November 2, 2005
Receding Differences
A breakdown near Natchez becomes a testimony of hospitality and partnership as Christians from different traditions serve Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims together—one team, one mission, one body in Christ.
Articles for tag: Mark A. Taylor
October 19, 2005
Poorest of All
Using David Hilfiker’s observations about urban poverty, this editorial challenges Christians to confront a different poverty—life without unity. It urges believers to begin with relationship, prayer, and shared fellowship across divisions.
October 12, 2005
An Interview With the Director
NACC executive director Allan Dunbar reflects on this year’s regional conferences—highlighting intimacy, renewal, and a standout minister and spouse retreat—while urging broad participation in the historic 2006 Louisville convention.
How We Look at a Minister’s Departure
A reflection on why ministerial transitions can feel like calling to ministers but loss to church members—and how taking the long view helps congregations and pastors navigate resignations with healthier perspective.
September 28, 2005
The Problems With Original Preaching
A letter argues that sermon originality can be overrated when ministers carry heavy weekly demands. It urges ethical transparency, shared resources, and reconsidering Sunday evening services to support faithful preaching and healthier expectations.
September 21, 2005
A Month for Ministers
Clergy Appreciation Month (CAM) offers a timely reminder to encourage your church’s ministers. Try simple, personal steps—activate leaders, write specific notes, thank the spouse, give thoughtful gifts, or support a favorite cause.
September 14, 2005
Their Leadership”“and Mine
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Henri Nouwen’s In the Name of Jesus, confronting divisiveness, performance pressure, and power in ministry—and realizing the book’s sharpest challenge is personal.
September 7, 2005
Four Years Later
A late visit to Ground Zero makes the facts of 9/11 feel newly heavy—and raises a question: what would it look like if the aftermath became a lasting catalyst for worship, mission, and what endures?
Tell Us Your Plan!
Many Christians know they “ought” to read the Bible and pray daily, but still wonder how. This column invites readers to share simple devotional routines and practical helps. Email a paragraph with “devotions” in the subject line by October 3.
August 24, 2005
I Can See You, September
As August fades, Mark A. Taylor reflects on the melancholy of summer’s end, the rush of the school-year rhythm, and the gentle way autumn reminds us of God’s power and love.
August 17, 2005
Learning From the Regional Conference Experiment
Mark A. Taylor reflects on low attendance at this year’s NACC regional conferences, arguing regionalization weakened connection and “all or nothing” registration discouraged partial attendance—raising fresh questions about the value of a national gathering.
August 10, 2005
The Stage I’m In
Stress and aging are linked, but strong friendships can help. Mark A. Taylor reflects on entering a new stage of life and points to the church’s “one another” life as a practical path to support and aging well.
August 3, 2005
Always Something New
Christian Standard’s online newsletter delivers weekly Restoration Movement news, a fresh illustration for preaching or teaching, and previews of upcoming print magazine articles with convenient links. Learn how to subscribe and how to submit church news items.
July 27, 2005
Different
A Central Park conversation reveals how stereotypes distort our view of unfamiliar communities. This reflection urges Christians to learn from and support those sharing the gospel in neighborhoods unlike their own.
July 20, 2005
The Least Is Me
A reflection on Matthew 25:40 and ministry with families affected by disabilities—examining motives for service, resisting hidden selfishness, and discovering how Christians can learn, receive, and grow alongside those they serve.
July 13, 2005
Homegrown Ministers
A child’s view of ministry is shaped early at home. This piece urges families and churches to model respect, prayer, and support for ministers—especially when a child senses a call that may lead far from home.
Disney’s Disaster
Mark A. Taylor warns against delaying ministry until everything feels certain. Disneyland’s chaotic opening day becomes a reminder that creativity can be messy, hard work can cover mistakes, and determination can still carry a worthy vision forward.
June 22, 2005
We Need Both
Mark A. Taylor warns against “style over substance” in church life and points to The Jesus Proposal’s call for relationship with Jesus—grounded in scriptural truth—to avoid hollow legalism.
What We Believe
Mark A. Taylor considers why people ask for doctrinal statements and what churches choose to publish online. He notes how “What We Believe” pages help visitors understand a church’s bedrock convictions.
Filling Time or Shaping Hearts?
A substitute teacher celebrates a smooth first-grade class but struggles with a lesson aim too abstract for kids. Mark A. Taylor points to HeartShaper as a practical, multisensory curriculum built around how children actually learn.
