July 11, 2010
The Boy with the Odd-Shaped Head
C. Robert Wetzel reflects on baptism, Scripture, and grace through a childhood barber shop debate and a lifetime of ministry shaped by Restoration Movement convictions.
Articles for tag: Emmanuel School of Religion
June 6, 2010
Preparing to Preach
Preacher Preparation Begins with the Whole Person Bruce E. Shields reflects on the lasting influence of a preacher’s character and argues that sermon preparation must include personal and spiritual preparation. Drawing from Phillips Brooks and practical ministry experience, he encourages preachers to pray, hear the text personally, study deeply, and offer the sermon as worship. A preacher’s character often leaves a deeper lasting impression than any single sermon. Preachers should prepare both the message and the whole person who delivers it. Prayer, personal engagement with Scripture, scholarship, and worship are essential to faithful preaching. By Bruce E. Shields Who is
April 4, 2010
Good Friday: On Being Human
John E. Wasem reflects on Jesus’ words “I’m thirsty,” showing how the cross reveals Christ’s full humanity, deep suffering, and compassionate identification with human need.
March 14, 2010
Here”s What”s Happening at Our Christian Colleges
Colleges and seminaries associated with Christian churches and churches of Christ share updates on leadership transitions, new programs, campus projects, missions, online learning, and ministry training.
January 10, 2010
Stone-Campbell Dialogue Launches New Phase
The Stone-Campbell Dialogue marked a decade of unity discussions by shifting its focus toward shared mission, service projects, grassroots engagement, and younger leadership across the movement’s three streams.
November 1, 2009
My ‘Must-Read’ Books
Christian Standard contributing editors and ministry leaders share must-read books that have shaped their worship, leadership, spiritual formation, ministry, missions, and personal reading.
October 4, 2009
Preparing for Ministry, Preparing for Community, Preparing for Change
Robert Wetzel and Michael Sweeney discuss Emmanuel School of Religion’s leadership transition, community-focused seminary education, financial pressures, and the need for deeper theological formation in churches.
September 27, 2009
A Look at This Year”s NACC: Going Home
Thomas F. Jones Jr. reflects on the North American Christian Convention as a yearly homecoming where friends, ministry partners, former students, and church planting leaders reconnect.
September 6, 2009
Why Plant Churches?
Tom Jones reflects on his home church’s lifelong influence and explains why church planting is central to the church’s mission of evangelism, compassion, transformation, and sending.
August 30, 2009
The Celebration of Congregationalism
C. Robert Wetzel reflects on congregational polity, local autonomy, parachurch organizations, and the Spirit’s work among Christian churches/churches of Christ.
April 19, 2009
Congregational Membership and the Worshiping Community: A Reflection on Church Polity
C. Robert Wetzel reflects on open membership, baptism by immersion, and the open Communion table, offering a practical distinction between a church’s worshiping community and formal congregational membership.
March 15, 2009
Spiritual Formation as Leadership Development
Bill Weber urges Bible colleges and seminaries to make spiritual formation intentional, developing Christian character through curriculum, faculty mentoring, spiritual disciplines, and a campus culture centered on discipleship.
January 25, 2009
The Testimony of a Chaplain: Ruined
After a 15-month deployment, Chaplain Craig Honbarger reflects on how war reshaped his priorities, deepened Communion, and changed the way he sees home, worship, and Christ’s coming kingdom.
January 14, 2009
Interview with LeRoy Lawson
Roy Lawson explains how wide-ranging reading has shaped his preaching, writing, leadership, and lifelong ministry—and why church leaders should keep filling their souls and minds.
January 11, 2009
The Power and Potential of “Not-Thank-You”
Ethan Magness reflects on a child’s bedtime prayer to show how honest prayer can hold gratitude and lament together before a good and caring God.
December 31, 2008
Obituaries from 2008
A 2008 alphabetical obituary listing remembering Christian ministers, missionaries, educators, church leaders, and faithful servants connected with churches, colleges, missions, and ministries across the Restoration Movement.
December 31, 2008
New Year, New Theme, New Writers
Mark A. Taylor introduces Christian Standard’s “Get Your Hands Dirty” theme for 2009 and invites readers to share how their churches are serving people in need.
December 7, 2008
They Were Our Supporters
Mike Sweeney reflects on how missionary support became more than money through prayer, friendship, visits, encouragement, and lasting relationships with congregations and individuals.
November 30, 2008
The Difference Advent Makes
Robert F. Hull Jr. reflects on Advent as a season of repentance, Scripture, prayer, and waiting—one that can help churches prepare for Christmas with deeper spiritual focus.
November 9, 2008
The Local Church Needs Scholars
Fred Hansen reflects on scholarship in the church, highlighting Restoration Movement examples and urging ministers, missionaries, and educators to pursue deep learning marked by humility and service.
