February 10, 2008
Compelled by Love
A recap of the 60th National Missionary Convention (2007) in Cincinnati, highlighting the “Compelled” theme, main-session preaching, workshops and exhibits, and the convention’s closing call to prayer and service.
Series: Featured
February 10, 2008
Compelled to Pray
Hundreds of unseen servants supported the National Missionary Convention through persistent prayer. From months of preparation to backstage intercession during main sessions, their quiet faithfulness encouraged workers and strengthened mission commitments.
February 10, 2008
Every Tribe, Every Tongue, Every Nation
Ken E. Read describes how learning global musical “heart languages” helped the World Music Worship Ensemble lead multicultural worship at the National Missionary Convention—and how such worship prepares the church for heaven’s diverse song.
February 10, 2008
How God’s Word Has Come to Us (Part 4): God’s Word Translated
A concise history of Bible translation—from the Septuagint and Vulgate to Wycliffe, Tyndale, and the King James Version—plus practical guidance for evaluating reliability and readability in modern English translations.
February 3, 2008
God and Your Average Joe: Lessons from the Life of Isaac
Isaac may seem ordinary beside other Bible figures, but Hebrews 11 honors him as an example of faith, reminding everyday believers that God measures the heart.
February 3, 2008
How a Visit to a Country Church Changed Many Lives
By Ruth M. Groover My father said “yes” reluctantly, but I would have done the same thing under the circumstances. My parents, Ernest and Ila Miller, were born in rural Georgia. My father knew how to raise corn and cotton, and he planned to make a living as a farmer. My mother was quite happy with life on the farm. But things changed. Walter S. and Civilla D. Martin are remembered primarily for their work as Christian musicians. Harvard-educated, Dr. Martin”s strength was writing music. Mrs. Martin wrote the words. The beautiful hymn “God Will Take Care of You” is
February 3, 2008
E.L. Russell—A Pacesetter Without Prominence
Brett Andrews remembers Eldreth L. Russell, a faithful minister whose joy, contentment, teaching clarity, passion, and servant heart helped shape a church and influence generations—often without recognition.
February 3, 2008
Herb Bleakney—Unpaid, Unsung Youth Ministry
A steel-mill worker and other faithful volunteers quietly discipled teenagers in a small Pennsylvania church—and the ripple effects reached Bible colleges, missions, and decades of service. A reminder that unseen youth ministry can shape generations.
February 3, 2008
How God’s Word Has Come to Us (Part 3): God’s Word Preserved
How close are today’s Bible manuscripts to the originals? H. Lynn Gardner explains how scribes copied Scripture, how variations are evaluated, and why Old and New Testament evidence supports confidence in the Bible’s preserved text.
January 27, 2008
Worship/Service: A Conversation Between Paul and David
By Mandy Smith Last year I started a new job that means I will never get to worship, or so I have been told. It is my responsibility every Sunday to help others worship by overseeing the sound board, musicians, PowerPoint, seating, bulletins, and Communion cups. No time for singing or sitting or listening. No worship for me. As part of this new job, I got a subscription to Worship Leader magazine and, while flipping through it, I became convinced of something we already know: “worship leader” has come to be synonymous with “music minister.” Of the 51 advertisements in
January 27, 2008
Size Matters: The Changing Role of Elder
As Oaklandon Christian Church grew, its elders had to shift from managing day-to-day decisions to policy, vision, and oversight. Doug Priest explains how church size reshapes leadership and why spiritual responsibility must remain central.
January 27, 2008
How God’s Word Has Come to Us (Part 2): God’s Word Collected
How did the Bible’s books come to be recognized and collected as Scripture? H. Lynn Gardner explains the canon of the Old and New Testaments, addresses “lost books,” and outlines why confidence in the canon matters for the church.
A Unique Transition
Pantano Christian Church planned a rare, healthy pastoral handoff—Tim Coop passing the baton to Glen Elliott—marked by careful timing, clear roles, and team leadership.
January 20, 2008
How God’s Word Has Come to Us (Part 1): God”s Word Written
How did the Bible originate? This article explains how God communicated through revelation and inspiration, guiding prophets and apostles to produce God’s Word written, using ancient languages and writing materials across the Old and New Testaments.
January 20, 2008
Five Books About How We Got the Bible
William R. Baker recommends key books that trace the Bible’s transmission, canon, and translation—from early manuscripts to modern English versions—highlighting accessible guides for students and serious readers.
January 20, 2008
What About War?
Christian involvement in war: conscience, Scripture, and the tragic view of life A longtime question haunts the author: how Christians should think about war when Scripture, church history, and human suffering all pull in different directions. The article traces poetry, biblical warfare texts, the just war tradition, and personal experience toward a “tragic view of life” that resists easy answers. The author wrestles with the irony of war and the challenge of God’s participation in biblical conquest. Church history shows shifting Christian positions—from early opposition to later “just war” frameworks. Personal stakes come into view with the deployment of the
January 13, 2008
Standard’s VBS: More Than Learning, Beyond Fun
Standard Publishing’s 2008 VBS, “God’s Big Backyard,” pairs backyard fun with hands-on community service. Kids learn to serve family, neighbors, and Jesus through daily projects, Bible lessons, and practical ministry tools for churches.
January 13, 2008
Giving Preteens a SuperStart!
Many churches are losing fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students who don’t fit children’s ministry or junior high. Patrick Snow explains why intentional preteen ministry helps them grasp the gospel and find their place in the church.
January 13, 2008
Defining the Win for Junior High Small Groups
Junior high small groups don’t need instant breakthrough moments to succeed. Johnny Scott explains how to define the “win,” set realistic expectations, and create a caring environment where students can process faith with trusted adults.
January 13, 2008
A Simple Plan for Children’s and Youth Ministers Threatened by Burnout
Children’s and youth ministers often feel trapped on a nonstop treadmill of programs. Learn practical ways to prevent burnout by managing time well, building relationships, narrowing focus, and leading with a team.
