As megachurch pioneers near retirement, more leaders are building succession plans. This article explores what helps transitions work, what derails them, and why trust, timing, and humility matter when passing leadership to the next pastor.
After succeeding Bob Russell at Southeast Christian Church, Dave Stone shares lessons from a senior pastor transition—humility, criticism, family priorities, and learning to depend on Christ under daily leadership pressure.
April 8, 2007
In the wake of Ted Haggard’s fall, Greg Allen urges a humble, restorative response—while warning leaders to guard the mind, pursue accountability, and protect marriages so Christ is honored in life and leadership.
March 25, 2007
Bob Russell explains how churches can preach on stewardship without sounding self-serving. Learn why timing matters, why total stewardship beats fundraising, and how mission-focused motivation can grow generosity.
March 25, 2007
Bob Russell shares five practical tips for preaching about money with confidence—building leadership support, weaving stewardship into regular sermons, emphasizing integrity, and framing messages to help people understand money and giving.
February 18, 2007
Greg Allen reflects on the difference between being needed and being chosen by God. When ministry is driven by privilege instead of pressure, leaders find humility, joy, and freedom to serve by the Spirit.
January 1, 2007
Meet this year’s lineup of Christian Standard columnists—leaders and thinkers reflecting on Christian life, church ministry, Restoration Movement concerns, and the challenges of Christian leadership.
October 15, 2006
Knofel Staton reflects on what megachurches can offer—and why small congregations matter just as much. He traces how “minor churches” nurture faith and leaders, and calls both large and small churches to value each other’s role.
October 1, 2006
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
September 17, 2006
Together in Grace marked a memorable moment at the 2006 NACC in Louisville, where churches of Christ and Christian churches/churches of Christ shared worship, preaching, and a symbolic Bible exchange in a renewed call to reconciliation.
September 3, 2006
A successful attorney senses God calling him to become a pastor and start a church. After a mission trip to Ghana and practical ministry training, Adventure Christian Church grows from a living room gathering to a thriving congregation in Louisville.
August 27, 2006
Dave Stone makes a biblical case that Hell is a literal reality, marked by intense and eternal suffering, and urges readers to respond to Christ’s saving grace with a personal choice for eternity.
July 23, 2006
Overchoice can confuse seekers and members when church calendars offer too many ministry options. Kent Fillinger shares a practical strategy to clarify priorities, define goals, and communicate growth pathways clearly.
July 5, 2006
Friendly fire in ministry can leave lasting wounds—especially in worship wars and staff changes. Becky Ahlberg urges church leaders to invest in development, check motives, and plan transitions that build up rather than tear down.
July 2, 2006
A book excerpt urging humility and unity: Jesus’ words in Mark 9 and Restoration Movement leaders remind believers to be “Christians only,” while admitting we are not the only Christians.
June 7, 2006
By Brad Dupray Bob Russell says he “anticipated staying four or five years” when he came to Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1966. “I saw myself going back to Pennsylvania, preaching somewhere near my hometown.” God had other plans. In 40 years of ministry at Southeast Bob has led the church to weekend attendance of 19,000. The church has become a force for evangelism, a help to those in need, and the conscience in its community. The word on the street is Bob Russell is retiring. How would you define this transition in your life? I think it’s
May 14, 2006
Four administrative assistants to senior pastors share what they’ve learned about access, communication, staff structure, and trust. Their candid insights offer practical principles any church can apply as it grows.
Standard Publishing previews two new local-church-driven resources tied to this summer’s North American Christian Convention, including a new book by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson and the H2O video project featuring Kyle Idleman.
March 5, 2006
John Faust reflects on four early elders at Southeast Christian Church and the leadership qualities that helped lay a lasting foundation—quality, trust, unity, and availability—for the church’s growth in Louisville.
January 8, 2006
Paul E. Boatman explains why compassionate service is intrinsic to the church’s identity and how “Good Samaritan” ministry pairs with evangelism. From disaster relief to missions and new outreach efforts, the church’s mercy and message belong together.
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David Faust
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Kent Fillinger
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Erick Riddle