March 17, 2010
Life is Hard, and That”s OK
Mark A. Taylor reflects on broken churches, ministries, workplaces, and relationships—and why Jesus’ promise to overcome the world gives Christians courage in the face of trouble.
Series: Mark A. Taylor
March 10, 2010
We Want to Help You Extend Your Ministry
Mark A. Taylor shares a Standard Publishing offer designed to help churches stretch tight budgets with free resources through new annual subscriptions to The Lookout or CHRISTIAN STANDARD.
March 3, 2010
Some Who Read This Are Homosexuals
Mark A. Taylor reflects on homosexuality in the church, urging Christians to confront sin with biblical conviction, grace, accountability, and humility about their own need for repentance.
February 24, 2010
Share the Joy of Simple Christianity
Mark A. Taylor introduces Simply Christians, a downloadable Standard Publishing resource that helps churches explain the Restoration Movement plea and the call to be “Christians only.”
February 17, 2010
My Own Holy Land Testimony
Mark A. Taylor reflects on visits to Israel and Jordan, remembering the Sea of Galilee, the Garden Tomb, Mount Nebo, and the spiritual depth of Holy Land travel.
February 10, 2010
A New Look at What We Need
Mark A. Taylor previews a North American Christian Convention shaped by Ben Cachiaras’s renewed calls to mission, restoration, and fresh engagement with a changing culture.
What Will Make My Next Decade Different?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on spiritual goal setting, personal growth, and the need to measure maturity beyond church activity and busy programs.
January 27, 2010
Ever Heard a Minister Talk About Himself?
Mark A. Taylor invites church members to look beyond a minister’s public role, listen to his challenges, and offer prayer, encouragement, help, and support.
January 20, 2010
Don”t Let Us Forget
Mark A. Taylor reminds church leaders that children’s ministry can fade from adult attention—and urges congregations to keep children visible, involved, and valued in the life of the church.
January 13, 2010
Time-Consuming . . . and Effective!
By Mark A. Taylor One of the most time-consuming methods for developing volunteers is also one of the most effective””and most overlooked. Some call it discipleship. Lately the popular word has been mentoring. Both terms describe a similar approach: ongoing, individualized attention to a person for the purpose of helping him or her grow spiritually and discover his call to Christian service. A number of methods, strategies, and approaches are out there. But I”ll never forget the advice Dr. Steven Hancock gave me and the rest of his Christian education students in seminary many years ago. “Whenever you do anything
January 6, 2010
All Work and No Play?
Why Play Matters for Children, Work, and Ministry Mark A. Taylor reflects on research and reporting that connect boredom, play, creativity, and healthier relationships. Drawing from insights about children, engineers, and church leaders, he considers whether playful space may help adults work and serve together better. Boredom can give children room to think, create, and solve problems. Play may strengthen creativity, memory, problem-solving, and workplace relationships. Church staff and leaders may benefit from unstructured time that builds trust. By Mark A. Taylor “The brain in its relaxed state is more creative, makes more nuanced connections and is ripe for eureka
December 30, 2009
Leading the Discussion
Christian Standard previews its 2010 editorial year, including 12 special themed issues, a new lineup of “Reflections” writers, and an invitation for readers to join the conversation.
December 16, 2009
We Can Be the Gift
Mark A. Taylor reflects on a year of “Get Your Hands Dirty” stories and the churches showing Christ’s love through generous Christmas outreach and ongoing service.
December 9, 2009
Surrender Comes Slowly
Mark A. Taylor reflects on surgery, health concerns, and the slow lesson of surrendering control to God through uncertainty, waiting, and physical weakness.
December 2, 2009
An Issue to Discuss, a Resource to Consider
Mark A. Taylor highlights practical evangelism resources and shares an excerpt from Arron Chambers’s Eats With Sinners, emphasizing intentional relationships and shared meals as a biblical model for reaching lost people.
November 25, 2009
Daily Choices and the Ultimate Test
Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s story reminds us that quiet, faithful choices prepare people for life’s tests, even when their service happens far from public recognition.
November 18, 2009
Meeting the Needs by Providing the Wants
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how Christian Standard and The Lookout provide biblical perspectives readers need, while announcing a contributing editor rotation involving Jim Tune and Jon Weece.
November 11, 2009
The Most Important Leadership Task
Mark A. Taylor highlights the often-hidden work of leadership: developing new leaders through coaching, training, service, modeling, and prayer.
November 4, 2009
Like a Good Neighbor?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on difficult neighbors and the Bible’s call to love actively, seeking the good of those nearby even when neighbor love is hard.
Tell Us Your Read!
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Pat Williams’s challenge to keep reading and introduces Christian Standard contributors’ book recommendations for leaders and readers.
