September 23, 2009
What We Do, Why It Matters
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how the North American Christian Convention has encouraged ministers through simple conversations, shared worship, and timely reminders that they are not alone.
Series: Columns
September 20, 2009
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: What to Do About Poverty?
LeRoy Lawson reviews four books on poverty, comparing global aid strategies, local solutions, and what churches can learn about serving the poor with wisdom and commitment.
September 16, 2009
Put on Your Shoes
Mark A. Taylor reflects on simple obedience, biblical examples, and the next faithful step God asks us to take while we trust him with the larger outcome.
September 9, 2009
Read the Report, Get the Deluxe Edition
Mark A. Taylor introduces Christian Standard’s first medium-sized church report, invites more congregations to participate, and highlights the expanded Deluxe Edition survey findings for ministry evaluation.
September 6, 2009
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Seeing Ourselves as Others See Us
LeRoy Lawson reviews two books on Francis and Frank Schaeffer, reflecting on evangelical influence, family pain, fundamentalism, and the difference between celebrity faith and mere Christianity.
September 2, 2009
Reflecting Our Desire to Serve a Diverse Fellowship
Mark A. Taylor explains how Christian Standard’s contributing editors reflect the fellowship’s diversity and introduces three new voices joining the magazine’s rotating advisory group.
August 26, 2009
Leading the Trends
Mark A. Taylor offers practical, Scripture-shaped church ministry ideas that could refresh congregational life, from prayer services and Communion reflection to generosity, fasting, family connection, and bearing one another’s burdens.
August 19, 2009
How Will You Celebrate Great Communion?
Mark A. Taylor reviews the purpose of Great Communion and shares practical resources for churches planning an October 4 observance rooted in Restoration Movement history.
August 12, 2009
Serving for a Lifetime
Mark A. Taylor reflects on lifetime marriage, commitment, and the transforming power of staying through difficult seasons in both marriage and ministry.
August 5, 2009
More Than Technology, and Not Boring at All
Mark A. Taylor explores how church leaders used Facebook and social networking to extend ministry, build relationships, and practice digital discipleship beyond Sunday morning.
Valuable Downloads for You and Others You Know
Christian Standard highlights a growing list of downloadable resources for teaching, preaching, personal study, church leadership, and local church distribution through ChristianStandard.com.
Choosing My Focus, Protecting My Ministry
Ministry burnout reveals the need for spiritual health among church leaders. Anne Jackson’s counsel reminds servants of the church to keep God—not work, calling, or success—at the center.
July 12, 2009
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Seeing Ourselves as Others See Us
LeRoy Lawson reviews books by A. J. Jacobs and Robert Jewett that challenge readers to examine biblical literalism, religious zeal, and how others may see us.
Remembering, Renewal, and Celebration
Mark A. Taylor introduces a special issue on the Lord’s Supper, Restoration Movement history, and the Great Communion celebration planned for Sunday, October 4.
Establishing the Work of Our Hands
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the “Get Your Hands Dirty” theme, highlighting sacrificial Christian service, family support, and community partnerships that demonstrate God’s love.
June 24, 2009
The Baptism Bandwagon
Churches are seeing moving responses through spontaneous baptism weekends, as people respond immediately to Bible teaching and enter the water in street clothes.
June 17, 2009
Congratulations Compass Christian Church!
Compass Christian Church won Christian Standard’s first-ever Church Branding Competition after receiving the most votes in each round of logo voting.
June 14, 2009
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Learning to Communicate, Examining History
LeRoy Lawson reviews two books that challenge assumptions: Temple Grandin’s insights on autism and animal behavior, and Garry Wills’s history of Christianity in America.
June 10, 2009
Through the Ages and Around the World
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the practical impact of churches serving their neighbors through compassion ministries, pushing back against the idea that churches are not helping their communities.
Much More Important Than Money
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how church committees, elders, and ministry boards can avoid poor group dynamics by asking better questions and clarifying their purpose.
