August 11, 2026
Churches need high-integrity leaders and a stronger ordination process that recognizes God’s call, affirms character and doctrine, and maintains ongoing accountability after elders lay hands on ministers.
July 1, 2022
By Chris DeWelt “O would some power the giftie gie us to see ourselves as others see us!” —Robert Burns (“To a Louse”) Many years ago, Carol and I were learning Spanish while temporarily living in Costa Rica and attending a school that specializes in helping missionaries prepare linguistically for life in Latin America. Not long after we arrived, the school’s director invited us to his office to get to know us. “So what agency are you with?” was his first question. “We are direct-support missionaries,” I happily replied. His face turned quizzical, and then he asked, “What church are
July 28, 2021
Today is David Faust’s 25th anniversary of writing a weekly column focusing on God’s Word and Christian faith. On this date—July 28, 1996—Faust’s first column appeared in the pages of The Lookout magazine. "I view writing as an extension of my ministry," Faust says.
For 45 years, Christian Standard regularly published a feature called “An Epistle from Thistle.” Editor Burris Butler introduced the feature with a brief editorial on page 4 of the May 3, 1952, issue. Beneath the headline, “Do You Like Thistle?” Butler wrote: “Let us introduce you to Thistle (page 14), our lighthearted and lightheaded friend. In his breezy way he corresponds with his unweighty friend, Down, on both light and heavy subjects, generally dealing directly or indirectly with religion. We hope you like him. If you do, we may be able to induce him to share more of his gems
January 29, 2019
By Ryan Wolfe God is writing a story of transformation at Ability Ministry. Richard Rohr wrote, “Transformed people transform people.” It is a simple yet profound statement. An outward transformation in the world must start with an inward transformation. This was the case in September 1981 when Sam Stone, then editor of Christian Standard, went to visit his parents at Mount Healthy Christian Home in Cincinnati. Sam surely never realized the transformative work God would begin that day. At that senior housing facility, Sam met resident Marjorie Broxon, who had cerebral palsy and was in a wheelchair. She spoke slowly.
May 24, 2018
By Michael C. Mack “Do Not Disturb.” The unseen sign hung noticeably on Bob and Mary’s heart. The boomer minister had retired and was replaced by a millennial lead pastor. More millennials joined the staff and eldership. The church’s mission statement was reworded and the music updated. The pulpit disappeared as the new guy preached noteless. New signs were added above the doors declaring the vision to reach people “out there.” This month we ask an important question: How can we minister effectively to—and with—multiple generations? Many of our articles this month seek to answer that question. Haydn Shaw tells
By Michael C. Mack I don”t recall what the speaker said, but I”m sure his words were well-spoken and significant. I do remember, however, who that speaker was on that Sunday evening 21 years ago: Mark Taylor, who was at that time publisher at Standard Publishing Company. Mark had already played a key role in my life. When I worked in the New Products department at Standard in the early to mid-“90s, Mark was my boss. When I left to start a web-based small group ministry in 1995, he encouraged me and gave me opportunities to do freelance work, which
God knows what we need before we ask him, and he knew I needed Mike Mack. As the new publisher of Christian Standard Media, my first major responsibility was finding a qualified, passionate editor for Christian Standard. The Lord provided a writer, editor, minister, and disciple maker who already had a great relationship with the magazine, and I”m excited to have him tell you a little about his story. “”Jerry Harris _ _ _ By Michael C. Mack God drastically changed my life in 1988. I found Jesus, found a great church, was baptized, lost my job, started seminary, and
Victor Knowles explores how faithful homes, supportive parents, prayer, hospitality, and ministry modeled up close helped shape several father-son ministry families in the Restoration Movement.
February 11, 2009
Jeff Stone previews the 2009 North American Christian Convention, its “Still Amazed” theme, renewed preaching focus, and emphasis on grace, reconciliation, and encouragement for churches.
December 7, 2008
Church and mission leaders consider how congregations can define missions giving, sustain healthy partnerships, and build clearer accountability with missionaries and parachurch organizations.
November 19, 2008
Mark A. Taylor reflects on gratitude during financial uncertainty, reminding Christians that God’s riches in Christ remain steady even when the economy, retirement accounts, and circumstances do not.
July 26, 2006
Mark A. Taylor reflects on “sprinters” and “marathon runners” in ministry work—why different rhythms can clash on church staffs, and how healthy teams learn to plan, adapt, and value each other’s strengths.
A tribute to Edwin Hayden, former CHRISTIAN STANDARD editor and longtime elder, remembered for humility, careful conviction, and enduring encouragement. Friends and former students recall his influence, his care for others, and his Christ-centered focus.
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August 19, 2026
Rick Cherok
August 19, 2026
Doug Redford
August 18, 2026
Tyler McKenzie