April 16, 2008
Struggles in High Places
Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership struggles at Facebook echo challenges many church and parachurch leaders face: rapid growth, pressure to sustain the work, and the temptation to lead on one’s own terms.
Articles for tag: church leadership
March 2, 2008
I Want to Be Like Them
LeRoy Lawson reflects on the elders who sustained his ministry. He describes the best traits of church elders—humble love, prayerful wisdom, steady encouragement, and a “grandfather” heart that leads by love.
Talking Together, Learning Together
Nearly 100 men gathered at Chapel Rock Christian Church for the fourth annual Indianapolis Congress of Elders, featuring practical workshops, case studies, and a keynote challenge from Ken Idleman on faithful leadership.
February 27, 2008
We Can Agree on Some Things About Elders
A reflection on elders who quietly shepherd, encourage their preacher, and serve without pretense. Even amid differing conclusions, the church still needs humble leaders who protect and support the local flock.
February 17, 2008
Living Dangerously: The 2008 North American Christian Convention
Cam Huxford calls believers to “live dangerously” in full devotion to Christ and invites churches to the 2008 North American Christian Convention, July 1-4, for preaching, training, and catalytic connection in Cincinnati.
February 3, 2008
E.L. Russell”“A Pacesetter Without Prominence
Brett Andrews remembers Eldreth L. Russell, a faithful minister whose joy, contentment, teaching clarity, passion, and servant heart helped shape a church and influence generations—often without recognition.
January 6, 2008
Introducing . . . The Year of the Elder
Christian Standard introduces “The Year of the Elder,” a yearlong series exploring the role of elders in the 21st-century Western church and inviting readers to join the discussion through letters, submissions, and sharing the series.
January 6, 2008
To Err Is Divine: “Pastoring” in Biblical Perspective
Church leadership isn’t secured by titles but proven through shepherding. This piece contrasts “Tyrant” and “CEO” pastor models with New Testament care rooted in Jesus the Shepherd and expressed through accountable, grace-shaped ministry.
January 2, 2008
Interview with Lynn Anderson
Lynn Anderson discusses the calling of elders as shepherds who build trust and care for a flock. He addresses policy, authority, qualifications, women and age, and practical ways elders and staff can lead together.
December 9, 2007
Organic Community
Joseph R. Myers contrasts rigid “master plan” approaches with “organic order,” urging leaders to shape environments where community can emerge naturally and people can pursue wholeness instead of mere outcomes.
He Makes Me Lie Down
After a mild stroke, a senior minister reflects on Psalm 23 and the unexpected gift of being made to rest. A sabbatical, Scripture, and new boundaries reshaped his health, leadership, and pace of ministry.
November 7, 2007
Interview With Vince Antonucci
Vince Antonucci shares how reading the Bible led him to Christ and into church planting. In this interview, he explains Forefront Christian Church’s focus on reaching the unchurched and why they’re willing to do ministry differently.
October 7, 2007
Cultivating Church Leadership Through Internships
Church leadership internships: How internships can help churches raise up leaders from within As churches grow, leadership gaps can stall momentum. This article explains how one church developed a practical, step-by-step approach to identify potential leaders, disciple them, and progressively increase responsibility through internships. The goal is to cultivate gifts and build a healthy leadership pipeline from within the congregation. Identify leaders early and build intentional pathways for development. Use internships to formalize responsibility and increase accountability. Create a clear process that moves people from volunteer roles toward staff roles. By Kevin Stone As Christ’s Church of the Valley’s executive
September 30, 2007
Preaching, Prayer, and Conflict
If we want to avoid conflict, our first question should be, “What does God want us to do?” Seeking God’s guidance begins in prayer. Involving the entire congregation in praying for God’s guidance makes conflict less likely.
Experience the Energy
Standard Publishing reflects on lessons from the Energizing Smaller Churches Network and invites leaders to join upcoming ESCN conferences this fall for connection, learning, and practical encouragement.
TRANSITIONS: Lesson I”ve Learned This Past Year
After succeeding Bob Russell at Southeast Christian Church, Dave Stone shares lessons from a senior pastor transition—humility, criticism, family priorities, and learning to depend on Christ under daily leadership pressure.
Do What? Bounded Freedom at the Table
Details for “The Lord’s Supper: A Memory and More,” a downloadable CHRISTIAN STANDARD resource on Communion, plus a brief sample excerpt reflecting on “Do this in remembrance of me” and what the church is meant to continue doing.
April 18, 2007
Change Is
Tom Ellsworth urges patient, listening-first leadership when guiding change in smaller churches. Mark A. Taylor introduces a book excerpt on helping town and country congregations respond faithfully to demographic shifts and unchosen change.
April 11, 2007
Interview with Sue Wilson
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.
March 25, 2007
Five Ways to Prepare Your People for a Stewardship Sermon
Bob Russell shares five practical tips for preaching about money with confidence—building leadership support, weaving stewardship into regular sermons, emphasizing integrity, and framing messages to help people understand money and giving.
