October 25, 2006
Do You Have a Friend?
True friendship is rare—especially for Christian leaders who feel pressure to appear perfect. Mark A. Taylor reflects on Proverbs 27 and the gift of honest counsel, trust, and encouragement among God’s people.
Series: Columns
October 18, 2006
Line ’Em Up and Lay It on ’Em
A young adult’s comment about wanting the “best speaker” raises a deeper question: have churches reduced Sunday to a sermon-centered product? With voices from theOOZE.com and 1 Corinthians 14:26, this piece calls for greater participation.
October 11, 2006
The Perfect Solution?
A radio report about video screens on grocery carts prompts a challenge to parents and churches: don’t let media replace conversation and relationship. What happens when keeping kids quiet matters more than engaging them?
October 4, 2006
The Most Challenging Pursuit
Balance is elusive in personal discipleship and in church life. Mark A. Taylor reflects on competing priorities—spiritual disciplines, evangelism, social action, and cultural engagement—and urges faithful commitment to the challenging pursuit of balance.
September 27, 2006
The Lobby Test
Vince Antonucci’s “lobby test” reveals whether churches are reaching people who have never attended church before. His challenge invites congregations to see themselves through outsiders’ eyes and pursue Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost.
September 20, 2006
Better Than Iron Pills
A 1918 issue of Christian Standard sparked a look at vintage ads—from trusses and “iron” pills to church supplies. Mark A. Taylor explains today’s updated advertising policy and who may advertise.
September 13, 2006
First Step, Big Step?
Using a child’s first steps as a picture of progress, Mark A. Taylor reflects on “first steps toward unity” at the NACC and urges continued fellowship, shared service, and evangelistic purpose.
September 6, 2006
Good News Is for Sharing
A letter distributed August 9 explains Standard Publishing’s new owner after the company was sold by Standex International to the Wicks Group, reaffirming doctrinal oversight, renewed independence, and plans for new products and services.
Something in Addition to Work
A reflection on work, rest, and the “rule of the clenched fist,” urging Sabbath-minded living. Especially on Labor Day, it reminds readers that doing nothing can make space for what truly matters.
August 23, 2006
Recognizing Leaders in Christian Service
Standard Publishing and Milligan College recognize outstanding Christian leaders through the Leaders in Christian Service award. Meet this year’s honorees, celebrated at a special breakfast during the North American Christian Convention in Louisville.
August 16, 2006
Standard Publishing Sale Announced
Standard Publishing sale details: Mark A. Taylor shares reader reactions and outlines The Wicks Group acquisition, including the appointment of publishing veteran Matthew Thibeau as CEO.
It Was a God Thing
North American Christian Convention in Louisville featured shared preaching and blended worship between Christian churches and churches of Christ, with messages of grace, reconciliation, and unity shaping the week.
August 2, 2006
God Creates, Man Imitates
God's creation shows an intricacy we can’t manufacture. From Pixar’s Cars to magnified photographs of tree bark, this reflection contrasts human craftsmanship with the beauty that can turn a simple walk in the woods into worship.
July 26, 2006
One Course, Two Kinds of Runners
Mark A. Taylor reflects on “sprinters” and “marathon runners” in ministry work—why different rhythms can clash on church staffs, and how healthy teams learn to plan, adapt, and value each other’s strengths.
July 19, 2006
Please Update Your Listing!
A church locator can help travelers and researchers—but only if listings are current. Mark A. Taylor urges churches to verify and update their Christian Church Today Locator information and highlights other site features that serve the Restoration Movement.
July 12, 2006
To Read and Remember
Mark A. Taylor connects insights from Michael Pollan and Gordon MacDonald to a simple spiritual practice: relax, slow down, and savor life—because God may be in the wait and the interruptions.
July 5, 2006
Lessons at a Lemonade Stand
A child’s lemonade stand on an empty street becomes a reminder for churches: outreach requires more than enthusiasm. To reach a culture with Christ’s message, we must go where people are and meet real needs.
June 28, 2006
Can We Allow What We Do Not Advocate?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on fellowship amid disagreement—first in families, then in churches. He calls for humility and grace that covers belief and practice, urging Christians to pursue reconciliation without compromise.
June 21, 2006
What Should We Do With Our Story?
Reflecting on how written memories can be “put away,” Mark A. Taylor calls Christian churches and churches of Christ to move beyond old divisions and embrace biblical unity through shared mission, fellowship, and forgiveness.
June 14, 2006
Quantity, Quality, and Presentation
Mark A. Taylor reflects on spiritual formation and asks whether packed church calendars can mask empty souls. Spiritual progress is a process, not a program—moving beyond busyness toward being formed to please God.
