September 24, 2008
A Simple Survey by, for, and About Elders
Mark A. Taylor invites readers to complete a survey about elders in their congregations ahead of his workshop at the Indianapolis Congress of Elders.
Series: Columns
September 17, 2008
Should Anything Change About the NACC?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on NACC viewpoints, conference costs, cultural shifts, attendance concerns, and whether the North American Christian Convention can remain sustainable for future years.
September 14, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Five by Oliver Sacks, MD
LeRoy Lawson reflects on Oliver Sacks’s books, especially Musicophilia, and considers how music, the brain, suffering, communication, and worship intersect in deeply human ways.
September 10, 2008
New Name, Consistent Service
Mark A. Taylor introduces Diane Jones as Christian Standard’s new magazine production coordinator and thanks the staff members who guided the magazine through a season of transition.
September 3, 2008
Our Online Review of a Best-seller
Jennifer Taylor reviews The Shack, weighing its literary weaknesses against the theological ideas that helped the book connect with readers far beyond the Christian fiction audience.
August 27, 2008
Meaningful Connections and Maturing Disciples?
Mark A. Taylor considers concerns from Brian Jones and Mike Mack about small group ministry, asking whether churches are creating meaningful connections and maturing disciples.
August 20, 2008
A Week of Blessing for a Life of Grace
Mark A. Taylor reflects on worship, preaching, and ministry fellowship at the 2008 North American Christian Convention in Cincinnati, where “Come, Thou Fount” framed a week of encouragement and accountability.
August 13, 2008
Both Sides and a Strong Conclusion
Mark A. Taylor reflects on women in church leadership, differing biblical interpretations, and the Restoration Movement principle of liberty in matters of opinion.
August 10, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Defending Our Faith, Holding Our Attention
LeRoy Lawson reviews books by Timothy Keller and Charles Colson, weighing their apologetic value against the enduring influence of C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity.
August 6, 2008
Simply Challenging
Mark A. Taylor reflects on a gift-shop slogan, the cost of “living simply,” and the biblical call to stewardship, contentment, and freedom from the love of money.
First Steps Toward Mending Broken Relationships
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the Great Communion celebration and its call for Restoration Movement churches to take a first step toward mending broken relationships around the Lord’s Supper.
July 23, 2008
Spontaneous Combustion and the Weekly Grind
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the demanding, joyful work behind preaching, teaching, and writing, drawing on Rob Bell’s challenge to give oneself fully to the creative calling.
July 16, 2008
Showing a Better Way
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Doug Wood’s reminder that healthy church growth begins with making disciples, not with polished programming, image-building, or crowd-attracting strategies.
July 13, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Insights Into the Middle East
LeRoy Lawson reflects on Afghanistan, humanitarian service, and three books that illuminate suffering, courage, culture, and the costly hope of education in a wounded region.
Let’s See More Stories Like This One
Mark A. Taylor reflects on CMF and FAME’s cooperation in AIDS ministry and urges churches and parachurch ministries to work together for the cause of Christ.
June 25, 2008
What Part of Speech Should “Christian” Be?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on whether “Christian” should be merely a label—or a consuming call that shapes creativity, work, culture, and everyday life.
June 18, 2008
Shepherding: A Bigger Task Than Most Are Accomplishing
Mark A. Taylor considers how elders can fulfill their shepherding responsibility by equipping small group and adult Sunday school leaders to care for church members.
Hoping to See You in Cincinnati!
Standard Publishing welcomes the North American Christian Convention to Cincinnati with sponsored events including a Restoration Heritage Tour, luncheon, President’s Reception, and Minister’s Mentorship Breakfasts.
June 8, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Beyond Normal
LeRoy Lawson reviews books by David Michaelis, John Elder Robison, and Arron Chambers, reflecting on Peanuts, Asperger’s syndrome, Christian identity, and the extraordinary shape of human potential.
June 4, 2008
Four Standards for Small Groups
Mark A. Taylor identifies four standards for thriving small groups: begin with the Bible, adopt a strategy, train leaders, and expect community to grow organically.
