August 17, 2005
Mark A. Taylor reflects on low attendance at this year’s NACC regional conferences, arguing regionalization weakened connection and “all or nothing” registration discouraged partial attendance—raising fresh questions about the value of a national gathering.
August 10, 2005
Stress and aging are linked, but strong friendships can help. Mark A. Taylor reflects on entering a new stage of life and points to the church’s “one another” life as a practical path to support and aging well.
August 3, 2005
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July 27, 2005
A Central Park conversation reveals how stereotypes distort our view of unfamiliar communities. This reflection urges Christians to learn from and support those sharing the gospel in neighborhoods unlike their own.
July 20, 2005
A reflection on Matthew 25:40 and ministry with families affected by disabilities—examining motives for service, resisting hidden selfishness, and discovering how Christians can learn, receive, and grow alongside those they serve.
July 13, 2005
A child’s view of ministry is shaped early at home. This piece urges families and churches to model respect, prayer, and support for ministers—especially when a child senses a call that may lead far from home.
Mark A. Taylor warns against delaying ministry until everything feels certain. Disneyland’s chaotic opening day becomes a reminder that creativity can be messy, hard work can cover mistakes, and determination can still carry a worthy vision forward.
June 29, 2005
Church conversations often treat size as a badge of credibility. A Catholic case in Spain raises a harder question: can a smaller, purer church have deeper impact than cultural Christianity that has lost its “saltiness”?
Mark A. Matson revisits the Stone-Campbell Movement’s long pursuit of unity and engages Rubel Shelly and John York’s The Jesus Proposal, urging churches to center fellowship on relationship with Jesus rather than secondary disputes.
June 22, 2005
Mark A. Taylor warns against “style over substance” in church life and points to The Jesus Proposal’s call for relationship with Jesus—grounded in scriptural truth—to avoid hollow legalism.
Mark A. Taylor considers why people ask for doctrinal statements and what churches choose to publish online. He notes how “What We Believe” pages help visitors understand a church’s bedrock convictions.
A substitute teacher celebrates a smooth first-grade class but struggles with a lesson aim too abstract for kids. Mark A. Taylor points to HeartShaper as a practical, multisensory curriculum built around how children actually learn.
June 4, 2005
A choir concert by Purdue University’s men’s glee club packed an auditorium during a church music conference, stirring congregational hymn-singing and raising a lingering question about choral music’s place in local churches today.
May 29, 2005
A review of Love, Laughter and Leadership, the biography of Wayne B. Smith of Southland Christian Church. Highlights his humor, humility, family, friendships, and lasting influence in ministry.
May 29, 2005
Mark A. Taylor introduces Wayne Smith’s example of joy and servant leadership, pointing readers to Rod Huron’s biography Love, Laughter and Leadership. Lessons in work, humility, giving, and intentional leadership make it “good medicine.”
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A tribute to Edwin Hayden, former CHRISTIAN STANDARD editor and longtime elder, remembered for humility, careful conviction, and enduring encouragement. Friends and former students recall his influence, his care for others, and his Christ-centered focus.
January 1, 2001
In a culture saturated with sexual messages, the church must speak clearly and compassionately about God’s design. This editor’s note urges congregations to be positive, patient, and gracious while telling the truth with love.
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