed by Alexander Campbell." Sam Stone contended that Barton Stone was deserving of greater appreciation . . . and he did so by presenting this "survey of his life." . . .
May 1, 2024
Where is the Restoration Movement today and why do I even need to know this? . . .
Is it still possible to honor our Lord’s prayer for unity and thus carry out his Great Commission? . . .
"In one sense Christians are clones," Virgil Felton wrote in 1984. "We are cloned in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). We are cloned by a new birth (John 3:5). We are cloned as new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). . . ."
April 18, 2024
When Isaac Errett [1820–1888] came into leadership in the Restoration movement there was need of a new type of literature. . . . His writings were more Scriptural and less theological, more practical and less philosophical. . . .
The Restoration Movement is "not liberal, not really evangelical, not fundamentalist—as a group we are generally conservative, but not consistently so," LeRoy Lawson wrote in 2006. "In fact, critics could accuse us of not being consistently anything" . . .
"Is there a church that has no story to tell about prayers at the Lord’s table?" William S. Boice asked in 1984. "We of the New Testament order often find ourselves criticized by our denominational brethren of a more liturgical custom who find our somewhat casual approach to Communion to be nearly offensive. It bears thinking about." . . .
March 21, 2024
"Not 1804, not 1809," Ira M. Boswell wrote in 1924, "but that day in January, 1832, when the union between the Disciples of Christ and the Christians was consummated, is the greatest date in religious history between Pentecost and now" . . .
March 14, 2024
"Their [the Restoration pioneers'] troubles were many. There were enemies without and within," Ira M. Boswell wrote in 1924. "I shall not have time to notice them all, but will give my attention to those which prevailed before the union between the disciples of Christ and Christians" . . .
March 7, 2024
"The nineteenth century dawned on an America that was far from Christian. Unbelief was prevalent and popular," Ira M. Boswell wrote in 1924. "The Bible was considered a dead book and the gospel powerless to save. Speaking to sinners concerning personal salvation was objectionable to pious believers, and looked upon as a personal interference with the plans of God." . . .
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. . . .
March 1, 2024
What can we learn by reviewing Restoration Movement history? . . .
March 1, 2024
Some churches have rejected a turn toward more progressive theology . . .
March 1, 2024
Reflections on the centennial issue of Christian Standard from 1966 . . .
March 1, 2024
Why the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have declined since opting to become a denomination . . .
March 1, 2024
By Martin Robinson and Mont Mitchell Some have claimed that Christian Churches and Churches of Christ are the first group of churches to grow up in America—as if they’re an entirely American creation. Well, there’s more to the story. Shared Understanding Churches with a broadly “Restorationist” ideal had arisen in various parts of Britain in the late 18th century. Though they varied in ideas and went by different names—Scotch Baptists, Haldane churches, Sandemanian churches—they shared a commitment to congregational autonomy, governance by elders and deacons, weekly Communion, and believers’ baptism. Some congregations could trace their origins to somewhere around the
March 1, 2024
Christian Standard will be focusing on the Restoration Movement over the next several months . . .
March 1, 2024
When I was a teen in the late 1960s, my church became a verbal battleground . . .
March 1, 2024
Exploring the pivotal issues that gave rise to two major divisions (and a number of smaller ones) . . .
March 1, 2024
A listing of Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ started before 1860 . . .
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May 13, 2026
Shawn McMullen
May 12, 2026
Rick Cherok
May 12, 2026
David Faust