April 6, 2008
Public Prayer
Orrin Root reflects on the meaning and responsibility of public prayer, urging leaders to pray with sympathy, specificity, eloquence, and thoughtful preparation.
Articles for tag: Grace
March 23, 2008
Preaching from a Well-Prepared Life
Ken Idleman explains why a well-prepared life undergirds powerful preaching, highlighting integrity, community, creativity, testimony, and study as priorities that validate the message and keep sermons fresh, relevant, and Spirit-energized.
February 24, 2008
An Invitation from the World Convention’s Executive Director
What is the World Convention? Jeff Weston explains its 1930 beginnings, its call for unity without uniformity, and what to expect this year—worship, workshops, global exhibits, and community involvement.
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
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 3, 2008
“Union in Truth”: Still Our Motto!
On the 200th anniversary of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address, Victor Knowles reflects on “union in truth,” the Restoration Movement’s growth, and the movement’s divided streams—urging believers toward unity grounded in Holy Scripture.
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 30, 2007
More Than All We Ask or Imagine!
We love before-and-after stories, but God’s transforming work is the most breathtaking. Jackina Stark reflects on Scripture and real-life examples of renewed minds, mended relationships, and Spirit-enabled courage to do what we cannot.
December 23, 2007
The Sign of Peace
Christmas can be filled with conflict and strain, but Scripture points to true peace through Christ. Pursue peace with others as you’re able, and rest in God’s presence even when circumstances don’t quickly change.
December 23, 2007
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and John the Prophet
By Robert Lowery What in the world does Charles Dickens, the 19th-century British author, have to do with the first-century prophet John? I made a connection just the other night after reading Dickens”s short story, A Christmas Carol. The rereading of this classic work intersected with a paper I had graded earlier that evening written by a student in my class on Revelation. The theology of John and Dickens merged late that evening. Most of us are familiar with the characters in the story published in 1843″” Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, and Bob Cratchit and his family, notably Tiny Tim””if
November 18, 2007
Why I Take a Premillennial View (Shorter Version)
Alex V. Wilson explains why he holds a classic (historic) premillennial view, responds to common accusations, and argues that Revelation 19:11—20:6 and related passages best support that framework.
November 11, 2007
What Would Jesus Do?
When churches excuse sexual sin and criminal abuse in the name of grace, victims are harmed and truth is buried. This article argues biblical forgiveness includes repentance—and repentance includes consequences and accountability.
October 10, 2007
Interview with Bill Putman
Bill Putman shares how his family endured crisis, rebellion, and hard boundaries—and how God’s grace brought healing. A candid interview about tough love, hope, and trusting God with the children you cannot fix.
September 9, 2007
The Missional Emphasis of Emerging Churches
A church in Joplin, Missouri, discovered that missional ministry can start at home. Learn what “missional” means, how it differs from consumer church thinking, and how presence, prayer, and practical compassion can transform a community.
August 26, 2007
Two Christians Pursue Paths to Unity:
Bill Westfall reflects on God’s guidance through decades of ministry and a surprising new season of unity at Boise State University, where prayer and a shared focus on Jesus are helping campus ministers become imitators of him.
August 5, 2007
The Top Ten Questions for Potential Elders
A practical guide to choosing elders rooted in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Matt Proctor offers ten questions to help congregations identify leaders with character, wisdom, and credibility—while applying biblical standards with grace.
Testimony of a Coach
After coaching 16 lead pastors from large churches, Bob Harrington shares 10 insights on grace-centered leadership, rigorous self-care, building leaders of leaders, healthy eldership, and serving the community with generosity and relational intentionality.
July 29, 2007
Avoiding “˜I” Contact! (Do You See What I See!)
By Lisa Jernigan I recently attended a training conference for women themed, “The Masquerade.” We talked about the various masks women wear and how we have become very good at disguising who we really are. I spoke with a sweet older woman who seemed to show the spirit of Jesus. As we were talking she began to tear up as I complimented her genuine smile and sweet spirit. She graciously thanked me and said, “If you only knew my past.” Well, I didn’t and I couldn’t imagine that this gentle lady could have ever had a “past.” I said her
A Tale of Two Conferences
Two conferences, two very different styles—yet the same certainty and the same worries about the church. A wry look at how men signal belonging, and the quiet grace of the wives who patiently sit beside them.
