December 31, 2024
Leadership Development: Lessons from Churches Around the World
Churches around the world have a variety of methods for leadership training, even in the midst of persecution. We may be able to learn from them.
Articles for tag: Baptism
December 23, 2024
December 29 Study | He Comes with Purpose
Luke ends his Gospel with the disciples worshiping Jesus as he ascended back to God and commissioned his disciples to spread the gospel to the world.
December 9, 2024
December 15 Study | He Comes as the Son of God
Who Jesus of Nazareth was makes what he said and did the most important words and deeds in the history of the universe.
December 9, 2024
December 15 Application | Who Is Talking About Jesus?
What do we really believe about Jesus Christ? How can we keep Christ central in our minds—not only during the Christmas season, but all year round?
October 31, 2024
Living on Gratitude Street
Thanksgiving is far more than an American holiday. Gratitude Street winds its way through all of God’s Word. Grace and gratitude, double first cousins, are deeply rooted in the heart of God and Scripture.
October 22, 2024
How One Immigrant’s Life Was Changed by God
Hung Le, an immigrant to the U.S. from Vietnam, lost his faith in God. But amid all of his difficult experiences, he came to the realization that God still loved him
July 1, 2024
Bringing the Streams Together: A Call to Unity within the Restoration Movement
The trajectory of the Restoration Movement has led to three distinct religious bodies. . . . Can we return to an experience of communal unity?
The Solomon Foundation Leads Through Its Core Values
The Solomon Foundation has sought to build the kingdom of God while giving investors a great return on their investment. From the beginning, TSF's values have guided their path to success. . . .
July 1, 2024
Evangelism and Discipleship . . . Evangelism Comes First
The word "evangelism" seems to have fallen out of favor with many in church circles these days and been replaced with the word "discipleship." . . .
July 1, 2024
Foundation Stones of the Restoration Movement
I told my friend about the foundation stones of our movement: truth, unity, and evangelism. . . .
July 1, 2024
A Financial Deep Dive
In 2023, 57 percent of churches reported that giving exceeded their budget, with 21 percent saying giving met their budgeted needs. . . .
May 13, 2024
Equal Before God
In the practices of the church, God has continued to erase differences when people come before him. . . .
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Barton W. Stone—Champion of the Word’ (1962)
Sam Stone wrote in 1962, "If the early leaders of the Restoration movement are like men engaged in a race, it might be said that Barton Warren Stone took an early lead, but was later passed by Alexander Campbell." Sam Stone contended that Barton Stone was deserving of greater appreciation . . . and he did so by presenting this "survey of his life." . . .
May 1, 2024
2023 Annual Survey Fast Facts
AVERAGE WEEKLY IN-PERSON-ONLY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE Megachurches: 4,499 (37 churches) Emerging Megachurches: 1,088 (43 churches) Large Churches: 591 (38 churches) Medium Churches: 320 (54 churches) Small Churches: 137 (74 churches) Very Small Churches: 49 (68 churches) _ _ _ AVERAGE WEEKLY IN-PERSON + ONLINE WORSHIP ATTENDANCE Megachurches: 6,424 (37 churches) Emerging Megachurches: 1,430 (43 churches) Large Churches: 712 (38 churches) Medium Churches: 370 (54 churches) Small Churches: 162 (74 churches) Very Small Churches: 55 (68 churches) 76% of the churches reported online worship attendance numbers _ _ _ TOTAL ATTENDANCE GROWTH RATES (2022 TO 2023) Megachurches: 12.0% Emerging Megachurches: 25.2% Large:
May 1, 2024
The Christian Standard Church Report for 2023: The New Normal?
The pandemic caused some churches to refocus or redefine their ministry practices. . . .
May 1, 2024
Baptism: The Healing Plunge into Jesus’ Plea for Unity
I wondered, "What could I do as a local church pastor to exalt Christ, proclaim gospel truths, and heal hardened and hurting hearts?" . . .
April 22, 2024
April 28 Study | Resurrection
The resurrection (both Jesus’ and ours) makes a mockery of death. It is the ultimate joke on the devil. . . .
April 22, 2024
April 28 Application | ‘Of First Importance’
Jesus Christ is risen indeed! Aren’t you glad? The miracle of Jesus’ resurrection is the turning point of history, the backbone of biblical theology, and the foundation of the Christian faith. . . .
April 22, 2024
April 28 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Resurrection” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 16-27, 50-58), by Mark Scott.
April 1, 2024
What Is the Lord’s Supper? Exploring Unity, Renewal, and Remembrance
What actually happens when churches gather to celebrate the Lord’s Supper? Answers vary. I want to suggest that the Lord’s Supper is a weekly experience of church unity, covenant renewal, and mutual remembrance. . . .
