Articles for tag: North American Christian Convention

July 26, 2011

Christian Standard

Read It for the Stories

By Mark A. Taylor   I”m reading Unleashed, Dudley Rutherford”s brainchild and Standard Publishing”s new release based on the sermons at this summer”s North American Christian Convention. And I”m a fan. I expected the book to be full of solid scriptural teaching. But I didn”t expect the book to draw me in so that I didn”t want to put it down. I didn”t expect it to make me laugh out loud or fight back tears. Unleashed will be purchased for many reasons, but my advice is, get the book for its stories. You”ll share them with your spouse. You”ll use

July 21, 2011

Christian Standard

Interview with Rick Atchley

By Brad Dupray As minister of the Word at The Hills Church of Christ, Rick Atchley leads a congregation that has expanded to three campuses in the Greater Fort Worth, Texas, area and ministers to 5,000 people each weekend. The Hills has a background as an a cappella church of Christ, but has transitioned over the past few years to include instrumental worship in most services. Since graduating from Abilene (Texas) Christian University, Atchley has been in the preaching ministry for 33 years and has served The Hills for the past 22 years. He has written several books, including Together

July 15, 2011

Christian Standard

A Movement of Unity Starts with Me

By Chris Beard I love the Restoration Movement. It didn”t used to be that way. Don”t get me wrong; I have believed wholeheartedly in the principles of the Stone-Campbell Movement since I was a kid. As a minister, I believe the more my congregation reflects the values and principles of the New Testament church, the more effective we will be for God”s kingdom. I”ve always thought I loved the Restoration Movement, but it turns out, for the longest time, I only loved my church. And isn”t that often the case? While there is no official data to investigate, a quick

June 30, 2011

Christian Standard

NASCAR Driver Gives Orphan Care a Boost

Standard Publishing author Beth Guckenberger has teamed up with NASCAR driver Michael McDowell to promote orphan care. Guckenberger, director of Back2Back Ministries, is a veteran of efforts to help impoverished children across the globe, with a focus in Mexico, Nigeria, and India. But this is the first time NASCAR has been a part of the solution. McDowell, an up-and-coming NASCAR rookie, wants to do his part to support Guckenberger”s ministry. That includes putting the cover of Guckenberger”s newest book Relentless Hope on his car as he competes in the Quaker State 400 at the Kentucky Speedway July 9. He”ll also

June 16, 2011

Stuart Powell

Obituaries from 2010

(listed alphabetically) Gary W. Baker, 70, of Jefferson City, MO, died Dec. 25, 2010, at St. Mary”™s Health Center in Jefferson City. He was born Aug. 24, 1940, in Linn, MO, the son of Charley F. and Ida Mae Phillips Baker. He married Joan P. Ellsworth on Nov. 23, 1961, in Edwardsville, IL. He graduated from Saint Louis Christian College, Florissant, MO, and received an MDiv from Lincoln (IL) Christian Seminary. He served as senior minister with Sailor Springs (IL) Christian Church prior to becoming senior minister with Capital City Christian Church, Jefferson City, MO, in 1966; he served there

June 9, 2011

Christian Standard

Our Decision, Our Opportunity

By Mark A. Taylor Some in Christian churches and churches of Christ are worried about the future of our movement. Others aren”t thinking about our movement much at all””its past or its future. But regardless of whether we”re fretting or forgetting about our future, it is still before us, and we ignore it at our peril. “The future doesn”t care if you believe in it,” says marketing guru and entrepreneur Seth Godin. Godin tells his audiences they can invent their own future. Part of that process involves looking carefully at what”s happening now. Some trends to consider: Denominationalism is dead.

April 25, 2011

Christian Standard

Restore Community Church

By Kent E. Fillinger It all began at the 2007 North American Christian Convention. Church planting was the theme of the gathering in Kansas City, Missouri, that year. And Dave Ferguson, convention vice president and lead pastor of Community Christian Church, Naperville, Illinois, had the idea of using the convention to help launch a new church in Kansas City. Restore Community Church is the result of that vision. Ferguson shared his vision with Troy McMahon, who had been serving with him as campus pastor for Community”s first multisite location, in Romeoville, Illinois, since 1998. Interestingly, McMahon had started as a

March 22, 2011

Christian Standard

Milligan Names Greer Next President

Bill Greer has been selected to serve as the next president of Milligan College in Tennessee. Greer was appointed Milligan”s next president by the college”s board of trustees. He will assume leadership on July 15, following the retirement of current president Donald R. Jeanes. Greer, a 1985 Milligan College graduate, currently serves as the college”s vice president for institutional advancement. He will become the 15th president in the college”s 145-year history. Greer has more than 25 years of experience as an academic and business leader, fund-raiser, community volunteer, and church elder. At Milligan, he is the J. Henry Kegley professor

March 17, 2011

Christian Standard

Reggie Thomas: A “˜Fisher of Men” for 65 Years

By Victor Knowles Reggie Thomas is one of the national treasures of the Christian churches and churches of Christ. Few men in this fellowship have preached as long or enjoyed such results to their preaching as Reggie Thomas. December 5, 2010, marked the 65th anniversary of his first sermon. Only a select few have ever reached this milestone. Early Influences Reggie was born to A. R. and Florence Thomas on January 8, 1929, in Joplin, Missouri. When he was 8, he made the Good Confession and was baptized into Christ at South Joplin Christian Church. In 1943, during the middle

February 22, 2011

Christian Standard

We Have Met the Enemy

By Mark A. Taylor Jim Tune says in “Stake” that the NACC is better, but less necessary, than ever. His rationale resonates with that of Gary Weedman who contributed one of several “viewpoints” on the NACC for our September 21, 2008, issue. The NACC was created in 1927 as a reaction to what was seen as encroachment of liberal theology and of “open membership” practiced by missionaries. . . . The majority of the leaders of the International Convention . . . were seen to be supportive, or at least tolerant, of the theological liberalism and practice of open membership.

February 21, 2011

Christian Standard

Interview with Dudley Rutherford

By Brad Dupray Dudley Rutherford is a third-generation minister who has attended the North American Christian Convention for more than 40 years. He is in a family that produces ministers: both brothers, both brothers-in-law, both uncles, and his cousins are also ministers. His ministry of 24 years at Shepherd of the Hills Church in suburban Los Angeles has challenged him to think creatively and diversely. The church has benefited, having grown from 300 to more than 8,000 during his tenure with an ethnic mix that goes beyond just reflecting his community. Dudley earned his undergraduate degree at Ozark Christian College,

February 20, 2011

Christian Standard

A Conference for Women

By Kay Moll “Unleashed . . . for His Glory!” is the theme of the 2011 NACC Women”s Conference, and the program is designed to inspire, encourage, and better equip women in their service for Christ. Special Events Two very special functions for women are planned. The Ladies” Luncheon on Thursday is always a highlight of the conference. The speaker will be Beth Guckenberger who with her husband, Todd, established Back2Back Ministries, which works with 12 children”s homes in Mexico, ministering to more than 500 children and 1,000 impoverished families. Back2Back is now also working in Nigeria and India. Beth

February 19, 2011

Christian Standard

Why I Participate

By Herb Botts “If you build it, he will come!” You might remember that line from the movie Field of Dreams, a mystical presentation about a novice Midwestern farmer who loves baseball so much he builds an actual ball field in the midst of his cornstalks and watches the “greats” of the past gather and play. I believe I can honestly say the folks of the North American Christian Convention are in a similar building process, creating something wonderful and inviting all of us to come. The NACC is offering a program that mirrors God”s Holy Word, to draw “people

February 18, 2011

Christian Standard

NACC Digital Connections

By Dudley Rutherford From tweets to texts, blogs to apps, we are living in a technologically progressive world, and the 2011 North American Christian Convention is no exception! The NACC is taking advantage of today”s exciting technology and social networking options to promote this year”s convention. During the convention week, we”ll offer digital and Web support to attendees, along with a few surprises! Afterward, we”ll stay in touch with highlights and testimonials via e-news and other media. Check out all the ways we”re bringing technology to you before, during, and after the 2011 NACC: “¢ Twitter: Sign up today at

February 18, 2011

Christian Standard

The Dynamic NACC Message in a Challenging New Book

By Dudley Rutherford When you read in the Bible about the powerful ministry of Jesus or the revolutionary witness of the first-century church, does a longing well up inside you to capture that same strength and vigor in your personal effectiveness for the kingdom of God? The church in the New Testament impacted the world. It changed culture from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria and to the ends of the earth. The early disciples turned the world upside down with their message, their lives, their commitment, and their passion. Can you imagine today”s church having the same influence in our

February 17, 2011

Christian Standard

Youthful Energy Unleashed

By Joni Sullivan Baker How does the idea of “unleashing” teens and children sound to you? Scary, maybe! But to those planning two dynamic conventions this summer, it”s an apt idea. “Students want and need to be challenged, so they expect a convention that encourages them to be bold and “˜unleashed” for Christ,” said Phyllis Fox, director of church relations and Youth in Ministry (YiM) at Milligan College. YiM produces the NACC Student Convention. “Through dynamic speakers, vibrant worship, and challenging workshops, students will discover how God is calling them to reach their friends, family, and communities for Christ,” Fox

February 16, 2011

Christian Standard

Unleashed: A Preview of the 2011 North American Christian Convention

By Dudley Rutherford Can you imagine what it would have been like to witness the incredible day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit of God was unleashed upon the first-century church? With the sound of rushing winds and the appearance of tongues of fire, the church was supernaturally anointed and given great power, passion, and boldness. In that moment, the church was unleashed upon the world . . . and it turned the world upside down. I believe we Christians read about the New Testament church in the book of Acts with a sense of awe and excitement. I believe

February 16, 2011

Christian Standard

An Invitation from the NACC President

It is my earnest desire that after attending this year”s NACC, you and I””God”s church””will never be the same. If you have not been to the NACC in recent years, you may not be aware of the truly remarkable conventions we have been having. The NACC is the place to connect and network with people of the same faith. Men, women, ministers, missionaries, and educators from around the world come for a spiritually rejuvenating time of worship, fellowship, Bible studies, workshops, preaching, and teaching from some of the best Christian leaders in the country. I think it is the best

February 16, 2011

Christian Standard

Through the Week at the 2011 NACC

The 2011 North American Christian Convention takes place from July 5-8 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here is a basic schedule of events: TUESDAY, JULY 5 8:30 a.m.”“4:30 p.m.: Restoration Heritage Tour (includes lunch) 8:30 a.m.”“4:30 p.m.: Creation Museum Tour (includes lunch) Noon: Standard Publishing Luncheon 2:00 p.m.: UNLEASHED Web Site Seminar 3:00 p.m.: Exhibit Hall opens 7:00 p.m.: Evening Main Session with Dudley C. Rutherford 8:30 p.m.: NACC President”s Opening Night Reception (immediately following the Main Session) 8:30 p.m.: College Showcase 10:00 p.m.: Exhibit Hall closes WEDNESDAY, JULY 6 7:30 a.m.: NACC Ministry Networking Breakfast

January 20, 2011

Christian Standard

Blogging About the NACC

Join the NACC conversation! Not only is the North American Christian Convention a great annual gathering, it”s also a great thought-provoker. This year convention leaders are thinking about the challenging themes of this year”s convention main sessions. Read and comment on their blog posts at a new site, NACC Conversations, every week between now and the convention, July 5-8 in Cincinnati.

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