Hoping to See You in Cincinnati!
Standard Publishing welcomes the North American Christian Convention to Cincinnati with sponsored events including a Restoration Heritage Tour, luncheon, President’s Reception, and Minister’s Mentorship Breakfasts.
Series: Blogs
June 4, 2008
Four Standards for Small Groups
Mark A. Taylor identifies four standards for thriving small groups: begin with the Bible, adopt a strategy, train leaders, and expect community to grow organically.
May 28, 2008
Can We Do It His Way?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Christian unity, Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address, and a Great Communion opportunity calling believers toward the bold possibility of “one church.”
May 21, 2008
From Guilt to Joy
Mark A. Taylor reflects on guilt, comparison, time, and money, showing how Christians can serve others generously while using everything they have for God’s glory.
May 14, 2008
Some Prayer Requests Can Hurt
Mark A. Taylor warns that prayer requests can become gossip when curiosity, self-righteousness, or public criticism replace humility, privacy, and genuine concern.
May 7, 2008
Beyond the Steeples
Mark A. Taylor reflects on churches without steeples, showing how ordinary acts of service, evangelism, and faithful neighborhood witness reveal the church at work beyond its walls.
April 30, 2008
External Focus, Careful Balance
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the challenge of balancing evangelism and social action, urging externally focused churches to bring together good deeds and good news.
Available Only from Us
By Mark A. Taylor This information isn”t available anywhere else. That was the comment one reader made about the expanded Christian college issue CHRISTIAN STANDARD published March 16. The same is true for this week”s issue. Hidden on the computer hard drives of several campus ministers, the directory we publish annually tells our thousands of readers about these ministries. Keep this issue or send it to college-age students you know. Or find the directory at our Web site and bookmark it for future reference. Hundreds of Christian students on secular campuses across the country are making life-changing commitments to God
April 16, 2008
Struggles in High Places
Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership struggles at Facebook echo challenges many church and parachurch leaders face: rapid growth, pressure to sustain the work, and the temptation to lead on one’s own terms.
April 9, 2008
About Megachurches, for Every Church
A look at this year’s megachurch reports highlights standout growth and baptism numbers, notes a recent decline in overall totals, and points readers to the 2007 Megachurch Report: Deluxe Edition for deeper analysis.
April 2, 2008
Presidents, Preachers, Passion, and Public Speaking
A young voter’s desire for “relatable” language raises a deeper challenge for the church. Compelling speech matters, but lasting influence requires substance—especially for preachers seeking to reach a generation that’s often absent from church.
March 26, 2008
Who Cares Who”s Watching?
How much of today’s “good behavior” is driven by character—and how much by the fear of being seen? A reflection on YouTube-era visibility, public reputation, and what it means to do good when no one’s watching.
March 19, 2008
A Program to Recognize the Leaders You Know
Christian Standard invites readers to nominate outstanding servants whose Christian character and leadership are making a difference. Learn the simple criteria, where to find forms, and the April 1 nomination deadline.
Why Attend a Christian College?
Mark A. Taylor contrasts two freshman orientation messages—one from a Christian college and one from a state university—and points readers to a special issue showing how Christian colleges pursue spiritual growth alongside intellectual development.
March 5, 2008
Your Opinion About Our Unique Identity
CHRISTIAN STANDARD invites readers to complete a survey about connection and identity within the Restoration Movement. The article highlights encouraging growth and influence, while raising concerns about drifting from the movement’s unique plea.
February 27, 2008
We Can Agree on Some Things About Elders
A reflection on elders who quietly shepherd, encourage their preacher, and serve without pretense. Even amid differing conclusions, the church still needs humble leaders who protect and support the local flock.
February 20, 2008
The Possibilities”“and the Purposes”“of Staying Connected
Mark A. Taylor reflects on global inequality, the Restoration plea, and the need for connection across independent congregations—then points to the World Convention as a rare chance to learn, unite, and engage the world’s needs.
February 13, 2008
This Is What”s “˜Actually Happening”
Mark A. Taylor reflects on why the North American Christian Convention remains worth engaging, pointing to Cam Huxford’s perspective on growth, mission, change, and the shared essentials celebrated at the NACC.
February 6, 2008
Mike Huckabee, Cultural Decay, and Christians Like Us
Peggy Noonan’s criticism of Mike Huckabee drew passionate letters from supporters who see cultural decay as America’s central crisis. The article argues government can’t fix hearts—and lasting change comes through yielding to God’s Word and Spirit.
January 30, 2008
Ministers: The Happiest Workers in America
A Time survey said clergy are America’s happiest workers. Mark A. Taylor reflects on ministry’s pressures and why lasting joy often comes from serving others and offering hope in Jesus’ name.
