THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Men of Church Dig Coal’ (1933)
This short news item from 1933 is notable mainly for describing the lengths to which the congregation in Streator, Ill., went to heat their church building during the Great Depression. . . .
Series: News
18 Christian Colleges Have Closed Since COVID’s Arrival (Plus News Briefs)
Eighteen Christian colleges have closed since the arrival of COVID-19 in early 2020, Christianity Today reported. They include denominational and Restoration Movement-affiliated colleges. Plus additional news briefs, including the upcoming celebration of American Rehabilitation Ministries' 50th anniversary.
Preaching the Mother’s Day Sermon with Creativity and Compassion
"Over time I have become more aware of the pain many women, and sometimes men, experience on Mother’s Day," our Preach columnist Chris Philbeck shares. "Here are some suggestions that might help us reframe Mother’s Day in a way that blesses everyone . . ."
SPOTLIGHT: ‘Pretty Feisty’ River Christian Church Embraces Big Growth
River Christian Church has seen God work in some interesting places—including the three years they met at a local funeral home and cemetery. The church also has seen God work at some interesting times—like during the COVID-19 pandemic when they have grown weekend attendance from 950 to nearly 1,500. . . .
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Charcoal Sketches of Some of Our Pioneer Preachers’ (1919)
James A. Stevens, who ran newspapers in Mississippi and Texas after the Civil War, shares brief recollections of Alexander Campbell, Tolbert Fanning, W. K. Pendleton, Thos. W. Caskey, and others.
April 26, 2023
News Briefs for April 26
On May 1, ICOM is launching a "Pray for the Nations" initiative that will lead up to the annual gathering in November. Also briefs about the New Creation singing group at Johnson University Florida, TCM's Every Nation Summit, and more.
Jessup STUNT Team Wins Second Consecutive NAIA Championship
With their victory Sunday, the STUNT team from Jessup University has now won back-to-back NAIA National Championships in only their third season. The Warriors claimed their second title with a 17-11 victory over Vanguard University at the 2023 STUNT Nationals at Edmonds, Okla.
April 21, 2023
‘In Christ I’ll Stand’: Prof. Ron Fisher, 94, Preaches Final Sermon
Former Great Lakes Christian College professor Ron Fisher, 94, gave his final sermon April 16 after 74 years of ministry. Alumni, former professors, and members of West Lansing Church of Christ listened to him share on what he called his favorite subject, “Jesus Christ and His Church.” . . .
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Our Strength’ (1903)
In a 1903 issue, Christian educator and author D.R. Dungan (1837–1920) listed 15 strengths of our movement. No. 6: "Administering the ordinances in the same way and at the same time and for the same purpose as did the apostles and those who were taught by them, gives us strength in ourselves and character and standing before the world."
April 19, 2023
News Briefs for April 19
The Common Grounds Unity Podcast will drop an episode Friday that features three Christian Standard writers discussing the Asbury Revival. Plus briefs about "Senior Saints in the Smokies," a new book ("Tombstones to Cornerstones"), Boise Bible College, and more. . . .
April 17, 2023
Remembering Tom Plank, Who Served 50 Years with Galilee Christian Church
Nick Vipperman shares an appreciation for his predecessor, Tom Plank, who served 50 years as minister with Galilee Christian Church, Jefferson, Ga. "I’ve never had a greater friend in ministry," Vipperman writes. Mr. Plank died April 1 at age 81.
Greer to Retire as President of Milligan University in 2024
Dr. Bill Greer announced during morning chapel service today that he will retire as president of Milligan University in 2024, after the next school year. “It has been a true blessing and honor to lead Milligan, and I am extremely proud of the mission-focused work that we have accomplished together,” said Greer, who became president in 2011. . . .
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Celebrating 37 Years of Christian Standard (1903)
The June 27, 1903, issue of Christian Standard was interesting for its extensive celebration of the 37th anniversary of the magazine. The issue listed hundreds of the magazine's "charter subscribers" who continued to receive the publication. . . .
PBT Plans Recruitment Event in Texas (Plus News Briefs)
Pioneer Bible Translators has planned a Discovery recruitment event for June 4-7 in Dallas, Texas. Plus news briefs from RENEW.org, Kentucky Christian University, First Christian Church in Sullivan, Ind., and more.
April 10, 2023
Churches Continue to Help Florida Families 6 Months after Hurricane Ian
Six months after Hurricane Ian devastated portions of Florida, the recovery effort continues. “There are short-term victories, and there are long-term challenges,” said Gary Cox, teaching pastor at First Christian Church in Fort Myers, Fla. . . .
April 8, 2023
Easter Meditation 6: The Centurion
In his sixth and final devotion for the week leading up to Easter, former editor Mark A. Taylor shares thoughts about the centurion . . . "Struck by the Truth" (Matthew 27:45-54).
April 7, 2023
Easter Meditation 5: Chief Priests and Teachers of the Law
In his fifth of six meditations in the week leading up to Easter, former editor Mark A. Taylor shares thoughts about the chief priests and teachers of the law . . . "Blinded by Self" (Matthew 27:32-44).
April 6, 2023
Easter Meditation 4: Mary, the Mother of Jesus
In his fourth of six devotions in the week leading up to Easter, former editor Mark A. Taylor shares thoughts about the anguish that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, suffered . . . "Overwhelmed by Grief" (John 19:25-27).
April 5, 2023
News Briefs for April 5
Mulberry International is planning an “American-style” summer camp experience for 29 children who were evacuated from Mariupol, Ukraine, about a year ago and resettled in a German village. Also, briefs from e2:effective elders, Waypoint Christian Church (Lancaster, Ohio), the Northwest Christian Convention, and more . . .
April 5, 2023
Easter Meditation 3: Roman Soldiers
In his third of six devotions in the week leading up to Easter, former editor Mark A. Taylor shares thoughts about the Roman soldiers who mocked and abused Christ . . . "Missing God" (Matthew 27:27-31; John 19:23-24).
