April 18, 2012
Sacrifice and Balance in a Life of Ministry
Mark A. Taylor reflects on a married Catholic priest’s experiences and the familiar financial, family, and spiritual sacrifices faced by ministers and their families.
Articles for tag: Time
Johnson Honors Alums Featured on TV Show
Johnson University surprised Daniel and Mandy Watson with full tuition scholarships for their three children and helped establish a scholarship fund benefiting children served by The Restoration House of East Tennessee.
September 4, 2011
Some Churches Might Qualify for Tax Refunds
Tax professional Tom Burbrink explains how qualifying churches may claim federal tax refunds tied to employee health insurance premiums, including the requirements churches must meet to be eligible.
August 18, 2011
Volunteers and Paid Staff Are in the SAME Battle
Susan Lawrence explores what paid and volunteer ministry staff need from each other, offering practical insights for better communication, mutual support, shared ownership, and healthier ministry relationships.
May 25, 2011
Well Gifted
Mark A. Taylor reflects on birthday wishes, material abundance, global need, and the deeper gratitude that comes from knowing the Savior’s greatest gift.
Under Conviction
Tony Twist reflects on how shared Bible reading and prayer with Suzanne became a sustaining spiritual rhythm through decades of marriage, ministry, and change.
March 16, 2011
Clearing a Path to Life
Mark A. Taylor reflects on a snowbound New Hampshire cemetery and warns that churches can appear active while missing the true life found only in Jesus.
January 1, 2011
Playing It Forward for Families, Churches
Area 10 Faith Community launched Cartwheels & Coffee as a creative way to serve Richmond families, lower overhead, and build community before the church’s first services even began.
December 8, 2010
“˜Making a Mess” Book a Finalist for Cover Design Award
Standard Publishing’s Making a Mess and Meeting God, written by Mandy Smith, was named a finalist for the ECPA 2010 Book Covers Award in the small publishers category.
January 17, 2010
The Lost Art of Encouragement
Terrie Todd reflects on encouragement cards collected over years of ministry and invites Christians to recover the powerful, lasting practice of writing notes that grant courage.
January 6, 2010
All Work and No Play?
Why Play Matters for Children, Work, and Ministry Mark A. Taylor reflects on research and reporting that connect boredom, play, creativity, and healthier relationships. Drawing from insights about children, engineers, and church leaders, he considers whether playful space may help adults work and serve together better. Boredom can give children room to think, create, and solve problems. Play may strengthen creativity, memory, problem-solving, and workplace relationships. Church staff and leaders may benefit from unstructured time that builds trust. By Mark A. Taylor “The brain in its relaxed state is more creative, makes more nuanced connections and is ripe for eureka
December 6, 2009
Has Christianity Declined and Fallen (and Can’t Get Up)?
David A. Fiensy challenges reports of Christianity’s decline by looking at global growth, spiritual searching in America, and the vitality of faith across Africa, China, Russia, and the global south.
A Test of Our Times
Rod Roberts reflects on Iowa’s same-sex marriage ruling, cultural discernment, and the responsibility of Christian leaders to understand the times and engage moral issues in the public square.
A Single Mom’s Story
A composite portrait of one single mom shows the financial, emotional, and parenting pressures faced by women served through LifeBridge Christian Church’s single moms ministry.
January 21, 2009
Notes From a Trip to a Place I Never Thought I’d Visit
After an eight-day visit to Jordan, Mark A. Taylor reflects on Petra, Jerash, Amman, Wadi Rum, and why Christian travelers should consider adding Jordan to a Holy Land tour.
December 19, 2007
The Price of War, the Promise of Peace
As war’s toll weighs heavily, this Christmas reflection considers peace through the stories of a former child soldier and an Army chaplain, then points to Jesus’ promise: “I have overcome the world.”
September 2, 2007
At the Foot of the Cross
Lee Magness reflects on the cross of Christ, the irony of those who mocked Jesus, and the wonder of gathering at the Lord’s Table as sinners saved by his sacrifice.
My Most Effective Mentor
Mark A. Taylor remembers his most effective mentor, Charles E. Stiles, and the simple, lasting lessons he lived out. From the Come Alive Singers to everyday counsel, Stiles showed that “the people are the program.”
The Lodge and the Lord’s Supper
A pastor recalls attending a local lodge ceremony that felt meaningless, then recognizes the same sober seriousness in his church’s worship—prompting a searching question about what Communion truly means.
January 28, 2007
The Parsonage: Whose House Is This?
Parsonages can blur boundaries and create “not exactly” living arrangements that strain privacy, expectations, and maintenance responsibilities. This article explains the financial downsides for ministers and offers practical alternatives churches can consider.
