October 17, 2007
Ad Pitches and Spiritual Warfare
Mark A. Taylor reflects on spiritual warfare, Satan’s believable lies, and the call for Christians to remain alert, submit to God, and stand firm against temptation.
Series: Mark A. Taylor
October 10, 2007
Moving Beyond “Common”
Barney Wells challenges smaller-church leaders to reject “common” ministry and pursue uncommon impact. Drawing on Satchel Paige and Philip in Acts 8, this piece urges innovation rooted in reaching people and following God’s direction.
October 3, 2007
Christian Teenagers and Their Sexual Behavior
Two August columns examine research on evangelical teenagers and sex outside marriage. One highlights broken abstinence pledges; another argues weekly church attendance marks dramatically different outcomes—challenging families and churches to model what they teach.
September 26, 2007
A Special Couple, a Special Ceremony
A minister’s wife joins her husband to officiate a wedding, offering a lived-in witness to marriage. Their shared presence shifts the moment from routine words to heartfelt counsel—and leaves the congregation reflecting on commitment.
September 19, 2007
Why Attend the North American Christian Convention?
An excerpt from Jennifer Taylor addresses three recurring critiques of the NACC—competing events, cost, and changing preferences—and argues the convention’s unique role is helping churches stay connected as a movement.
September 12, 2007
Let’s Add Our Voices to the Conversation
Mark A. Taylor considers what the emerging church conversation can teach existing congregations about restoration, renewal, and learning humbly from others.
September 5, 2007
Earthly Hurts and an Eternal Perspective
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the church’s renewed commitment to compassion and community outreach—while urging believers not to lose sight of eternity, sin, and salvation as they serve “the least of these.”
August 29, 2007
Changing to Serve You Better
CHRISTIAN STANDARD outlines a 2008 plan featuring 12 special themed issues with expanded pages and additional advertising, while also rotating its roster of contributing editors and welcoming four new members.
August 22, 2007
Can the Church Impact Culture?
Church leaders share how congregations can impact culture by going beyond their walls—serving schools, shelters, and neighborhoods—while keeping disciple-making central, not merely counting how many newcomers were never part of a church.
August 15, 2007
The Cure for Cultural Dysfunction
A testimony video at the North American Christian Convention and a Wall Street Journal column point to the same truth: evangelism changes hearts—and those changed hearts can help redeem a culture.
NACC: Blessings and Disappointments
A reflection from the North American Christian Convention in Kansas City—where connection mattered, church planting took center stage, and leaders announced a future schedule change away from the Fourth of July week.
Experience the Energy
Standard Publishing reflects on lessons from the Energizing Smaller Churches Network and invites leaders to join upcoming ESCN conferences this fall for connection, learning, and practical encouragement.
My Most Effective Mentor
Mark A. Taylor remembers his most effective mentor, Charles E. Stiles, and the simple, lasting lessons he lived out. From the Come Alive Singers to everyday counsel, Stiles showed that “the people are the program.”
July 18, 2007
Simpler Times, Different Expectations
A look back at predictable Sunday-morning services—and how modern options have raised some expectations while lowering others. The central question remains whether worship connects us with God and calls for true congregational participation.
Sometimes Retreat Is the Best Solution
NACC Minister and Spouse Retreat: A retreat designed to strengthen ministers’ marriages Many church ministers and spouses carry a unique weight of leadership, expectations, and constant availability. The North American Christian Convention Minister and Spouse Retreat is designed to give couples space to be served, reconnect, and renew their relationship together. The retreat is scheduled for August 21-23 at the Ridgecrest Conference Center near Asheville, North Carolina. Registration is $299 per couple and includes accommodations, meals, recreation, and planned programming. Couples can find details and register through the NACC website. By Mark A. Taylor The weight ministers carry Many of
July 3, 2007
Partnering to Grow Disciples
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Randy Gariss’s call to rethink disciple-making so believers look more like Jesus—through knowledge, relationships, and service—and to strengthen Bible teaching beyond the classroom.
Our Greatest Hope
Mark A. Taylor urges believers to keep patriotism in perspective—honoring country without worshiping it—and to remember we are citizens of another nation, the kingdom of God.
June 20, 2007
Are You Wonderful?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on empty praise, biblical heroes, and the quiet faithfulness of ordinary Christians who serve God without needing the spotlight.
Connecting with You in Kansas City
Standard Publishing previews special events at the North American Christian Convention in Kansas City, July 3-6—booth visits, the Resource Center, the President’s Reception, mentoring breakfasts, and scheduled author meet-and-greets.
The Lodge and the Lord’s Supper
A pastor recalls attending a local lodge ceremony that felt meaningless, then recognizes the same sober seriousness in his church’s worship—prompting a searching question about what Communion truly means.
