Your Vision”“and Ours
Mark A. Taylor explains why Christian Standard devotes a special issue to megachurches while urging churches to pursue their own God-given vision instead of copying others.
Articles for tag: Mark A. Taylor
April 8, 2009
Exciting Times, Hopeful Times, Times to Be a Blessing
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how difficult economic times can become an opportunity for churches to lead with creativity, pastoral care, teaching, and trust in God.
More Than One Way to Use a Magazine
Mark A. Taylor shares how churches can use CHRISTIAN STANDARD with leaders, elders, and small groups, then previews the upcoming annual megachurch issue.
March 25, 2009
Highlighting the Beauty of Baptism
Mark A. Taylor highlights baptism stories from California, Georgia, and Pennsylvania while pointing readers to Christian Standard resources that help churches teach baptism clearly.
Our Money Can Point People to Jesus
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Waterfront Community Church’s radical generosity and challenges congregations to use money as a visible witness to Jesus during difficult economic times.
More Than a Matter of Percentage
Mark A. Taylor introduces a new Restoration Movement statistic in the Christian college summary and invites readers to discuss what it reveals about mission, support, and student identity.
To Keep, to Share, to Teach
Christian Standard announces a downloadable baptism resource collecting recent articles and interviews on baptism for churches to use in teaching, outreach, and discussion.
February 25, 2009
Preventing Spiritual Desertion
Mark A. Taylor reflects on spiritual warfare, Civil War desertion research, and how unity, fellowship, camaraderie, and trust can help congregations remain faithful in the battle.
February 11, 2009
Another Visit with an Old Friend
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the North American Christian Convention as an old friend—mature, familiar, challenging, and still connected to younger leaders and contemporary needs.
February 4, 2009
Safe Streets, Saved Souls
Mark A. Taylor reflects on elders, Christian Standard’s “Get Your Hands Dirty” theme, and Timothy Keller’s reminder that Jesus’ mission includes both salvation and restoration.
January 28, 2009
Random Notes, Important Items
Mark A. Taylor shares Christian Standard updates, including an apology, a correction, Great Communion news, a megachurch survey request, and a remembrance of missionary martyr Phyllis Rine.
January 21, 2009
Notes From a Trip to a Place I Never Thought I’d Visit
After an eight-day visit to Jordan, Mark A. Taylor reflects on Petra, Jerash, Amman, Wadi Rum, and why Christian travelers should consider adding Jordan to a Holy Land tour.
January 7, 2009
Something New—for All Our Readers
Christian Standard announces its 2009 publishing schedule, including four double issues, 48 total issues, and 12 special themed editions planned throughout the year.
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 23, 2008
A Picture of the Elders in Our Churches, Part Two
Readers responding to Christian Standard’s Year of the Elder survey highlighted ongoing needs for elders, including conflict management, stronger shepherding, and more intentional training.
December 17, 2008
Christmas and the Promise of Peace
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Bethany beyond the Jordan, the fragile peace of treaties, and the deeper peace Christ gives to troubled hearts at Christmas.
December 10, 2008
A Picture of the Elders in Our Churches, Part One: posted 12/10/2008
Mark A. Taylor reports results from Christian Standard’s Elders Survey, highlighting how churches select elders, how often elders meet, and the continuing need for shepherding support.
December 3, 2008
Big Ideas for Smaller Churches
Mark A. Taylor highlights how the Energizing Smaller Churches Network encourages leaders in smaller congregations and shares the spring and summer 2009 ESCN conference schedule.
November 26, 2008
How Will We React to Economic Slowdown?
Mark A. Taylor urges church leaders facing economic pressure to protect mission priorities, resist survival-mode budgeting, and trust God’s provision in difficult financial seasons.
November 19, 2008
Thankful for Our Riches
Mark A. Taylor reflects on gratitude during financial uncertainty, reminding Christians that God’s riches in Christ remain steady even when the economy, retirement accounts, and circumstances do not.
