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.
Series: Columns
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.
Can We Do It His Way?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Christian unity, Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address, and a Great Communion opportunity calling believers toward the bold possibility of “one church.”
From Guilt to Joy
Mark A. Taylor reflects on guilt, comparison, time, and money, showing how Christians can serve others generously while using everything they have for God’s glory.
May 14, 2008
Some Prayer Requests Can Hurt
Mark A. Taylor warns that prayer requests can become gossip when curiosity, self-righteousness, or public criticism replace humility, privacy, and genuine concern.
May 7, 2008
Beyond the Steeples
Mark A. Taylor reflects on churches without steeples, showing how ordinary acts of service, evangelism, and faithful neighborhood witness reveal the church at work beyond its walls.
May 4, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Looking for God
Leroy Lawson reviews spiritual writing and Reggie McNeal’s church leadership books, reflecting on humility, mission, global Christianity, and the church’s need to move beyond the status quo.
April 30, 2008
External Focus, Careful Balance
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the challenge of balancing evangelism and social action, urging externally focused churches to bring together good deeds and good news.
Available Only from Us
By Mark A. Taylor This information isn”t available anywhere else. That was the comment one reader made about the expanded Christian college issue CHRISTIAN STANDARD published March 16. The same is true for this week”s issue. Hidden on the computer hard drives of several campus ministers, the directory we publish annually tells our thousands of readers about these ministries. Keep this issue or send it to college-age students you know. Or find the directory at our Web site and bookmark it for future reference. Hundreds of Christian students on secular campuses across the country are making life-changing commitments to God
April 16, 2008
Struggles in High Places
Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership struggles at Facebook echo challenges many church and parachurch leaders face: rapid growth, pressure to sustain the work, and the temptation to lead on one’s own terms.
April 13, 2008
Mega Myth Busters: A review of “Beyond Megachurch Myths”
Dick Alexander reviews Beyond Megachurch Myths, highlighting research that challenges common assumptions about megachurches and points church leaders of every size toward healthier, more effective ministry practices.
April 13, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Little Things Mean a Lot
Mark Penn says big cultural shifts often begin as small “microtrends.” LeRoy Lawson shares surprising examples and reflects on how small groups can grow into forces powerful enough to shape society.
April 9, 2008
About Megachurches, for Every Church
This annual megachurch issue celebrates growth and baptisms while noting recent declines, offering smaller churches practical insights and pointing readers to the 2007 Megachurch Report: Deluxe Edition.
April 2, 2008
Presidents, Preachers, Passion, and Public Speaking
A young voter’s desire for “relatable” language raises a deeper challenge for the church. Compelling speech matters, but lasting influence requires substance—especially for preachers seeking to reach a generation that’s often absent from church.
March 26, 2008
Who Cares Who’s Watching?
How much of today’s “good behavior” is driven by character—and how much by the fear of being seen? A reflection on YouTube-era visibility, public reputation, and what it means to do good when no one’s watching.
March 19, 2008
A Program to Recognize the Leaders You Know
Christian Standard invites readers to nominate outstanding servants whose Christian character and leadership are making a difference. Learn the simple criteria, where to find forms, and the April 1 nomination deadline.
March 16, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Taking Film Seriously
LeRoy Lawson reflects on preaching in a visual age and recommends five books by Christian film critics to help believers engage movies thoughtfully and discuss their theological and cultural themes with discernment.
Why Attend a Christian College?
Mark A. Taylor contrasts two freshman orientation messages—one from a Christian college and one from a state university—and points readers to a special issue showing how Christian colleges pursue spiritual growth alongside intellectual development.
