March 6, 2023
A severe storm early Friday night that included two tornadoes in Highland County, Ohio, tore a large section of the roof off Fairview Church of Christ, located on U.S. 50 a few miles west of Hillsboro.
September 14, 2021
Part 3 of 3: What the Bible Says About Deaconesses — The evidence is disputed, but I believe women did and do serve in this capacity—often without the title.
September 7, 2021
Part 2 of 3: Who to Select and How They Should Function — Four scriptural texts help shape our understanding . . .
August 31, 2021
Part 1 of 3: What Deacons Are and Do — To some, the term "deacon" is a signpost of an outdated model of ministry. Let's reexamine the biblical material . . .
September 21, 2020
Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in the October 2020 issue of Christian Standard + The Lookout. (Subscribe to our print edition.) ________ COMPANION RESOURCES “Who Is Worthy to Lead?” by David Faust (Lesson Application) Discovery Questions for Sept. 27, 2020 ________ Lesson Aim: Assemble leaders who model Christ, and be such a leader. ________ By Mark Scott Jesus prayed all night before choosing the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). The Holy Spirit selects the right leaders for
The Key Elements to Making Your Time Together More Effective By David Roadcup Effective elders’ meetings are an important part of a healthy leadership culture. Our meetings should be organized times of fellowship, powerful prayer, communication, and decision-making. The focus of elders’ meetings should be on the shepherding of staff and the business matters of the congregation. Elders’ meetings can be extremely fruitful and enjoyable, or they can be hours of torment and wandering in the wilderness. It all depends on planning and on the leader of the meeting (the elder chairman) and lead minister working together for the best
July 31, 2017
Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in the July 30, 2017, issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Mark Scott Seth Wilson said, “I don”t know about being “˜called,” but I know we”ve all been “˜sent.”” All Christians have been commissioned to witness (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Disciples have been called out of the world only to be sent back into it. Darin Brown from the Journey”s Crossing Church in Germantown, Maryland, said, “You
April 26, 2014
By J. Michael Shannon They used to be found in large numbers. In some cases, they were the first church officers a visitor would meet. They were visible in church services and activities. Now they seem to be almost an endangered species. Who are they? They are deacons. I have the opportunity to visit all kinds of churches in various contexts. In an increasing number of those churches, it is extremely difficult to find a deacon. In churches where they do have them, it is difficult to figure out where they are. Why are they disappearing? Sometimes the disappearance can be explained by the
January 26, 2014
By Don Bennett I”m convinced the sheep should not choose their shepherds. It”s time to get rid of policies and procedures that allow this. I spent my formative years in two Restoration Movement churches that seated their leadership through a voting process that usually occurred at an annual congregational meeting. This was the norm in the 1960s and “70s, with many churches actually allowing nominations from the floor on the day of the vote! As I witnessed this tradition over several years, I became convinced of this system”s flaws. For starters, few if any of those present and voting were
October 1, 2012
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone After focusing on the book of Hebrews for several weeks, we now turn our attention to the book of Acts to see how God uses people of faith. With the rapid growth of the early church, it became difficult to take care of all the widows in need of food. The apostles directed the church to select seven men to oversee this important work. Some consider them the first deacons, even though that term is not
By William Baker The original Lord”s Supper took place at a table (Luke 22:21, 30). The host was Jesus. He sent Peter and John ahead of the group to make the necessary arrangements with the owner of the house to eat at his large table of his second-floor room. However, the disciples being led to the house by a man carrying a jar of water on his head, as Jesus predicted (Luke 22:10), reveals that Jesus himself had already set this up ahead of them. After arriving at the room, Jesus functioned as the host. As he reclined around a
March 7, 2011
Cheryl Frey reflects on 1 Timothy 3 and Paul’s instructions for elders, deacons, and faithful servants whose tested character helps lead Christ’s church with wisdom and humility.
January 20, 2011
The 2010 CHRISTIAN STANDARD CD-ROM includes every 2010 issue in a searchable format for research, teaching, preaching illustrations, and easy article access.
May 5, 2010
Bill Buher and his son Mike reflect on serving as elders in different churches, passing faith across generations, and holding to biblical fundamentals while methods change.
January 17, 2010
Volunteer church leaders can grow weary from years of faithful service. Wilbur Reid III makes the case for sabbaticals that renew leaders and strengthen the church.
November 2, 2008
Robert Kitchen encourages elders to focus on shepherding, mentoring, and teaching while equipping volunteers with clear expectations, useful tools, and meaningful opportunities for service.
January 22, 2006
A conversation about the Lord’s Supper and invitation hymns opens a wider look at Stone-Campbell worship history—and the motives, cultural pressures, and practical reasons that shape how churches worship.
September 11, 2005
Volunteer elders often face misunderstanding and criticism. Eddie Lowen urges churches to reject disrespect, uphold biblical qualifications, and use thoughtful selection practices so elders can lead with integrity and joy.
May 29, 2005
Practical steps to help elders move from boardroom management to pastoral shepherding—learning shepherding skills, delegating wisely to deacons and staff, forming real flocks, and reshaping meetings for prayer, encouragement, and ministry.
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