September 27, 2023
Shawn McMullen has been named the 13th editor of Christian Standard, succeeding Michael C. Mack, who died unexpectedly Aug. 24. McMullen has served previously as editor of The Lookout. “When I think about Christian Standard’s 157-year history, its impact on our churches, and its legacy of godly editors, I view this as a sacred trust,” McMullen said . . .
March 31, 2020
Shawn McMullen, who has concluded his service as editor of The Lookout magazine, will begin work Wednesday as vice president of partner relations with the Christian Church Leadership Foundation. McMullen’s responsibilities will include working with Cincinnati area ministers, churches, and mission teams to present the work of the CCL Network and the Russell School of Ministry. He will identify partners to support student scholarships, library services, and network memberships. He also will closely work with representatives from the Cincinnati Christian University Alumni Association to help maintain communication and connection with the CCU community within the CCL Foundation. “I’m grateful for
March 15, 2009
By LeRoy Lawson Clinton J. Holloway, Lest We Forget: Meditations at the Meal of Remembrance (Cold Tree Press, 2008). August 2008 featured selections in Christian Standard from this collection by Clinton Holloway of meditations on the Lord”s Supper. This helpful book responds to a need many a presider feels when trying to offer a fresh thought before the worshipers partake. Some of Holloway”s offerings are refreshingly original, others more predictable, and yet others will spark your own imagination. Each focuses our attention on the reason for our worship. And, to one who has sat through””and even been guilty of presenting””sometimes
December 3, 2008
By Mark A. Taylor Barney Wells summarized the Energizing Smaller Churches Network challenge at an October ESCN conference. “Being where God wants you is more important than being where it looks good,” he told the crowd gathered for the event at Cincinnati Christian University. “You can”t get in a place so small that God can”t work there.” All of us who heard him left eager to seek God”s direction, even if it leads away from big cities, well-known congregations, or obvious opportunities. “Small” does not need to equal “unimportant” or “inconsequential,” especially where God is guiding. That”s the message of
October 8, 2008
By Mark A. Taylor Is growing attendance a reliable indicator of church health? American Christians generally answer yes. Perhaps this is because we live with the effects of corporate pressure for quarter-by-quarter growth in sales and profits. For several decades now, the American mind-set has equated “bigger” with “better.” But not everyone accepts that conclusion any longer. Speaking at the Energizing Smaller Churches Network conference in Lincoln, Illinois, last month, Paul Williams listed 10 signs of a healthy smaller church. His first point: “Measure by relational growth as well as by numbers growth.” Many of the smaller church”s problems can
September 24, 2008
By Brad Dupray As the newly appointed president of Crossroads College in Rochester, Minnesota, Mike Kilgallin is crafting a vision for what Crossroads College can do for the churches of Minnesota and beyond. Mike brings a broad base of experience to his new role, having served as the senior pastor of churches in Minnesota and Illinois, as the head of the Business Department and as staff development officer at Lincoln (Illinois) Christian College, as a regional vice president with Church Development Fund, and most recently, as the vice president of church and faith-based services with Fifth Third Bank. Mike and
April 30, 2008
By Mark A. Taylor Decades ago I had the delight of getting to know W.F. Lown during his years as president of Manhattan (Kansas) Christian College. Brother Lown was talking about handling criticism. “As long as I”m receiving attacks from both the left and the right,” he said, “I figure my positions are just about exactly where they need to be.” It”s dangerous to quote out of context, and I must admit I don”t remember anything else from this conversation. But, maybe because I hated to receive criticism (I haven”t learned to love it yet!), his comment has never left
March 9, 2008
By David Bycroft Many congregations today are being seriously damaged and sometimes even destroyed by Christians who are more led by their own desires than by the Spirit of Christ. Some Christians, both in leadership and in the pew, are becoming roadblocks to reaching our communities for Christ. Many are most concerned with their own comfort, desires, and wants. They say things like, “Well, I like small churches,” or “I think we ought to use hymns and hymnbooks,” or “I don”t think we need coffee and donuts.” This selfish talk always begins with “I think . . .” Does anyone
February 3, 2008
By Shawn McMullen My father-in-law, Herb Bleakney, worked for decades in a Pennsylvania steel mill. That was his day job. But in the evenings and on weekends, he was part of an elite group of men in his smaller church who took upon themselves the task of discipling the young people in their congregation. The men who helped him also worked full-time jobs, cared for their families, and served the church in many other ways. Even so, while my wife and her siblings were in their teens, these men poured themselves into the lives of the church”s youth. They planned
August 1, 2007
By Mark A. Taylor Small can be large when it experiences energy. That”s what we”re learning here at Standard Publishing from leaders of smaller churches across the country. Last spring we met hundreds of them at five Energizing Smaller Churches Network conferences. That experience has prepared us for six more conferences this fall, starting in just a few weeks. And we can hardly wait to meet the workers in smaller churches who will attend each one. One thing is for sure. Smaller churches don”t fit the preconceptions some may hold of them. Not all smaller churches are in rural settings.
April 22, 2007
Newcomers are moving into rural communities, and churches can feel the strain when long-term residents and newcomers collide. This introduction explores agrarian and cosmopolitan contrasts and why understanding them can ease conflict.
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 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.
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.
February 22, 2006
Energizing Smaller Churches Network (ESCN) is launching four “Healthy Churches Come in All Sizes” conferences on Christian college campuses, encouraging leaders of smaller congregations through worship, workshops, and practical ministry support.
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