December 3, 2008
Big Ideas for Smaller Churches
Mark A. Taylor highlights how the Energizing Smaller Churches Network encourages leaders in smaller congregations and shares the spring and summer 2009 ESCN conference schedule.
Articles for tag: Ben Merold
August 20, 2008
A Week of Blessing for a Life of Grace
Mark A. Taylor reflects on worship, preaching, and ministry fellowship at the 2008 North American Christian Convention in Cincinnati, where “Come, Thou Fount” framed a week of encouragement and accountability.
Interview with Leonard Wymore
Leonard Wymore reflects on the North American Christian Convention, addressing its purpose, declining attendance, cost challenges, programming concerns, and renewed opportunities for churches across the movement.
May 18, 2008
Unusual Conversions
Ben Merold shares several surprising conversion stories from decades of evangelistic ministry, showing how God’s Word and the Holy Spirit can work in unexpected ways.
April 30, 2008
External Focus, Careful Balance
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the challenge of balancing evangelism and social action, urging externally focused churches to bring together good deeds and good news.
February 13, 2008
Interview with Cam Huxford
Cam Huxford reflects on leading the North American Christian Convention, the value of intergenerational connection, and what it means to “Live Dangerously” through obedience, perseverance, and mission-minded ministry.
December 9, 2007
Leadership in the Church
Churches need leaders, but Scripture defines greatness as serving. Doyle Roth calls believers to trade titles and status for the towel and basin—leading people to Christ through humble, practical service.
September 12, 2007
Interview with Ben Merold
Veteran minister Ben Merold reflects on church growth, encouraging small-church leaders, and reaching the culture without selling out. He shares practical wisdom from decades of preaching and leading Harvester Christian Church.
August 29, 2007
Interview with Pete and Pat Mitchell
For 58 years, Pete and Pat Mitchell—“The Singing Mitchells”—served churches through music, revivals, and steady travel from their home in Robinson, Illinois. They share how marriage, family life, and ministry shaped their journey.
Are You Physically at Your Peak?
After a painful ministry season, Stephen Bond reflects on how neglecting health diminished his clarity and stamina. He argues fitness is spiritual stewardship and offers three practical guidelines for lasting discipline.
May 9, 2007
The Problem of Poverty Needs More Than Prayer
A reminder that God guides moving people: as Christians respond to poverty, prayer must be joined with action. Practical steps—serving, giving, and volunteering—can meet real needs while we seek God’s direction.
February 25, 2007
Lucky to Be Alive?
By Doyle Roth Remember as a child how we looked forward to the summer break from school? Then there was the anticipation of waiting for the family vacation. Whether it was a trip to the beach, the mountains, or Disneyland, the excitement would build as the date approached. As adults we still mesmerize ourselves with expectations of grand and glorious places and events. Dreams and hope for the future are a part of many facets of our lives. There is anticipation when we leave home to go to college. There is excitement as the graduation date finally approaches. We can”t
October 15, 2006
STARTING SMALL: A God Thing
David Bycroft recounts how Tyro Christian Church grew from a small rural congregation into a thriving ministry marked by missions giving, volunteer engagement, and leader development—evidence, he says, of what God can do anywhere.
September 13, 2006
Interview with Doyle Roth
After a head-on collision left Doyle Roth with severe injuries, he faced a long recovery filled with pain and discouragement. In this interview, he shares how his church cared for him and what he learned about hope, heaven, and hospital visits.
July 9, 2006
Lessons I Learned While Planting a Church
Church planting is thrilling—but risky. Bob Williams shares field-tested lessons on balancing faith with reality, launching at the right time, learning wisely from others, and adapting through change, setbacks, and a shift to a multisite model.
Listening and Learning
Phil LeMaster reflects on early ministry missteps and the lasting value of learning from seasoned preachers. He shares five practical lessons—from discipline and servanthood to prayer, availability, and embracing interruptions as God’s opportunities.
February 22, 2006
Healthy Churches Come in All Sizes!
Energizing Smaller Churches Network (ESCN) is launching four “Healthy Churches Come in All Sizes” conferences on Christian college campuses, encouraging leaders of smaller congregations through worship, workshops, and practical ministry support.
