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
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.
February 10, 2022
Throwback Thursday: Ordained by a Grandmother’s Prayer (1978)
"I cannot remember when I first decided to enter the ministry," James B. North wrote in 1978. "It seems the decision has always been with me." Later in life, he learned the rest of the story. (Dr. North died earlier this week.)
January 6, 2022
Throwback Thursday: ‘Why Do Preachers Want Crowds?’ (1941)
"We have so long listened to prattle about the sermon being a work of art that we have come to believe it," Joseph H. Dampier wrote in 1941. "The sermon should not be a work of art; it should be a tool and the art should be the work it accomplishes."
December 23, 2021
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘One Little Bell’ (1972)
Blanche Claycomb wrote in 1972, "A memory I shall always treasure is a mental picture of our eldest son. Jim was about fifteen months old, and the sights and sounds of Christmas filled his little eyes and heart with joy." . . .
December 16, 2021
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Good Tidings of Great Joy’ (1956)
Luke takes us to Bethlehem and gives us a glimpse of the events that transpired on that memorable night when Jesus was born. No other message in all literature has so blessed men, women, and children as this account of the birth of Jesus as recorded by Luke, the physician.
December 9, 2021
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘There Is Peace on Earth’ (1941)
Here is a front-page Christmas editorial that appeared two weeks after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and America’s entry into World War II.
November 25, 2021
Throwback Thursday: ‘He . . . Gave Thanks’
In a 1954 editorial about Thanksgiving, Burris Butler wrote: "As a nation we have been blessed with abundant material benefits. For these we may properly give thanks, but our thanksgiving should not stop there . . ."
October 21, 2021
Throwback Thursday: Reconsecrating a Church
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 13, 2021
Noninstrumental Churches of Christ Facing Uncertain Future
Jack R. Reese’s book "At the Blue Hole: Elegy for a Church on the Edge" chronicles the rise and fall of the noninstrumental Churches of Christ. The book includes several startling facts and concerning predictions from leading researchers in the Church of Christ fellowship.
October 7, 2021
Throwback Thursday: ‘How I Happened to Be a Minister’
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
He Made Us Better: The Life and Ministry of Sam E. Stone
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
August 30, 2021
Seeds of a Movement
Excerpts from Jerry Harris's devotional thoughts presented on the 220th anniversary of the Cane Ridge Revival earlier this month.
August 19, 2021
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Refuting an Abusive Speech about ‘Babtism’
"It was here in the summer of 1838 that a very pretentious doctor . . . had so frightened one of our able debaters of those times, that he obtained and rejoiced in the name of ‘Campbellite Killer.’”
Throwback Thursday: Excerpts from ‘It Worked for Us’ (Circa 1941)
From 1935 to 1944, Joe B. Maffett penned a monthly column called “It Worked for Us.” Maffett, a minister from North Tonawanda, N.Y., sought input from readers for the aptly titled column. Here are three short items from 1941. . . .
1901 Obituary: ‘Good Old Bro. Wells’
"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."
Welshimer’s Advice to a Bible College Student (Circa 1931)
"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."
Preacher, Educator George Faull Dies
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.
The Understanding Distance
In January 1846, Alexander Campbell wrote an article on biblical interpretation for the Millennial Harbinger with a message that is as relevant now as it was then. There is a distance which is properly called the speaking distance, or the hearing distance, beyond which the voice reaches not, and the ear hears not. To hear another, we must come within that circle which the voice audibly fills. Now, we may with propriety say that as it respects God there is an understanding distance, Campbell asserted. All within that distance can easily understand God in all matters of piety and morality,
February 25, 2021
Sam E. Stone: Reflecting on 25 Years as Editor
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
Sam E. Stone: Anecdotes from Articles
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 . . . _ _
