August 20, 2011
My Favorite Passage
Tom Ellsworth reflects on why his favorite passage of Scripture keeps changing as God's Word brings fresh hope, perspective, wonder, and assurance for every season of life.
Articles for tag: Tom Ellsworth
February 27, 2011
Unconditional Compassion
Tom Ellsworth reflects on the Good Samaritan, showing how Jesus challenged prejudice and called his followers to compassion that sees clearly, acts practically, and goes beyond convenience.
November 1, 2010
Fun and Games
Sherwood Oaks Christian Church used Tom Ellsworth’s It’s Your Move books to turn summer board game nights into intergenerational Bible study and welcoming connection.
January 31, 2010
Balance
Discover how to live a balanced Christian life amid career pressures, material pursuits, and crowded schedules. Tom Ellsworth explores the importance of healthy priorities, lasting contentment, and following Jesus' example of balance.
December 3, 2008
Big Ideas for Smaller Churches
Mark A. Taylor highlights how the Energizing Smaller Churches Network encourages leaders in smaller congregations and shares the spring and summer 2009 ESCN conference schedule.
February 27, 2008
Interview with Tom Ellsworth
Tom Ellsworth discusses how Beyond Your Backyard calls believers and churches to move beyond comfort zones through relationships and unselfish service, balancing outward community impact with inward discipleship and equipping.
January 13, 2008
Standard’s VBS: More Than Learning, Beyond Fun
Standard Publishing’s 2008 VBS, “God’s Big Backyard,” pairs backyard fun with hands-on community service. Kids learn to serve family, neighbors, and Jesus through daily projects, Bible lessons, and practical ministry tools for churches.
April 18, 2007
Change Is
Tom Ellsworth urges patient, listening-first leadership when guiding change in smaller churches. Mark A. Taylor introduces a book excerpt on helping town and country congregations respond faithfully to demographic shifts and unchosen change.
January 21, 2007
Preaching or Sharing?
A convention comment raises a question about what’s missing in many pulpits. Gary Weedman defines doctrinal preaching, connects it to New Testament speech, and calls churches to restore doctrine with celebration, creativity, and stronger ministry preparation.
October 15, 2006
STARTING SMALL: It’s Really Not About Size
Tom Ellsworth shares hard-won lessons from moving from small-church ministry to leading a growing congregation—why attitude, vision, relationships, and serving matter more than size, and how churches can stay healthy as they expand.
August 13, 2006
The Problem of Evil
Why God allows evil is explored through Jesus’ parable of the weeds among the wheat, pointing to an enemy at work, human choice, and the call to choose, serve, and trust God until the harvest.
March 22, 2006
Have We Said Enough?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on why churches must repeat announcements for real buy-in, then highlights Preaching Standard, Christian Standard’s website and e-newsletter, and upcoming Standard Publishing-sponsored events.
December 7, 2005
Helping Preachers Set a Higher Standard
Standard Publishing introduces Preaching Standard, an online subscription service offering complete sermons, fresh illustrations, news bits, statistics, and book reviews—updated weekly and searchable, with an introductory price and a free 30 day trial.
September 25, 2005
Partners With God
Partnership is often overlooked in kingdom work. Tom Ellsworth reminds leaders that God is the senior partner, and Noah’s story shows how faithful obedience and trust carry us through the storms.
July 24, 2005
Wisdom Is a Good Thing
Reflecting on Ecclesiastes and James, Tom Ellsworth shares how God teaches wisdom through life experiences, relationships, and hard seasons—inviting believers to hold on loosely to this life and keep eternity in view.
June 19, 2005
‘Awe’ Moments
From ocean waves to a helicopter view of the Grand Canyon, Tom Ellsworth explores “awe” moments that point to God’s majesty—and to the greatest awe of all: Christ’s total sacrifice for us.
