February 10, 2010
A New Look at What We Need
Mark A. Taylor previews a North American Christian Convention shaped by Ben Cachiaras’s renewed calls to mission, restoration, and fresh engagement with a changing culture.
Series: Columns
What Will Make My Next Decade Different?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on spiritual goal setting, personal growth, and the need to measure maturity beyond church activity and busy programs.
January 27, 2010
Ever Heard a Minister Talk About Himself?
Mark A. Taylor invites church members to look beyond a minister’s public role, listen to his challenges, and offer prayer, encouragement, help, and support.
January 20, 2010
Don”t Let Us Forget
Mark A. Taylor reminds church leaders that children’s ministry can fade from adult attention—and urges congregations to keep children visible, involved, and valued in the life of the church.
January 13, 2010
Time-Consuming . . . and Effective!
By Mark A. Taylor One of the most time-consuming methods for developing volunteers is also one of the most effective””and most overlooked. Some call it discipleship. Lately the popular word has been mentoring. Both terms describe a similar approach: ongoing, individualized attention to a person for the purpose of helping him or her grow spiritually and discover his call to Christian service. A number of methods, strategies, and approaches are out there. But I”ll never forget the advice Dr. Steven Hancock gave me and the rest of his Christian education students in seminary many years ago. “Whenever you do anything
January 10, 2010
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Forgotten, Free, and Faithful
LeRoy Lawson reviews three books that stirred his curiosity, exploring the Great Depression, the modern expectation of “free,” and Harvey Cox’s provocative vision for the future of faith.
January 6, 2010
All Work and No Play?
Why Play Matters for Children, Work, and Ministry Mark A. Taylor reflects on research and reporting that connect boredom, play, creativity, and healthier relationships. Drawing from insights about children, engineers, and church leaders, he considers whether playful space may help adults work and serve together better. Boredom can give children room to think, create, and solve problems. Play may strengthen creativity, memory, problem-solving, and workplace relationships. Church staff and leaders may benefit from unstructured time that builds trust. By Mark A. Taylor “The brain in its relaxed state is more creative, makes more nuanced connections and is ripe for eureka
December 30, 2009
Leading the Discussion
Christian Standard previews its 2010 editorial year, including 12 special themed issues, a new lineup of “Reflections” writers, and an invitation for readers to join the conversation.
December 20, 2009
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Taking the Lead
LeRoy Lawson reviews books by Bill Hybels, David Wessel, and Brian McLaren, reflecting on leadership, financial trust, global crises, and the church’s calling to a transformed way of life.
December 16, 2009
We Can Be the Gift
Mark A. Taylor reflects on a year of “Get Your Hands Dirty” stories and the churches showing Christ’s love through generous Christmas outreach and ongoing service.
December 9, 2009
Surrender Comes Slowly
Mark A. Taylor reflects on surgery, health concerns, and the slow lesson of surrendering control to God through uncertainty, waiting, and physical weakness.
December 2, 2009
An Issue to Discuss, a Resource to Consider
Mark A. Taylor highlights practical evangelism resources and shares an excerpt from Arron Chambers’s Eats With Sinners, emphasizing intentional relationships and shared meals as a biblical model for reaching lost people.
November 29, 2009
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: From Mathematics to Mystery
LeRoy Lawson reflects on four books spanning mathematics and faith, missionary service in Japan, friendship across poverty and race, and P. D. James’s autobiographical reflections on life and belief.
November 25, 2009
Daily Choices and the Ultimate Test
Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s story reminds us that quiet, faithful choices prepare people for life’s tests, even when their service happens far from public recognition.
November 18, 2009
Meeting the Needs by Providing the Wants
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how Christian Standard and The Lookout provide biblical perspectives readers need, while announcing a contributing editor rotation involving Jim Tune and Jon Weece.
November 11, 2009
The Most Important Leadership Task
Mark A. Taylor highlights the often-hidden work of leadership: developing new leaders through coaching, training, service, modeling, and prayer.
November 11, 2009
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Practical Advice for Problems We’d Wish to Avoid
LeRoy Lawson reviews three practical books offering counsel for widowers, parents of missionaries, and readers learning resilience through hardship, loss, distance, and difficult realities.
November 4, 2009
Like a Good Neighbor?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on difficult neighbors and the Bible’s call to love actively, seeking the good of those nearby even when neighbor love is hard.
November 1, 2009
My ‘Must-Read’ Books
Christian Standard contributing editors and ministry leaders share must-read books that have shaped their worship, leadership, spiritual formation, ministry, missions, and personal reading.
Tell Us Your Read!
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Pat Williams’s challenge to keep reading and introduces Christian Standard contributors’ book recommendations for leaders and readers.
