January 27, 2008
As Oaklandon Christian Church grew, its elders had to shift from managing day-to-day decisions to policy, vision, and oversight. Doug Priest explains how church size reshapes leadership and why spiritual responsibility must remain central.
September 12, 2007
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.
September 9, 2007
Cody Moore contrasts the institutional church with the missional church, arguing that Christians are called out and sent back into the world. He urges communities to measure spiritual fruit, not just budgets and attendance.
August 5, 2007
Two south Tampa churches explored a merger, paused, then reunited around a shared vision. Learn how leadership, a transition team, and trust-building helped form New Beginnings Christian Church.
August 5, 2007
Using the “bilge pump” parable, Phil Scott warns that maintenance can’t stop long-term decline and urges congregations toward courageous leadership, innovation, and aggressive evangelism beyond the safety of the harbor.
April 22, 2007
Why do newcomers and long-term rural residents clash in local churches? This article explores agrarian and cosmopolitan differences—from success and planning to meetings and relationships—and offers practical ways leaders can ease friction and encourage healthier church life.
April 15, 2007
A report on 117 megachurches and emerging megachurches among Christian churches/churches of Christ explores growth patterns, multisite momentum, facility expansion outcomes, and demographic shifts shaping what comes next for large congregations.
April 15, 2007
Parkway Christian Church in Surprise, Arizona, grew through counterintuitive service decisions, multiple worship styles, and a strong small-group follow-up system—planning new venues while keeping worship environments intentionally intimate.
April 11, 2007
Sue Wilson shares candid insight on marriage, ministry partnership, and the pressures of being a pastor’s wife at a large church. She reflects on criticism, communication, church growth, and practical advice for younger ministers’ wives.
January 14, 2007
Joe Ellis urges American churches to recover authentic New Testament faith and function in a time of cultural shaking. Drawing on historic awakenings, he calls congregations toward restoration, evangelistic passion, and renewed effectiveness.
December 20, 2006
Standard Publishing is underwriting and expanding the Energizing Smaller Churches Network (ESCN). Discover the roster of 10 conferences scheduled for 2007—offering vision, testimony, practical ideas, and encouragement for smaller church leaders and volunteers.
November 5, 2006
Churches birth churches—when vision becomes commitment, partnerships form, and leaders prepare for a healthy launch. Greg Marksberry outlines the stages of church planting from preconception through postpartum care.
October 15, 2006
Knofel Staton reflects on what megachurches can offer—and why small congregations matter just as much. He traces how “minor churches” nurture faith and leaders, and calls both large and small churches to value each other’s role.
October 15, 2006
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 11, 2006
Barry McMurtrie explains why small churches plateau, how leaders can prioritize outreach, and practical ways to introduce change wisely while pursuing healthy church growth.
October 4, 2006
Balance is elusive in personal discipleship and in church life. Mark A. Taylor reflects on competing priorities—spiritual disciplines, evangelism, social action, and cultural engagement—and urges faithful commitment to the challenging pursuit of balance.
September 27, 2006
Vince Antonucci’s “lobby test” reveals whether churches are reaching people who have never attended church before. His challenge invites congregations to see themselves through outsiders’ eyes and pursue Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost.
July 26, 2006
Mark A. Taylor reflects on “sprinters” and “marathon runners” in ministry work—why different rhythms can clash on church staffs, and how healthy teams learn to plan, adapt, and value each other’s strengths.
July 19, 2006
A church locator can help travelers and researchers—but only if listings are current. Mark A. Taylor urges churches to verify and update their Christian Church Today Locator information and highlights other site features that serve the Restoration Movement.
July 19, 2006
Island Family Christian Church in Honolulu grew through prayer, purpose, and “Ohana” small groups. Roger Andruss shares his conversion story and ministry journey from Montana to Hawaii.
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