July 1, 2023
The Power of Faith and Forgiveness
How a Senseless Tragedy Became a Witness to the Grace of Jesus
July 1, 2023
How a Senseless Tragedy Became a Witness to the Grace of Jesus
By Ken Idleman I call it “ecclesiastical matchmaking,” playing cupid to help a local church get together with a minister or a minister together with a church. Part of the experience involves coaching leaders and churches through the courting/calling process. And I”ve done quite a bit of it. After decades of church consulting, including 30 years of helping churches and leaders as a Christian college president, I”ve logged some experiences and come to some conclusions about ministerial succession in local churches. Here are my observations. Defining Terms First let”s define some terms. Pastoral transition and pastoral succession are not the same
July 12, 2014
By Ken Idleman (From our series “The Best or Worst Advice I’ve Ever Received.”) The worst leadership advice I ever received was during the second year of my presidency at Ozark Christian College. It was unsolicited, from a member of the teaching faculty. At age 32, I was still just getting oriented to my new role. One day I sent out an impulsive written communication to the staff. After sleeping on it that night, I realized I had made a mistake. The very next day I distributed a follow-up letter, explaining and apologizing in print. My former colleague came rushing
July 17, 2013
JAMIE SNYDER Lead pastor, Lakeside Christian Church, Lakeside, Kentucky I have long subscribed to the Christian leadership axiom, “The best indicator of future performance is past performance.” Now, to be sure, it is not the only indicator; but the track record of any emerging Christian leader should not be ignored, especially in the area of their character. This being true, it is encouraging to see the picture and name of Jamie Snyder on CHRISTIAN STANDARD”s list of “40 Leaders Under 40.” Even from his student days at Ozark Christian College, Jamie has been a young man with genuine humility and
Crossroads Christian Church partnered with Habitat for Humanity and local organizations to weatherize homes, reduce energy costs, and serve low-income families in Newburgh, Indiana.
December 30, 2010
Crossroads Christian Church in Newburgh, Indiana, celebrated new Christians and new members by inviting them to light candles, while Ken Idleman encouraged others to make a decision for Christ.
December 13, 2010
Crossroads Christian Church uses inner-city van tours to help members see poverty, homelessness, and local outreach opportunities firsthand, preparing them to serve their community.
November 24, 2010
Crossroads Christian Church and Greencastle Christian Church share stories from “Just One” Sunday, including discipleship challenges, prayer for workers, and new commitments to Christian service.
December 21, 2008
Ken Idleman reflects on the spiritually dynamic church at Antioch, showing how its witness, joy, hunger to learn, and generosity can shape congregations today.
August 10, 2008
Ken Idleman urges Christians to choose optimism, pointing to church growth, church planting, missionary momentum, global openness, spiritual seekers, and worship renewal as signs of gospel opportunity.
November 12, 2006
A longtime Christian feels spiritually stuck despite faithful habits. Rick Lowry explains how confession of sin—paired with trusted accountability—can bring healing, renewed focus, and practical steps for growth through prayer partnerships.
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