December 17, 2006
Questioning Worship
Tom Lawson reflects on how worship offers more than answers, often leaving us with questions that follow us home and lead toward fresh insight and changed lives.
Articles for tag: Ozark Christian College
November 12, 2006
A Tale of Two Brothers
Dave Smith recounts the conviction that followed years of mistreating his brother and the freedom found in asking forgiveness. Drawing from Matthew 18, he urges believers to forgive as God has forgiven.
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 15, 2006
STARTING SMALL: A God Thing
David Bycroft recounts how Tyro Christian Church grew from a small rural congregation into a thriving ministry marked by missions giving, volunteer engagement, and leader development—evidence, he says, of what God can do anywhere.
October 1, 2006
Why I Left the Christian Church
By Kent Williams I have spent my entire life in the Christian church. I graduated from a Christian church college, as did my wife. Both of my sons attended that same college. I ministered for 25 years in Christian churches. In my family and my wife”s family there are ministers and missionaries serving in Christian churches. I have led revivals, spoken at conventions, served on boards, and written articles almost exclusively with organizations associated with Christian churches. Almost all of my friends in ministry serve Christian churches. But a couple of years ago I left the Christian church. I was
August 27, 2006
The God Who Loves Rebels
A chapel moment of anger turns into gratitude as Dave Smith explores Jonah’s rebel heart—and the relentless love of God shown through discipline, grace, and perseverance toward those who resist him.
August 16, 2006
Interview with Rick Jett
Rick Jett explains how International Disaster Emergency Services (IDES) works through churches and missionaries to deliver aid in crises, strengthen local witness, and help congregations prepare to respond to disasters.
August 6, 2006
NNCC: The Great American Church-Planting Conference
Risk the Ride frames church planting as an exhilarating journey of highs and lows. This conference reflection shares stories, Scripture, and a call to send, go, and trust God through the chaos.
July 19, 2006
Interview with Roger Andruss
Island Family Christian Church in Honolulu grew through prayer, purpose, and “Ohana” small groups. Roger Andruss shares his conversion story and ministry journey from Montana to Hawaii.
May 21, 2006
The Mark
Dave Smith reflects on how Christians can be known by the mark of love—formed through surrender, trust, and knowing God, then demonstrated in generosity, unity, and pursuing outsiders with the heart of Jesus.
April 16, 2006
Merciful and Mighty
Jackina Stark reflects on John 11, where Jesus’ tears, love, and power over death reveal the merciful and mighty Lord who comes to the house of suffering to help.
February 22, 2006
Healthy Churches Come in All Sizes!
Energizing Smaller Churches Network (ESCN) is launching four “Healthy Churches Come in All Sizes” conferences on Christian college campuses, encouraging leaders of smaller congregations through worship, workshops, and practical ministry support.
February 19, 2006
Confessions of a Reluctant Servant
Jesus doesn’t oppose greatness—he redefines it. Dave Smith reflects on Mark 8 and Mark 10, showing how true greatness is lived through servanthood, sacrifice, and daily faithfulness when ministry includes suffering.
December 11, 2005
Committed to Coaching
Coaching helped Bob Harrington lead through early church-planting heartbreak and grow as a leader. Learn what ministerial coaching is, how it serves planters and staff, and how Church Coaching Solutions trains coaches for Restoration Movement leaders.
December 11, 2005
What Can a Coach Do for You?
A first-time church planter shares how a seasoned coach provided experience, steady expectations, a listening ear, and ongoing encouragement—help that turned a demanding journey into a sustainable, hope-filled ministry path.
December 11, 2005
A Junky Christmas
“Treasures or trinkets—it’s all in the eyes of the beholders.” This Christmas reflection looks at the Magi’s gifts and reminds us that trinkets become treasure as symbols of adoration, gratitude, and love.
November 30, 2005
Suffering, Shepherding, and Seasons of Faith
LeRoy Lawson recommends three worthwhile reads: Lynn Gardner on suffering and hope, Lynn Anderson on shepherding leaders with character, and Barbara Brown Taylor’s memoir tracing changing “seasons of faith.”
November 30, 2005
Great Communion Celebrated Worldwide!
A sampling of Great Communion reports from around the world, marking the 200th anniversary of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address and highlighting unity across Restoration Movement churches.
November 30, 2005
When Jesus Missed Communion
What if a church shared the bread and cup but left Jesus outside? Reflecting on Revelation 3:14-21, Tom Lawson warns against complacency and urges believers to open the door to renewed table fellowship with Christ.
October 23, 2005
“Victory in Prayer”
In Joplin, Missouri, Victory in Prayer (VIP) Fellowship gathers ministry leaders to encourage one another and pray for each other’s work. What began in a crisis became a steady rhythm of unity, cooperation, and shared intercession.
