Articles for tag: The Big Idea

April 20, 2019

Christian Standard

Haddon Robinson: A Legacy of Biblical Preaching

By Damien Spikereit When my wife and I learned she was pregnant with our second child, we decided to name him after one of my favorite preachers. Several options came to mind, but in the end, we decided on Haddon, after Haddon W. Robinson—who was named for Charles Haddon Spurgeon.   Why Haddon Robinson? Many articles and biographies tell of Robinson’s humble Harlem upbringing and his distinguished career as a pastor, seminary president, and preaching professor. My purpose here, however, is more personal: to honor a man who taught us to be servants of the Word. Of the many prominent

October 19, 2014

Christian Standard

So You Want to Write a Book: Three Essential Ingredients

By Dave Ferguson Since I had never written a book, I was flattered when I received an e-mail from a representative of a big publisher asking to meet me. I agreed to meet, and over coffee, we talked about me authoring a book. I was very excited about the possibilities! However, within minutes I could tell this rep had made a huge mistake. He thought he was meeting with Dr. David Ferguson, the counselor and Oxford scholar. Instead he was meeting with Dave Ferguson, the church planter. Oops! We had a good laugh, finished our coffee, and I left thinking,

August 1, 2010

Christian Standard

Time for a Name Change?

By Jeff Faull Have you ever thought much about the name we have been given as followers of Jesus? Christians. We wear a name that signifies our devotion to our Lord and Savior. Scripture reveals believers were first called Christians at Antioch. But there”s talk on the street these days about a name change for Christians, And at first glance, I can understand why. CHRISTIANS? Let me introduce you to Fred Phelps and his congregation. He and his tiny group of followers journey across the country and spew a message of hatred. His latest stunt is to show up at

August 30, 2009

Christian Standard

Seven Key Question for Jon Ferguson

  by Darrel Rowland Jon Ferguson, cofounder of Community Christian Church near Chicago (www.communitychristian.org) and director/cofounder of the NewThing Network (www.newthing.org) discusses the hows and whys of multisite.       Why multisite in the first place, especially vs. expansion at the original location, and vs. planting an entirely new church at the new location? At Community, we”re always asking, “Where is God at work?” or better yet, “Where may God be dreaming?” Our mission is helping people find their way back to God. Multisite and church planting have been our responses to where God is at work in our

July 22, 2007

Christian Standard

Behind the Music

By Jennifer Taylor CCLI”s database covers more than 150,000 songs, and iTunes features more than 3 million. Inexpensive equipment allows almost anyone to create a video, and thousands of DVDs offer clips (and inspiration!) for the latest Heroes or Desperate Housewives sermon series. In this media surplus, effective worship leaders get their bearings with things found singly: a ministry philosophy, a cohesive team, an efficient process. These elements, so much bigger than a song or a Sunday, make service planning more intentional and less difficult. From this foundation, these worship leaders work successfully with senior ministers, craft a variety of

January 31, 2007

Christian Standard

Interview with Dave Ferguson

By Brad Dupray When Dave Ferguson graduated from Lincoln (Illinois) Christian College he knew the best way for people to find their way to God was through the local church. He talked to some churches about joining their staff but found “I wasn”t the best fit for them and they weren”t the best fit for me,” so Dave, his brother Jon, and a couple of friends started Community Christian Church in the Chicago suburb of Naperville. Now Community has eight campuses with over 600 leaders and more than 5,000 in attendance each weekend. The Big Idea, a book written by

Help Keep Christian Standard Free & Accessible with a Tax Deductible Donation

We can do more together!

Every gift makes a difference!

No, thank you.
100% secure transactions - receipts provided.
Does Your Church Want to Support Christian Standard?

Would your church consider including support for Christian Standard in its annual missions budget? Your support would help us not only continue the 160-year legacy of this unifying ministry, but also expand the free resources, cooperative opportunities, and practical guidance we provide to strengthen churches in the U.S. and around the world.

We can do more together!

Every gift makes a difference!

No, thank you.
100% secure transactions - receipts provided.
Secret Link