December 12, 2010
Blind Copies
Mark A. Taylor considers how churches can move beyond copycat ministry models and embrace missional imagination shaped by their unique calling, community, and purpose.
Series: Blogs
December 5, 2010
A Story to Challenge All of Us
New church plants in Greater Salt Lake City grew from years of collaboration, leadership, and prayer among Restoration Movement leaders committed to seeing the work continue.
November 10, 2010
Worshipping . . . or Watching?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on congregational singing and urges worship planners to move beyond polished presentations toward services that invite meaningful participation.
October 23, 2010
A Challenge for All of Us
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how a church “Preacher Boys Club” helped shape future ministers and invites readers to encourage one young person toward vocational Christian service.
October 19, 2010
As We Publish Our Hiring Articles
Mark A. Taylor reflects on a young minister’s painful transition and urges churches to follow careful hiring procedures that clarify expectations before calling a new minister.
October 15, 2010
Embracing Esperanza
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the Chilean mine rescue, a daughter named Esperanza, and the living hope God gives through Christ’s resurrection.
October 5, 2010
“Nondenominational” Wins the Day!
Christian Churches and the Growth of Nondenominational Congregations This article reflects on Marshall Leggett’s comments at the Congress of Elders about the strengths of independent Christian churches. It also notes the growing number of large and fast-growing churches identifying as nondenominational, including many congregations connected with the Christian churches. Marshall Leggett described Christian churches as “radically congregationally governed.” Outreach magazine’s lists showed many large and fast-growing churches identifying as nondenominational. The article argues that Christian churches may be well positioned for growth amid declining denominational loyalty. The north entrance of Savannah (Georgia) Christian Church By Mark A. Taylor “We in
September 28, 2010
Christian Churches, Large Churches, Growing Churches
Several Christian churches appeared on Outreach magazine’s lists of America’s largest and fastest-growing congregations, led by Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
September 21, 2010
Special for Many Reasons
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the 2010 North American Christian Convention, where the “Disturb me” theme, prayer gatherings, fresh programming, and guest voices challenged attendees to move beyond comfort.
September 15, 2010
Sad Because She Left Us
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Anne Rice’s disappointment with the church and points instead to the grace, welcome, and authentic community Christians are called to build together.
September 8, 2010
Anne Rice”s Decision Makes Me Sad
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Anne Rice’s public break with Christianity, the pain caused by broken people in the church, and the sadness of believers who miss the good.
September 1, 2010
Downloadable Resources You May Not Know About
Mark A. Taylor highlights the print and downloadable versions of What Kind of Church Is This?, a Christian Standard resource churches can use with visitors, new members, and inquirers.
August 25, 2010
I Can See You, September
As summer slips away, Mark A. Taylor reflects on the sadness and gratitude that come with changing seasons—and the fresh ministry opportunities churches often find as fall schedules and routines return.
August 18, 2010
Encouraged . . . and Disturbed
Mark A. Taylor reflects on worship at the North American Christian Convention, the hope of Heaven’s reunion, and Ben Cachiaras’s challenge to be disturbed toward service.
August 11, 2010
Remember Your Baptism, Teach About Baptism
Mark A. Taylor points readers to Bruce Shields’s “Remember Your Baptism” and a practical baptism resource for teaching, reflection, and faithful Christian witness.
August 8, 2010
Were You Old Enough to Be Baptized?
Mark A. Taylor urges readers to discuss baptism with patience and charity, reflects on his own baptism, and points beyond personal experience toward careful conclusions that honor God.
August 1, 2010
Avoiding Burnout, Surviving Burnout
Christian leaders can resist burnout by breaking patterns of personal obligation, self-sacrifice, self-abuse, and isolation while pursuing healthier rhythms for long-term ministry.
July 14, 2010
Letting Go: The First Step Beyond
Mark A. Taylor reflects on surrender, control, and Jesus’ call to leave the nets behind in pursuit of deeper discipleship and joy.
July 7, 2010
Hot Days, Fresh Thoughts
Mark A. Taylor reflects on summer’s slower pace as an invitation to reconsider worship, Scripture, and the Spirit’s refreshing work in Sunday gatherings and everyday discipleship.
Our Gift to You, Your Gift to Us
Mark A. Taylor introduces the newly redesigned Christian Standard, explaining how the updated look supports the magazine’s long-standing mission to resource Christian churches.
