January 27, 2010
Ever Heard a Minister Talk About Himself?
Mark A. Taylor invites church members to look beyond a minister’s public role, listen to his challenges, and offer prayer, encouragement, help, and support.
Series: Blogs
January 20, 2010
Don”t Let Us Forget
Mark A. Taylor reminds church leaders that children’s ministry can fade from adult attention—and urges congregations to keep children visible, involved, and valued in the life of the church.
January 13, 2010
Time-Consuming . . . and Effective!
By Mark A. Taylor One of the most time-consuming methods for developing volunteers is also one of the most effective””and most overlooked. Some call it discipleship. Lately the popular word has been mentoring. Both terms describe a similar approach: ongoing, individualized attention to a person for the purpose of helping him or her grow spiritually and discover his call to Christian service. A number of methods, strategies, and approaches are out there. But I”ll never forget the advice Dr. Steven Hancock gave me and the rest of his Christian education students in seminary many years ago. “Whenever you do anything
January 6, 2010
All Work and No Play?
Why Play Matters for Children, Work, and Ministry Mark A. Taylor reflects on research and reporting that connect boredom, play, creativity, and healthier relationships. Drawing from insights about children, engineers, and church leaders, he considers whether playful space may help adults work and serve together better. Boredom can give children room to think, create, and solve problems. Play may strengthen creativity, memory, problem-solving, and workplace relationships. Church staff and leaders may benefit from unstructured time that builds trust. By Mark A. Taylor “The brain in its relaxed state is more creative, makes more nuanced connections and is ripe for eureka
December 30, 2009
Leading the Discussion
Christian Standard previews its 2010 editorial year, including 12 special themed issues, a new lineup of “Reflections” writers, and an invitation for readers to join the conversation.
December 16, 2009
We Can Be the Gift
Mark A. Taylor reflects on a year of “Get Your Hands Dirty” stories and the churches showing Christ’s love through generous Christmas outreach and ongoing service.
December 9, 2009
Surrender Comes Slowly
Mark A. Taylor reflects on surgery, health concerns, and the slow lesson of surrendering control to God through uncertainty, waiting, and physical weakness.
December 2, 2009
An Issue to Discuss, a Resource to Consider
Mark A. Taylor highlights practical evangelism resources and shares an excerpt from Arron Chambers’s Eats With Sinners, emphasizing intentional relationships and shared meals as a biblical model for reaching lost people.
November 25, 2009
Daily Choices and the Ultimate Test
Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s story reminds us that quiet, faithful choices prepare people for life’s tests, even when their service happens far from public recognition.
November 18, 2009
Meeting the Needs by Providing the Wants
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how Christian Standard and The Lookout provide biblical perspectives readers need, while announcing a contributing editor rotation involving Jim Tune and Jon Weece.
November 11, 2009
The Most Important Leadership Task
Mark A. Taylor highlights the often-hidden work of leadership: developing new leaders through coaching, training, service, modeling, and prayer.
November 4, 2009
Like a Good Neighbor?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on difficult neighbors and the Bible’s call to love actively, seeking the good of those nearby even when neighbor love is hard.
Tell Us Your Read!
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Pat Williams’s challenge to keep reading and introduces Christian Standard contributors’ book recommendations for leaders and readers.
October 21, 2009
A Life that Matters
Mark A. Taylor reflects on success, aging, and Ecclesiastes, pointing readers toward a life that matters by fearing God and keeping his commandments.
October 14, 2009
No Laughing Matter
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Jay Leno’s disciplined preparation and asks what might change if Christian servants brought similar passion to teaching, preaching, evangelism, and discipleship.
September 30, 2009
Tell Us About Your Celebration!
Churches planning Great Communion celebrations are encouraged to move forward, even if October 4 is too soon, and to use the observance as a step toward visible Christian unity.
September 23, 2009
What We Do, Why It Matters
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how the North American Christian Convention has encouraged ministers through simple conversations, shared worship, and timely reminders that they are not alone.
September 16, 2009
Put on Your Shoes
Mark A. Taylor reflects on simple obedience, biblical examples, and the next faithful step God asks us to take while we trust him with the larger outcome.
September 9, 2009
Read the Report, Get the Deluxe Edition
Mark A. Taylor introduces Christian Standard’s first medium-sized church report, invites more congregations to participate, and highlights the expanded Deluxe Edition survey findings for ministry evaluation.
September 2, 2009
Reflecting Our Desire to Serve a Diverse Fellowship
Mark A. Taylor explains how Christian Standard’s contributing editors reflect the fellowship’s diversity and introduces three new voices joining the magazine’s rotating advisory group.
