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.
Series: Columns
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.
A New Reason to Register
Mark A. Taylor encourages readers to register for the North American Christian Convention, highlighting worship, preaching, workshops, fellowship, and a free CHRISTIAN STANDARD gift subscription.
May 9, 2010
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Will You Lead? Will You Serve?
LeRoy Lawson reviews books by Jeff Jarvis, Gary Hamel, and Seth Godin, drawing leadership lessons for churches, organizations, and the Restoration Movement.
May 5, 2010
Why Do Sons of Elders Become Elders Too?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how elders and other Christian leaders shape the next generation through example, maturity, service, and unconditional love.
April 28, 2010
Pondering the Demands on My Abundance
After visiting Nairobi’s slums with Christian Missionary Fellowship, Mark A. Taylor reflects on privilege, abundance, and Jesus’ call to greater responsibility.
April 21, 2010
Tools to Help You Use the Arts
Standard Publishing highlights creative resources for churches using drama, interactive worship, and classic art to support evangelism, Bible teaching, and discipleship.
April 11, 2010
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Focusing on Grace
LeRoy Lawson reviews four Christian books on ministry friendship, grace, small group leadership, and long-haul leadership, offering a mixed but thoughtful guide for ministers and church leaders.
April 7, 2010
It”s About More Than Just Size
Mark A. Taylor reflects on megachurch growth statistics and encourages smaller churches to see opportunity, not inferiority, in their own growth and baptism potential.
March 31, 2010
This, too, Shall Pass
Mark A. Taylor reflects on winter, Easter, and the resurrection hope that reminds Christians every hardship will pass and life in Christ extends beyond the grave.
March 24, 2010
Restoration Revolution: Goals to Challenge All of Us
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Restoration Revolution’s ambitious 10-year call to prayer, church planting, Scripture translation, missionary development, campus outreach, and business as mission.
March 17, 2010
Life is Hard, and That”s OK
Mark A. Taylor reflects on broken churches, ministries, workplaces, and relationships—and why Jesus’ promise to overcome the world gives Christians courage in the face of trouble.
March 14, 2010
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Politics, Commerce, and Religion: All About Us and Them
By LeRoy Lawson Fareed Zakaria, The Post-American World (New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 2009). James A. Morone, Hellfire Nation: The Politics of Sin in American History (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2004). David Domke and Kevin Coe, The God Strategy: How Religion Became a Political Weapon in America (New York: Oxford University Press, 2007). Love of country can be beautiful. I remember returning from my first extended trip to Europe. When we landed I almost kissed the ground, I was so glad to be home again. I”ve since had that experience over and over. I”m proud to be
March 10, 2010
We Want to Help You Extend Your Ministry
Mark A. Taylor shares a Standard Publishing offer designed to help churches stretch tight budgets with free resources through new annual subscriptions to The Lookout or CHRISTIAN STANDARD.
March 3, 2010
Some Who Read This Are Homosexuals
Mark A. Taylor reflects on homosexuality in the church, urging Christians to confront sin with biblical conviction, grace, accountability, and humility about their own need for repentance.
February 24, 2010
Share the Joy of Simple Christianity
Mark A. Taylor introduces Simply Christians, a downloadable Standard Publishing resource that helps churches explain the Restoration Movement plea and the call to be “Christians only.”
February 17, 2010
My Own Holy Land Testimony
Mark A. Taylor reflects on visits to Israel and Jordan, remembering the Sea of Galilee, the Garden Tomb, Mount Nebo, and the spiritual depth of Holy Land travel.
February 14, 2010
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Group Projects and Real People
LeRoy Lawson reviews Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and Anne Lamott’s Traveling Mercies, reflecting on success, storytelling, faith, brokenness, and the grace found among real people in the church.
