The Christ, the Church, and the Christian
Knofel Staton argues that “Christ yes, but the church no” is impossible, showing from New Testament images that Christians belong to Christ’s body, bride, army, and family.
Articles for tag: Hope International University
What Will Keep Us Together?
John Derry reflects on how Christian colleges and universities help connect independent Christian churches, strengthen shared identity, and prepare leaders rooted in the Restoration Movement.
June 1, 2008
You Can Cope with Change
John Derry urges churches facing stagnation to seek faithful catalysts for renewal, adapt wisely to changing conditions, and pursue growth without compromising their mission.
March 16, 2008
The Future of Christian Church Colleges
As Christian colleges and universities grow and adapt, issues like accreditation, accountability, and accessibility will shape how they prepare leaders for the church. John Derry outlines key factors for planning strategically and serving future generations well.
March 16, 2008
Why Attend Christian College? 26 Schools Give Their Answer
A collection of short snapshots from Bible colleges, Christian colleges, and seminaries describing hands-on learning, mentoring, affordability, and formation for service—highlighting diverse programs and settings across North America.
December 2, 2007
Training Second-Career Ministers: An Introduction
Six graduate-level schools share how they support nontraditional students who feel called to leave a chosen career and enter full-time church service, offering guidance for leaders considering a ministry transition.
December 2, 2007
How Hope International University Is Training Second-Career Ministers
Hope International University’s SALT program partners with local churches to create flexible, accredited five-week online courses. Churches request training topics, Hope designs the course, and an on-site mentor helps apply learning locally.
September 23, 2007
NACC: It”s Time . . . to Preach
Joe Grana reflects on North American Christian Convention preaching and why the message of the cross still matters. He urges balance with media, clearer Scripture handling, and conversational delivery—while calling churches to prioritize church planting.
August 19, 2007
Kingdom Entrepreneurs: Business as Mission
How can the gospel be communicated amid poverty and despair? This article explains “business as mission,” outlining three levels of investment and a “quadruple bottom line” that combines profit, ministry, community impact, and stewardship.
August 19, 2007
The Bread That Brings Life
A California church partnered with leaders in Nairobi’s Mathare Valley to support microenterprise as mission. One $8 loan helped Elizabeth start a chapati business, escape exploitation, and grow in faith and community.
October 15, 2006
The Megas Were Minors
Knofel Staton reflects on what megachurches can offer—and why small congregations matter just as much. He traces how “minor churches” nurture faith and leaders, and calls both large and small churches to value each other’s role.
May 28, 2006
Beth’s Story
While caring for her elderly mother, Iona Matson prays for guidance and receives an answer in a devoted caregiver. Then a surprising wartime connection reveals a circle of comfort, hope, and baptism years later.
April 23, 2006
Our Colleges in Historical Perspective
A survey of how Restoration Movement colleges moved from the margins to the mainstream—through accreditation, expanded curricula, shifting campus influence, and changing loyalties—while facing financial pressure and renewed questions of mission and distinctiveness.
April 23, 2006
Christian Colleges in the Twenty-first Century
Gary Weedman examines three higher-education trends impacting Christian colleges: shifting demographics, rising costs, and new providers. Drawing on Ten Trends in Higher Education and presidential interviews, he outlines challenges and strategic responses for church-connected institutions.
January 22, 2006
Where Have All the Choirs Gone?
As choirs decline, Becky Ahlberg argues the issue isn’t “traditional vs. contemporary,” but whether worship leaders equip people to serve. A healthy choir can be a cross-generational, creative, and effective worship-leading team.
January 4, 2006
Interview with Floyd Strater
Veteran preacher Floyd Strater reflects on Scripture memorization, his first sermon, years of evangelistic travel, and the biggest changes he’s seen in church life—plus how California stretched his ministry.
Whatever Happened to Stillness and Silence?
In a world full of noise and nonstop activity, silence can feel uncomfortable—but Scripture calls God’s people to stillness. Knofel Staton explores how quiet restores focus, strength, patience, and intimacy with God.
December 31, 2005
Obituaries from 2005
An alphabetical collection of obituary and memorial notices honoring ministers, missionaries, and Christian leaders. Each entry shares key life details, ministry service, surviving family, and (when available) service locations and memorial giving information.
December 4, 2005
Listen to the Flip Side
By Cora Alley When I was a “groovy” teen in the 1960s, I used to save up every cent I could beg, borrow, or earn to buy the latest singles that came out on those saucer-sized 45 rpm records. I would gingerly lift the ebony disc out of its protective paper sleeve and place it on the turntable on my record player that looked like a square hatbox with a handle. After listening to my treasured song over and over until cries of protest came from every corner of the house, I would pick the record up and carefully reinsert
November 20, 2005
Making a ‘Hill-of-Beans’ of a Difference
A spilled bag of beans on a Mexico trip became a life-shaping lesson for young Allie VanGeloof. This story explores how “Deuteronomy” parenting forms faith through everyday moments, integrity, and simple acts of service.
