February 9, 2011
For Valentine”s Day . . . a Command
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Valentine’s Day, marriage, and Paul’s clear command that husbands love their wives through obedient action, not merely romantic sentiment.
Series: Mark A. Taylor
January 26, 2011
Calculating Our Generosity
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Evangelical generosity, missions giving, and the broad impact Christian churches and churches of Christ make through support for ministries around the world.
January 25, 2011
Proclaiming More than Meditating
Mark A. Taylor explains Christian Standard’s 2011 Bible emphasis, urging churches to lift up Scripture through deeper study, clearer teaching, and renewed commitment to biblical literacy.
January 16, 2011
Worth Discussing
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the Stone-Campbell Dialogue, Great Communion celebrations, and the ongoing call to pursue unity among Restoration Movement churches.
January 6, 2011
What to Call Our Year of the Bible?
Mark A. Taylor introduces Christian Standard’s 2011 yearlong Bible emphasis and the theme “The Bible: Lift it up. Live it out.”
January 2, 2011
The Essential About Opinions
Mark A. Taylor introduces “In Opinions, Liberty,” a new feature inviting Christian disagreement marked by humility, patience, freedom, and love.
December 22, 2010
We Wonder Too
Mark A. Taylor reflects on children singing in a Nairobi slum and the wonder of Christmas: Christ entering a broken world to bring hope into every dark corner.
December 12, 2010
Blind Copies
Mark A. Taylor considers how churches can move beyond copycat ministry models and embrace missional imagination shaped by their unique calling, community, and purpose.
December 5, 2010
A Story to Challenge All of Us
New church plants in Greater Salt Lake City grew from years of collaboration, leadership, and prayer among Restoration Movement leaders committed to seeing the work continue.
November 10, 2010
Worshipping . . . or Watching?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on congregational singing and urges worship planners to move beyond polished presentations toward services that invite meaningful participation.
October 23, 2010
A Challenge for All of Us
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how a church “Preacher Boys Club” helped shape future ministers and invites readers to encourage one young person toward vocational Christian service.
October 19, 2010
As We Publish Our Hiring Articles
Mark A. Taylor reflects on a young minister’s painful transition and urges churches to follow careful hiring procedures that clarify expectations before calling a new minister.
October 15, 2010
Embracing Esperanza
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the Chilean mine rescue, a daughter named Esperanza, and the living hope God gives through Christ’s resurrection.
October 5, 2010
“Nondenominational” Wins the Day!
Christian Churches and the Growth of Nondenominational Congregations This article reflects on Marshall Leggett’s comments at the Congress of Elders about the strengths of independent Christian churches. It also notes the growing number of large and fast-growing churches identifying as nondenominational, including many congregations connected with the Christian churches. Marshall Leggett described Christian churches as “radically congregationally governed.” Outreach magazine’s lists showed many large and fast-growing churches identifying as nondenominational. The article argues that Christian churches may be well positioned for growth amid declining denominational loyalty. The north entrance of Savannah (Georgia) Christian Church By Mark A. Taylor “We in
September 28, 2010
Christian Churches, Large Churches, Growing Churches
Several Christian churches appeared on Outreach magazine’s lists of America’s largest and fastest-growing congregations, led by Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
September 21, 2010
Special for Many Reasons
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the 2010 North American Christian Convention, where the “Disturb me” theme, prayer gatherings, fresh programming, and guest voices challenged attendees to move beyond comfort.
September 15, 2010
Sad Because She Left Us
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Anne Rice’s disappointment with the church and points instead to the grace, welcome, and authentic community Christians are called to build together.
September 8, 2010
Anne Rice”s Decision Makes Me Sad
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Anne Rice’s public break with Christianity, the pain caused by broken people in the church, and the sadness of believers who miss the good.
September 1, 2010
Downloadable Resources You May Not Know About
Mark A. Taylor highlights the print and downloadable versions of What Kind of Church Is This?, a Christian Standard resource churches can use with visitors, new members, and inquirers.
August 25, 2010
I Can See You, September
As summer slips away, Mark A. Taylor reflects on the sadness and gratitude that come with changing seasons—and the fresh ministry opportunities churches often find as fall schedules and routines return.
