July 1, 2024
Hope for a Movement
While working on a research project for a seminary degree, I visited Bethany, West Virginia, home of Bethany College. My stay began with a tour of the Alexander Campbell's home. . . .
Articles for tag: Restoration Plea
January 16, 2024
Why the Restoration Plea Is Still Valid
"Minister shortages. Closing churches. Struggling theology schools," The Christian Chronicle wrote in a recent editorial. "All are happening in Churches of Christ in the U.S., which raises the question: Is the restoration plea still valid?" . . .
May 1, 2023
A Homecoming of the Heart: The Secret in Our Search for Unity
By Drew Baker The unfortunate consensus in the United States demands that our leaders come across as having all the answers. Whether politicians or preachers, we expect them to have perfect wisdom even if we know it’s an impossible ask. I can’t imagine a politician getting elected on a platform of humility and a willingness to learn even from political opponents. When it comes to preaching, we tend to expect more answers than questions from our pulpits. “Give us this day our daily truth, lead us not into contemplation, and deliver us from mystery.” In such a culture, it is
June 9, 2022
Throwback Thursday: Issues Facing the Restoration Movement (1982)
Forty years ago, Christian Standard's editor polled readers on the "most crucial" issues facing the Restoration Movement. He promised to steer editorial content toward the themes considered most important. The results were announced June 13, 1982 . . .
Throwback Thursday: ‘Have We Outgrown the Plea?’ (1952)
"Have we outgrown the plea?" Will Sweeney is still right. The answer is, “No.” For to outgrow the plea, we would have to outgrow the Bible. . . .
August 15, 2019
‘Our Plea for Union Differs from All Others’
Here is the eighth in our monthly series of excerpts from Christian Standard, circa 1909, a year the magazine devoted an issue each month to articles of particular interest to our movement. This editorial from 1871 is a simple but eloquent primer (surely written by Isaac Errett) about what it means to be a New Testament Christian. _ _ _ Union of Christians An editorial originally published Sept. 23, 1871;republished on p. 12, Aug. 14, 1909 Our plea for union differs from all others. It knows nothing of human policy or human invention. It simply proposes to go back to
Up Against the Wall
From After Class Podcast Renovations to First Messianic Church’s building are underway. It was only a matter of time until the faithful followers at FMC took the Restoration plea to a whole new level by seeking to restore the ancient order of the Old Testament, as well. Since Jesus wouldn’t leave out a jot or tittle, neither would they. It began one Saturday afternoon while these retro-Israelites were studying 1 Samuel 25 in their KJV-Hebrew Interlinear Bibles. As the story goes, future King David fumed after being snubbed by Nabal. David vowed to avenge himself against every member of Nabal’s
December 6, 2018
Our Plea Restated
– Dec. 12, 1903 – In “‘Our Position’ Revisited,” from the June 2018 issue, Jerry Harris summarized Isaac Errett’s “Our Position” editorial from 1872. Harris then wrote: I have always heard the term “Restoration plea,” but outside of this work by Isaac Errett, I couldn’t find any good explanation of its meaning besides the quoting of our mottoes or references to the writings of some of the great pioneers of our movement. As Alexander Campbell’s protégé and the original publisher and editor of Christian Standard, I think it’s important to study Errett’s writings on “Our Position.” That’s one reason
November 1, 2018
‘Young Missionary’ J. Russell Morse Discusses Foreign Mission Methods
If you haven’t taken the opportunity to read Russell Johnson’s article from our November 2018 issue titled “Prayer, Power, Purpose: J. Russell & Gertrude Morse and Four Generations of Ministry to Southeast Asia and Beyond,” please be sure to treat yourself. The article details hardship, heartache, discouragement, and imprisonment, but also the prayers, purpose, and perseverance through which God’s Word has been faithfully preached over the past century. Thousands of people in isolated areas have heard the message and accepted Christ through God’s grace and the Morse family’s efforts. I scanned Christian Standard’s archives and reviewed the headlines of numerous
‘Our Position’ Revisited
By Jerry Harris When Isaac Errett wrote “Our Position,” a need existed within the Restoration Movement to define in succinct terms the soaring rhetoric of Barton W. Stone’s The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery, Thomas Campbell’s The Declaration and Address, and Alexander Campbell’s “Sermon on the Law,” which had so eloquently defined the position of a movement intent on the restoration of first-century Christianity. Errett argued that while creeds are sectarian and create division, and therefore are sinful, we are free to identify those areas where we find ourselves in agreement with the larger evangelical framework, those areas
December 29, 2011
I Have a Family
By Jim Tune My father died just a few months ago. It hasn”t been easy, and I feel the loss keenly. His death has prompted a desire to know more about my dad, his extended family, and his heritage. As a godly father and a devoted worker for Christ, he has also marked me with a legacy””one I intend to celebrate, embrace, and pass on. No one would expect any less. The Family I Chose From a faith perspective, I also have a family. I didn”t join it as the result of a father”s will or by accident. I
September 7, 2008
Just Asking: Five Questions for the Restoration Movement
Jim Tune urges Restoration Movement church planters to recover historical memory, doctrinal clarity, and family loyalty while pursuing unity and mission with grace.
August 24, 2008
Life-Influencers
Sam E. Stone remembers teachers, friends, preachers, and elders whose quiet encouragement helped shape his faith, ministry, and desire to influence others for good.
Restoration Movement Q&A 5
Ethan Magness reflects on the Restoration Movement’s continuing relevance, its commitment to Scripture, its place in a postmodern age, and the importance of baptism and weekly Communion.
April 23, 2008
Interview with Lee Snyder
Lee Snyder reflects on the value of campus ministry, the spiritual needs of university students, and how churches can prepare young believers for college.
March 5, 2008
Your Opinion About Our Unique Identity
CHRISTIAN STANDARD invites readers to complete a survey about connection and identity within the Restoration Movement. The article highlights encouraging growth and influence, while raising concerns about drifting from the movement’s unique plea.
February 20, 2008
The Possibilities”“and the Purposes”“of Staying Connected
Mark A. Taylor reflects on global inequality, the Restoration plea, and the need for connection across independent congregations—then points to the World Convention as a rare chance to learn, unite, and engage the world’s needs.
June 10, 2007
An Unfinished Restoration Acknowledged
Gary Weedman reflects on the unfinished work of restoration within the Stone-Campbell fellowship and highlights contemporary voices calling the church back to ancient worship, spiritual life, and unity.
September 17, 2006
NACC President’s Message: Together in Christ
David Faust calls the Restoration Movement to rebuild unity through Christ. Using Ephesians 4 and vivid “earthquake” imagery, he urges shared mission, humble attitudes, and practical steps—prayer, heart change, and peace-making—to keep the unity of the Spirit.
