January 6, 2008
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
February 28, 2007
A reflection comparing fast food to shallow spirituality, urging churches to keep the “flavor” while improving the “content.” The goal isn’t just pleasing crowds, but pursuing the long-term health of the audience.
January 28, 2007
Three leadership models shape today’s church, but only one is biblical. Randy Gariss contrasts storefront and foreman approaches with shepherding—personal pursuit, prayer, compassion, and responsibility for God’s people.
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.
December 17, 2006
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.
November 19, 2006
A pastor reflects on the hidden danger of people-pleasing in leadership and the temptation to make decisions by popular opinion. Looking to Moses, he urges leaders to pay attention to God’s voice and remember their call.
October 25, 2006
True friendship is rare—especially for Christian leaders who feel pressure to appear perfect. Mark A. Taylor reflects on Proverbs 27 and the gift of honest counsel, trust, and encouragement among God’s people.
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