August 25, 2010
I Can See You, September
As summer slips away, Mark A. Taylor reflects on the sadness and gratitude that come with changing seasons—and the fresh ministry opportunities churches often find as fall schedules and routines return.
Series: Columns
August 18, 2010
Extending Help, Hope to a Guatemalan Valley
By Jennifer Taylor School “˜Project” Most people in the Ulpan Valley of Guatemala live in poverty. Many can”t read. Surprisingly, a small team of engineers from middle Tennessee is changing the situation. Engineering professors and students from Lipscomb University (Nashville, Tennessee) have volunteered on short-term mission trips to Central America since 2004. They help with disaster relief or by building bridges and water towers. But short-term missions have limited value, according to Kerry Patterson, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Lipscomb, in a recent Tennessean article. “You are there for a week or 10 days, and then you are gone,”
August 18, 2010
Encouraged . . . and Disturbed
By Mark A. Taylor Holy, holy, holy, All the saints adore thee. I looked down at the floor of the convention hall, almost full with fellow-saints singing the old words, and I thought about Heaven. I glanced down my row at my wife sitting beside Pat Merold who sat beside her husband, Ben. My preacher, Tom Moll, was on the aisle in the bleachers below me; beside him were Allan Dunbar and his wife. Bob Russell was a few rows ahead of them. All around us were people I didn”t know, and they were singing too. The scene made
August 11, 2010
Remember Your Baptism, Teach About Baptism
By Mark A. Taylor More than a year ago, Bruce Shields encouraged readers, “Remember Your Baptism” (March 1, 2009). His wonderful essay sheds light on our discussion of children and baptism published last week and finished in this issue. A few lines from the conclusion of his piece: When life seems to be too hard for you to remain true to what you know is right, remember your baptism. When friends urge you to loosen up and go the way of the world, remember your baptism. When memories of guilt assail you in the night, remember your baptism. When the
August 8, 2010
Fulfilling Church Values, Meeting People”s Needs
By Jennifer Taylor From brand-new Christians to brand-new mothers, churches are inviting members to share their experiences, knowledge, and friendship with groups beginning new journeys. Significant Mothers When Evelyn Ritchie became an unwed teenage mother 21 years ago, she benefited from a local hospital program offering support and education. Today, Ritchie works with volunteers from Real Life Christian Church (Clermont, Florida) to provide the same experience for Clermont”s teen moms. In the new “ADAPT” program (Adolescent Development And Parent Training), Ritchie matches each teen””some pregnant and some parenting a new baby””with a mentor who shares parenting skills and provides encouragement.
August 8, 2010
Were You Old Enough to Be Baptized?
Mark A. Taylor urges readers to discuss baptism with patience and charity, reflects on his own baptism, and points beyond personal experience toward careful conclusions that honor God.
August 1, 2010
Avoiding Burnout, Surviving Burnout
Christian leaders can resist burnout by breaking patterns of personal obligation, self-sacrifice, self-abuse, and isolation while pursuing healthier rhythms for long-term ministry.
July 18, 2010
Dreaming It, Modeling It, and Then Giving It Away
Three ministry snapshots highlight ServeFest’s regional service movement, SetSeller.com’s practical reuse of church stage materials, and South Pacific Christian Fellowship’s church-planting partnership in New Zealand.
July 18, 2010
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Who Will Help the Poor Help Themselves?
LeRoy Lawson reviews three books that probe poverty, justice, wealth, and Christian responsibility, asking how believers should respond to the poor with wisdom, compassion, and practical help.
July 14, 2010
Letting Go: The First Step Beyond
Mark A. Taylor reflects on surrender, control, and Jesus’ call to leave the nets behind in pursuit of deeper discipleship and joy.
Making a Difference at the Coffee Center
Two church-connected coffee efforts show how fair-trade and direct-trade relationships can support farmers, strengthen missions, and help congregations fund meaningful work through everyday purchases.
July 7, 2010
Hot Days, Fresh Thoughts
Mark A. Taylor reflects on summer’s slower pace as an invitation to reconsider worship, Scripture, and the Spirit’s refreshing work in Sunday gatherings and everyday discipleship.
Our Gift to You, Your Gift to Us
Mark A. Taylor introduces the newly redesigned Christian Standard, explaining how the updated look supports the magazine’s long-standing mission to resource Christian churches.
June 23, 2010
Loving Sinners Outside Church-as-We”˜ve-Known-It
Mark A. Taylor reflects on reaching the unreached, loving people beyond comfortable church boundaries, and learning from ministries willing to encounter messy lives with gospel-shaped compassion.
June 16, 2010
Pizzeria with a Purpose
A minister’s pizzeria became a bridge to his community, prompting a challenge for Christians to build deeper relationships with people they already encounter every day.
June 9, 2010
Never More Movement, Never More Questions
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the vitality, uncertainty, and renewed questions facing Christian churches and churches of Christ as the Restoration Movement considers its identity and future.
June 6, 2010
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Three Reads to Make You Squirm
LeRoy Lawson reviews three provocative books that challenge church traditions, American worship practices, and Christians’ responsibility to the world’s poor.
June 2, 2010
The Best Kind of Sermon
Remembering Sermons That Shape Us Understanding the Impact of Memorable Sermons The influence of memorable sermons extends far beyond the walls of the church. They can impact our daily lives, shaping our values, decisions, and relationships. Consider how a sermon might inspire someone to volunteer in their community, embark on a new career path, or even reconcile with a loved one. These sermons often serve as catalysts for change, prompting us to reflect on our lives and take action. For instance, a sermon on forgiveness might inspire someone to reach out to a family member they haven’t spoken to in
May 26, 2010
Campus Ministries A Strategy for Spiritual Growth
Churches can strengthen campus ministries through giving, service, hospitality, prayer, and helping students connect with ministries that encourage spiritual growth during college.
May 19, 2010
The Case for Staying Connected
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Scot McKnight’s praise for the Restoration Movement and the ongoing need for connection among Christian churches and leaders.
