February 18, 2007
The NACC: It’s Time
Alan Ahlgrim reflects on God’s “kairos” timing and urges churches to see the 2007 North American Christian Convention as a catalytic moment for renewal, leadership development, and bold church planting.
Articles for tag: Bob Russell
February 14, 2007
Interview with Alan Ahlgrim
Alan Ahlgrim shares how God led him into preaching and church planting, reflects on the growth of Rocky Mountain Christian Church, and explains what he hopes the 2007 North American Christian Convention will spark across the fellowship.
December 31, 2006
Looking for Church Leaders
Jesus chose imperfect people and shaped them into leaders. This article explores the qualities he modeled and sought—humble service, compassion, discernment, prayer, action, delegation, and courage—for leaders serving the local church today.
December 17, 2006
The Discipline of Staying
Should a leader stay or go? Greg Marksberry urges servant-leaders to embrace the discipline of staying—expecting downturns, embracing growth’s cost, and enjoying the long-term yield of stable, faithful ministry.
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.
October 1, 2006
Why I Left the Christian Church
By Kent Williams I have spent my entire life in the Christian church. I graduated from a Christian church college, as did my wife. Both of my sons attended that same college. I ministered for 25 years in Christian churches. In my family and my wife”s family there are ministers and missionaries serving in Christian churches. I have led revivals, spoken at conventions, served on boards, and written articles almost exclusively with organizations associated with Christian churches. Almost all of my friends in ministry serve Christian churches. But a couple of years ago I left the Christian church. I was
July 2, 2006
A Common Plea: From the New Book ‘Together Again’
A book excerpt urging humility and unity: Jesus’ words in Mark 9 and Restoration Movement leaders remind believers to be “Christians only,” while admitting we are not the only Christians.
June 28, 2006
Can We Allow What We Do Not Advocate?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on fellowship amid disagreement—first in families, then in churches. He calls for humility and grace that covers belief and practice, urging Christians to pursue reconciliation without compromise.
June 7, 2006
Interview with Bob Russell
By Brad Dupray Bob Russell says he “anticipated staying four or five years” when he came to Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1966. “I saw myself going back to Pennsylvania, preaching somewhere near my hometown.” God had other plans. In 40 years of ministry at Southeast Bob has led the church to weekend attendance of 19,000. The church has become a force for evangelism, a help to those in need, and the conscience in its community. The word on the street is Bob Russell is retiring. How would you define this transition in your life? I think it’s
CHRISTIAN STANDARD AT 140: It Fills a Hole in the Sky
Ben Cachiaras reflects on The Christian Standard’s 140 years, using a willow tree metaphor to show why the magazine remains a vital hub for communication, conversation, and encouragement across the movement.
February 5, 2006
NACC: The Dream Can Come True
Louisville will host the North American Christian Convention June 27-30, featuring special events, prayer gatherings, mentorship breakfasts, and programming for all ages—aimed at strengthening relationships and celebrating shared heritage across Christian churches and churches of Christ.
February 1, 2006
A Place in the History Books
A reflection on the North American Christian Convention’s call for unity, the long history behind division over worship practices, and the growing signs of cooperation between Christian churches and churches of Christ.
November 30, 2005
Other 2009 NACC Events
Plan your 2009 NACC experience with this list of ticketed events and special activities, including tours, luncheons, training, networking breakfasts, kids’ day trips, and the free Casting Crowns concert.
October 2, 2005
How to Preach Like an Amateur
Eddie Lowen offers two preaching principles: sermons must be biblical (even if not narrowly expository) and must be personal, with integrity in how preachers use and credit sermon material.
September 28, 2005
The Problems With Original Preaching
A letter argues that sermon originality can be overrated when ministers carry heavy weekly demands. It urges ethical transparency, shared resources, and reconsidering Sunday evening services to support faithful preaching and healthier expectations.
September 25, 2005
How to Help Your New Preacher
Practical counsel for congregations who want to strengthen a preacher’s ministry: set realistic expectations, listen for application, encourage with support and outreach, and pray for courage, humility, and wisdom.
August 10, 2005
The Stage I’m In
Stress and aging are linked, but strong friendships can help. Mark A. Taylor reflects on entering a new stage of life and points to the church’s “one another” life as a practical path to support and aging well.
June 19, 2005
Bringing Believers to Maturity
A staff roundup of “Christianity 101” models that help guests and new members take next steps. See how churches use rotating sessions, newcomer meals, and multi-week classes covering beliefs, baptism, Communion, giving, gifts, and involvement.
June 12, 2005
Five Keys for Effective Teaching and Preaching
Strong communication shapes how people perceive a church. Jim Tune shares five practical keys—preparation, clear structure, respect for time, effective storytelling, and wise use of technology—to help teaching and preaching move from dull to dynamic.
May 29, 2005
A New Book About a Favorite Minister
A review of Love, Laughter and Leadership, the biography of Wayne B. Smith of Southland Christian Church. Highlights his humor, humility, family, friendships, and lasting influence in ministry.
