New Year, New Relationship
Most New Year’s resolutions fail, but one small step can deepen your walk with God. Practical ideas from Acts 2:42 focus on Scripture, hospitality, generosity, Communion remembrance, and a simple daily prayer plan.
Articles for tag: Mark A. Taylor
December 20, 2006
Growing in Size and Impact
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.
December 20, 2006
The Path of Peace
A Christmas reflection on the promised peace Christ brings—illustrated through Bill Pile’s response to terminal cancer—and a reminder that joy and peace grow when we stop focusing on ourselves and obey God.
November 30, 2006
Refusing to Look the Other Way
An editorial on the staggering human cost of AIDS and the call for Christians to respond with compassion, practical help, and gospel hope—supporting ministries like World Vision and learning from believers serving in Africa.
November 22, 2006
Stopped Short by the Principal’s Passion
What do we do when a church member drops out? Mark A. Taylor compares church follow-up to a principal’s relentless care for absent students—and asks what it means when someone quietly falls off the radar.
November 15, 2006
Courage for a Reluctant Leader
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Moses’ reluctance and God’s persistent patience, showing how God equips hesitant leaders and calls them to trust and obey when the task feels impossible.
From Chaos to Art
As Standard Publishing prepares to relocate, Mark A. Taylor reflects on how office order mirrors spiritual order. Real growth requires discipline and inconvenient change—and confession of sin, though never fun, leads to a more beautiful life.
November 1, 2006
Keeping Kids When They Become Young Adults
By Mark A. Taylor When teenagers are active in church but then graduate from high school and disappear, unfortunately most of us aren’t surprised. In fact, at least one youth ministry expert thinks it may even be normal. “It’s the rubber band syndrome,” says Les Christie, youth ministry professor at William Jessup University in Rocklin, California. “College students are stretching away from home. They’re testing their independence. But they usually come back, especially after they’re married and have kids.” Christie quotes the familiar Proverbs 22:6, emphasizing one word: “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he
October 25, 2006
Do You Have a Friend?
True friendship is rare—especially for Christian leaders who feel pressure to appear perfect. Mark A. Taylor reflects on Proverbs 27 and the gift of honest counsel, trust, and encouragement among God’s people.
October 18, 2006
Line ’Em Up and Lay It on ’Em
A young adult’s comment about wanting the “best speaker” raises a deeper question: have churches reduced Sunday to a sermon-centered product? With voices from theOOZE.com and 1 Corinthians 14:26, this piece calls for greater participation.
October 11, 2006
The Perfect Solution?
A radio report about video screens on grocery carts prompts a challenge to parents and churches: don’t let media replace conversation and relationship. What happens when keeping kids quiet matters more than engaging them?
October 4, 2006
The Most Challenging Pursuit
Balance is elusive in personal discipleship and in church life. Mark A. Taylor reflects on competing priorities—spiritual disciplines, evangelism, social action, and cultural engagement—and urges faithful commitment to the challenging pursuit of balance.
September 27, 2006
The Lobby Test
Vince Antonucci’s “lobby test” reveals whether churches are reaching people who have never attended church before. His challenge invites congregations to see themselves through outsiders’ eyes and pursue Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost.
September 20, 2006
Better Than Iron Pills
A 1918 issue of Christian Standard sparked a look at vintage ads—from trusses and “iron” pills to church supplies. Mark A. Taylor explains today’s updated advertising policy and who may advertise.
September 13, 2006
First Step, Big Step?
Using a child’s first steps as a picture of progress, Mark A. Taylor reflects on “first steps toward unity” at the NACC and urges continued fellowship, shared service, and evangelistic purpose.
September 6, 2006
Good News Is for Sharing
A letter distributed August 9 explains Standard Publishing’s new owner after the company was sold by Standex International to the Wicks Group, reaffirming doctrinal oversight, renewed independence, and plans for new products and services.
August 16, 2006
Standard Publishing Sale Announced
Standard Publishing sale details: Mark A. Taylor shares reader reactions and outlines The Wicks Group acquisition, including the appointment of publishing veteran Matthew Thibeau as CEO.
August 2, 2006
God Creates, Man Imitates
God's creation shows an intricacy we can’t manufacture. From Pixar’s Cars to magnified photographs of tree bark, this reflection contrasts human craftsmanship with the beauty that can turn a simple walk in the woods into worship.
July 26, 2006
One Course, Two Kinds of Runners
Mark A. Taylor reflects on “sprinters” and “marathon runners” in ministry work—why different rhythms can clash on church staffs, and how healthy teams learn to plan, adapt, and value each other’s strengths.
July 19, 2006
Please Update Your Listing!
A church locator can help travelers and researchers—but only if listings are current. Mark A. Taylor urges churches to verify and update their Christian Church Today Locator information and highlights other site features that serve the Restoration Movement.
