
November 5, 2026
Not Just on Sunday
Lonetta McKee

Irresistible Unity | Christian Standard, July 2017 explores Restoration Movement unity, rural ministry, church planting, leadership, and the future of the local church.
Irresistible Unity | Christian Standard, July 2017 centers on the identity, mission, and shared future of the Restoration Movement while also exploring church planting, rural ministry, leadership, worship, and ministry to millennials. The issue opens with Jerry Harris’s call for renewed unity across the movement, urging churches to embrace the power of shared conviction and shared mission. Tyler McKenzie continues that theme in “Irresistible Unity,” arguing that truth and unity must be held together with humility, accommodation, and cross-shaped love.
This issue also highlights practical ministry in several contexts. David Dummitt explains why church planting should matter to every church. Kent Fillinger offers research and large-church insights, while Haydn Shaw addresses the challenge of reaching millennials. Chuck Dennie writes on what makes a worship leader great, and the feature article tells the story of Roachdale Christian Church in Indiana, where a young millennial staff is helping a longtime rural congregation grow with fresh vision and strong local roots.
Additional articles honor influential voices within the movement, especially Wayne B. Smith, and reflect on the Restoration ideal, loyalty, and leadership. Together, these visible contents make July 2017 a strong issue for readers interested in Restoration Movement unity, church leadership, and the future of local church ministry.
For readers researching Restoration Movement unity, Irresistible Unity | Christian Standard, July 2017 offers both reflection and practical help for churches seeking faithful mission, healthier relationships, and renewed hope.
2-4 | Letter from the Publisher
A Plea for the Restoration Movement
Jerry Harris
11-13 | Movement
5 Reasons Church Planting Should Matter to You
David Dummitt
14-17 | Metrics
Large-Church Insights
Kent Fillinger
20-24 | Relevance
Called to Serve Millennials, but Can We Reach Them?
Haydn Shaw
26-27 | Creative
3 Things that Make a Worship Leader Great
Chuck Dennie
30 | Irresistible Unity
Restoring Unity to the Restoration Movement
Tyler McKenzie
34-39 | Feature Article
The New Face of Rural Ministry
How one special church in sleepy Indiana is looking younger than ever!
40 | In Wayne’s Own Words
Barry Cameron
46 | A Profoundly Influential Leader
Ken Idleman
52 | The Restoration Ideal Still Works
Ben Merold
56 | Misplaced Loyalty?
Jeff Faull
62 | Communion Meditation
Kidnapped by the Taliban
Ron Davis
63-64 | Letter from the Editor
Michael C. Mack
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