October 12, 2008
An Invitation to God’s Drama in New York City
Jared Witt reflects on ImagineNYC, church planting in Manhattan, and the invitation for New Yorkers to enter God’s unfolding drama of renewal through worship, community, and mission.
Series: Featured
October 12, 2008
The National New Church Conference’s Exponential Development
Jennifer Taylor traces how the National New Church Conference grew from Restoration Movement roots into the Exponential Conference, a major cross-denominational gathering for church planting leaders.
October 12, 2008
The Ultimate Purpose in Evangelism Is Not Church Growth
David Bycroft reflects on evangelism through the story of Smitty, emphasizing Jesus, grace, repentance, discipleship, and baptism as part of God’s work of changing lives.
October 5, 2008
Great Communion a Great Opportunity
Douglas A. Foster reflects on the Declaration and Address, the 1909 Great Communion, and a global invitation for the Stone-Campbell Movement to embody unity in Christ.
October 5, 2008
How You Can Celebrate the Great Communion
A practical guide for local church leaders preparing community-based Communion services for Great Communion Sunday 2009 with other Stone-Campbell churches.
October 5, 2008
Raising Up the Next Generation of Genuine Leaders
John Derry encourages churches to develop future leaders by identifying potential, investing resources, providing hands-on experience, and inspiring young people to embrace servant-leadership.
September 28, 2008
A Man with Faithful Eyes
Chuck Sackett explores how one congregation evaluated elder candidates with past marital and sexual failures through biblical study, careful process, repentance, and demonstrated faithfulness.
September 28, 2008
Let”s Bring Back Kindness
By Victor M. Parachin A woman wrote an advice columnist to share how a simple act of kindness prompted her to seriously change her lifestyle. Signing herself as “Slimming Fast in Florida,” the woman explained she is one of those “oversized” people who more than fills an airline seat. While on an airplane that was filled nearly to capacity, a “good looking gentleman” sat down in the seat beside her and greeted her with a friendly, “Good morning.” As he buckled his seat belt, he said to the woman, “I always feel cramped in these seats. Would you mind if
September 28, 2008
The Earth Is the Lord’s?
Robert F. Hull Jr. reflects on Psalm 24, environmental stewardship, and the wounded coalfields of southern West Virginia, challenging Christians to consider their shared responsibility for creation.
September 21, 2008
NACC Viewpoints: A Subjective Observer’s Recommendation
Gary E. Weedman reflects on the North American Christian Convention’s mission, history, and identity, then recommends merging it with the National Missionary Convention for responsible stewardship.
September 21, 2008
Outstanding Christian Leaders Honored at NACC
Standard Publishing and Milligan College honored eight Christian leaders at the North American Christian Convention, recognizing adults and students for servant leadership in churches and communities.
September 21, 2008
The Assassin of the Headless Sprinting Chicken
Jud Wilhite warns leaders about the danger of burnout, challenging the myth of perfect balance and calling for sustainable rhythms of rest, family priority, and long-haul leadership.
September 21, 2008
NACC Viewpoints: What Did You Expect?
Randy Gariss reflects on the North American Christian Convention, highlighting fellowship, ministry networking, inspiration, and the ongoing challenges of affordability, inclusion, and biblical focus.
September 21, 2008
NACC Viewpoints: Teens Need the NACC
Phyllis Fox, NACC Teen Convention, North American Christian Convention, Youth in Ministry, Milligan College, Emmanuel School of Religion, Student Leader in Christian Service, youth ministry,
September 21, 2008
NACC Viewpoints: Attendees Are Amazingly Blessed
Allan Dunbar reflects on the NACC in Cincinnati, sharing attendee stories of encouragement, ministry renewal, worship, prayer, and the lasting value of gathering together.
September 21, 2008
NACC Viewpoints: It’s All About the Mission
Justin Horey reflects on the NACC’s attendance challenges, exhibitor value, and need for a clearer mission that draws the right people—not merely larger crowds.
September 14, 2008
The Discipline of Worship
By Becky Ahlberg Worship is a spiritual discipline. It is relationally driven, to be sure, but like any healthy relationship it takes dedicated nurture to overcome our selfish nature. Healthy relationships require constant attention and, yes, discipline. They are dynamic and ever changing. Bookstores are full of books that offer help and insight into building better relationships with parents, children, spouses, coworkers, employers, employees, and even our pets! They all seem to agree we are drawn into relationships by our nature (to love and be loved and to find companionship and meaning for our lives), but we stay in them
September 14, 2008
Honoring God in Weekly Worship
Shockley Flick offers a practical framework for worship planning that honors God, edifies the church, and helps leaders use resources, sermon themes, and congregational “language” wisely.
September 14, 2008
Keeping God in the Worship Planning Process
By Tim Foot A worship service, without divine intervention, is going to be some nice music, maybe some creative elements, and a feel-good message at best! It”s only when we surrender to God”s presence and his ultimate plan that amazing moments happen. So while I like to see the creative process of service planning as a partnership with God, it”s certainly weighted heavily in the heavenly direction! As worship leaders our role, as I see it, is to facilitate a connection with God through worship. It is to do what we can to help folks discover grace, grow, and be
September 14, 2008
More Than Music
Danielle Frankland urges churches to see worship as more than Sunday music, recovering Scripture, prayer, communion, obedience, and whole-life surrender as central acts of worship.
