June 30, 2026
Think Discipleship
A reflection on Real Life Ministries, small groups, and how intentional leaders, relational environments, and reproducible processes can move people from spectators to mature disciple-makers.
Series: Columns
June 1, 2026
No Matter Where You Serve the Lord, You Are Part of Something Really Big!
Ministry impact isn’t measured by numbers or applause. Wherever you serve, you’re part of God’s vast kingdom—spanning generations, cultures, and eternity—where the Lord honors faithful service.
Your Ministry Matters
In this Editor’s note, Shawn McMullen encourages church leaders—especially in small congregations—to remember that every faithful ministry matters. Prioritize personal holiness and depth with Christ, and trust God with the breadth of the impact.
March 27, 2026
Most Iranians Aren’t Even Muslim! Shocking Stats to Consider as America is at War with Iran
Tyler McKenzie highlights 2020 survey findings about religion in Iran, noting rising secular identification alongside spiritual openness. He reflects on missional opportunity, compassion over coercion, digital outreach, and praying for war to end and suffering to be limited.
March 13, 2026
Unexpected Friendships
David Faust explores unexpected friendships—from public figures to Scripture—and encourages readers to pursue “bold” relationships that stretch their comfort zone, including intergenerational connections and friendships with those others may overlook.
March 13, 2026
Thinking Downward
Jerry Harris explains why “becoming all things to all people” is often misapplied and how churches can stay outwardly focused. He introduces “the dot,” a philosophy of downward focus that helps shape relevance for reaching the 80 percent outside.
March 13, 2026
True Friends
Proverbs 17:17 sums up well the work of true friends: “A friend loves at all times.” The love of true friends is expressed in a variety of ways. This editorial identifies some of them.
March 13, 2026
Why Can’t We Be Friends?
David Wright urges church elders to move beyond agendas into genuine friendship. He names common barriers, calls for humility and grace, and offers practical ways to build trust, unity, and a stronger leadership witness.
March 13, 2026
Equipping God’s People
Chris Philbeck reflects on leading a preaching cohort and the biblical call to equip God’s people. He shares how preaching becomes most powerful when Scripture first transforms the preacher and produces authenticity that can’t be faked.
March 13, 2026
Every Superhero Needs a Squad
Kent Fillinger uses superhero teams to encourage pastors not to serve in isolation. He highlights rising pastoral loneliness and offers practical ways solo ministers can find support, accountability, and encouragement through trusted ministry relationships.
January 1, 2026
Preach the Real Gospel
Discernment isn’t knowing the difference between right and wrong; it’s knowing the difference between right and almost right. Almost right will never be enough when it comes to someone’s eternal destiny.
Bearing The Standard of The Movement for 160 Years
The year 2026 marks Christian Standard’s 160th anniversary, underscoring our long history and deep connection with The Restoration Movement.
January 1, 2026
Obergefell, Kim Davis, and Same-Sex Marriage … Reflecting on the Last 10 Years
It’s not enough for us to believe that God’s Word has something to say about the issues of our time. We must also desire to model a better way of discussing them.
January 1, 2026
Succession and the Church
Few churches handle lead minister succession well, but there are four steps for an effective succession PLAN (Prepare, Look Ahead, Assess, Navigate).
January 1, 2026
Bridging the Leadership Gap: Essential Steps for Church Succession
Elders and pastors need to intentionally work to identify and develop future pastors and leaders, viewing this as both a calling and a priority.
January 1, 2026
Serving in the Shadows
If your main motivation is to please other people, and your self-worth depends on others’ approval, you will be frustrated and disappointed.
November 6, 2025
The Crux of Evangelism
It comes down to this: Do you care? Do you value lost people? Do you have the same compassion for them that Christ had for you (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)?
November 6, 2025
Love’s Persuasive Power
Love has persuasive power. Compassion makes our arguments more convincing, but without love, our arguments sound hollow.
November 6, 2025
Gone Fishing Lately?
If we’re serious about trying to reach lost sinners and fish for people like Jesus told us to, then it’s essential we understand the beliefs, behavior, and belonging of those we’re fishing for so we can use the right kind of “bait.”
November 6, 2025
Planting the Seeds of Peace in Marriage
Peace isn’t just a seed. It’s a strategy. It’s strength. It’s Spirit. And peace, just might be the generational tree where your legacy rests.
