Articles for tag: Heritage Christian Church

November 6, 2010

Christian Standard

Interview with Mel McGowan

By Brad Dupray Mel McGowan grew up with a passion for great storytelling. Whether at a Disney-inspired theme park or in the art of film, he saw the life-changing value a story could bring. Mel has converted that passion into what has been called “architectural evangelism,” using the design of church meeting spaces to preach the gospel to people in ways that meet the eye. As president of Visioneering Studios, which he founded in 2002, Mel has provided architectural insight to ministries across the United States and around the world, including Southeast Christian Church (Louisville, Kentucky), Christ”s Church of the

November 16, 2008

Christian Standard

Should the Minister Be One of the Elders?

By Darrel Rowland   “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).   Does this verse mean the preacher could/should be a pastor and regarded as an elder? Three of the four churches examined this week because they have a well-functioning leadership team believe so. Bob Russell was an elder at Southeast Christian in Louisville. Robin Hart in Ohio and Eddie Lowen in Illinois are elders today. Greg Marksberry is not, although he acknowledges that a “fly on the wall” at elders

November 16, 2008

Christian Standard

Two Elders Now Ministers Talk About Elder-Minister Relationships

By Darrel Rowland With apologies to Judy Collins, we could say that Ernie Graf and Jim Sloderbeck have looked at church from both sides now. Their unique perspective comes because both were veteran elders and both now serve on their church”s ministerial staff. Graf is minister of administration for Northside Christian Church near Akron, Ohio. He majored in accounting and has a degree in business administration, which he used for 35 years in the private sector. When Northside created the administrative post in 2003, he took early retirement and joined the staff. Sloderbeck has been executive pastor of Heritage Christian

June 1, 2008

Christian Standard

Learning the ABC”s

By Brad Dupray Everyone”s heard the complaint: “All the church ever talks about is money.” That perception has gotten the best of many preachers. As a result they have shied away from talking about money because they don”t want to be guilty of overplaying the issue. How does a preacher face a congregation and encourage them to give money to the church without at least a little concern that it seems self-serving? Greg Nettle, senior pastor of RiverTree Christian Church in Massillon, Ohio, wrestled with that conflict. Nettle felt when he preached about “stewardship” there was too much focus on

April 20, 2008

Christian Standard

Leading Men

By Jennifer Taylor You know the statistics: fewer men are going to church. And although the most urgent concern is helping those men meet Jesus, churches also face a second problem: if men aren’t attending church, they’re definitely not leading the church. Even men who do attend may remain spiritually immature; many lack role models, biblical knowledge, and awareness of leadership expectations. Three churches are creating and adapting programs to reverse these trends and build groups of men equipped for service as husbands, fathers, teachers, and even elders. From ornery middle school boys to retired business executives, these congregations disciple,

February 17, 2008

Christian Standard

I Believe in the NACC!

By Various I first attended the NACC as the sponsor of a Bible Bowl team and I was glad for the opportunity the convention provided to challenge young people to become excited about getting into the Word. I next attended the NACC as a missionary on furlough and, after being out of the States for three years, was so blessed by being able to fellowship with people I hadn”t seen for some time. I was inspired by worshiping with thousands of other Christians. Then I attended the NACC as a representative of parachurch organizations and appreciated the opportunity the convention

June 6, 2007

Christian Standard

Interview with Mike Schisler

By Brad Dupray Mike Schisler is an elder at Heritage Christian Church in Peachtree City, Georgia, overseeing the congregation”s missions ministry, but his occupation takes him to Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the southeastern United States. As regional management consultant at Chick-fil-A, Mike works directly with the Chick-fil-A operators. Mike is a graduate of Georgia Tech University and has been married to Teresa for 34 years. The Schislers have three grown children, Kelly, Kim, and Kyle. How did you end up at Chick-fil-A? In the late “70s I went to Southwest Christian Church with Jimmy Collins, who eventually became the president of

August 28, 2005

Jennifer Taylor

architectural evangelism

‘Third Place’

After years as a Disney “imagineer,” Mel McGowan now helps churches think differently about campus design. Visioneering Studios calls it “architectural evangelism,” pairing story, stewardship, and practical flow so facilities better serve leaders and welcome communities.

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