June 15, 2008
Elders: The Church”s Lead Caregivers
Knofel Staton explores the New Testament language for church elders and argues that elders should serve as shepherd-like lead caregivers who look over people in order to look after them.
Articles for tag: Unity
June 1, 2008
One Church
TAKE THE QUIZ: “What Do You Know About the Declaration and Address“ By Victor Knowles Thomas Campbell stood at the rail of the ship and breathed deeply of the invigorating ocean breeze. He was leaving his beloved Ireland and setting sail for America. Perhaps there his health would improve. Perhaps there the religious air would be healthier too””free from the strife and division that had troubled him so in the Seceder Presbyterian Church. Upon his arrival in America in 1807, the 44-year-old minister was appointed to preach in western Pennsylvania by the American counterpart of the anti-Burgher Seceder Presbyterian Church.
Interview with Robert Stradley
Robert Stradley of Harmony Pines Christian Camp explains how sled dogs teach leadership, teamwork, humility, and spiritual fervor as they follow the guidance of the “Good Musher.”
May 4, 2008
Connecting Good Deeds and Good News
Rick Rusaw reflects on how serving others can open doors for spiritual conversations, showing that good deeds and good news belong together in the church’s witness.
March 30, 2008
When Our Prayer Requests Are Not Granted (Part 1)
Why doesn’t God grant some prayer requests? H. Lynn Gardner examines Jesus’ prayer promises in context, showing how Scripture connects confident prayer with God’s will, obedience, and trustful submission.
February 24, 2008
An Invitation from the World Convention”s Executive Director
What is the World Convention? Jeff Weston explains its 1930 beginnings, its call for unity without uniformity, and what to expect this year—worship, workshops, global exhibits, and community involvement.
January 27, 2008
How God’s Word Has Come to Us (Part 2): God’s Word Collected
How did the Bible’s books come to be recognized and collected as Scripture? H. Lynn Gardner explains the canon of the Old and New Testaments, addresses “lost books,” and outlines why confidence in the canon matters for the church.
January 6, 2008
To Err Is Divine: “Pastoring” in Biblical Perspective
Church leadership isn’t secured by titles but proven through shepherding. This piece contrasts “Tyrant” and “CEO” pastor models with New Testament care rooted in Jesus the Shepherd and expressed through accountable, grace-shaped ministry.
January 3, 2008
“˜Union in Truth”: Still Our Motto!
On the 200th anniversary of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address, Victor Knowles reflects on “union in truth,” the Restoration Movement’s growth, and the movement’s divided streams—urging believers toward unity grounded in Holy Scripture.
September 30, 2007
Four Seconds One Saturday
A long-silent church conflict is met with an unqualified apology and a simple request for forgiveness. In a few sentences, pride is disarmed and reconciliation becomes possible again.
September 16, 2007
Shining Light by Serving Schools
Colorado churches joined together through Sharefest to serve schools and community organizations with hands-on projects, saving significant labor costs and strengthening local partnerships—then concluded the weekend with a combined worship service and barbeque.
TRANSITIONS: Planning for the Church”s Future Leadership
A church can avoid crisis-driven preacher searches by planning ahead. Gregory S. Waddell explains why succession planning belongs with prayer, and how elders can move past common myths to match leadership skills with real congregational needs.
June 24, 2007
Traveling the Unity Road
A year after a historic “family reunion” at the 2006 NACC, Victor Knowles recounts growing cooperation between churches of Christ and Christian churches—shared worship, mission work, and renewed commitment to unity “that the world may believe.”
La Convención Nacional Cristiana
Founded in 1984, the National Christian Convention (Hispanic) has grown into a family-focused gathering for Spanish-speaking churches. Learn its purpose, programming, and this year’s Dallas convention theme: “To the Glory of God.”
April 22, 2007
Resolving the Tensions
Rural churches can experience tension when newcomers and long-term residents misunderstand each other. This sidebar offers practical ways leaders can build understanding, address demographic change, and help congregations pursue unity and effective outreach.
March 4, 2007
Seeing Your Team Through the Eyes of WE!
A practical reframing of “TEAM” for ministry and life: thick skin, humility, accountability, and managing yourself. Learn why a “we” mindset strengthens relationships, builds resilient teams, and reflects Christ’s love in community.
February 25, 2007
Should We Care About Calvinism?
As Calvinism gains renewed attention, three Christian church leaders discuss free will and God’s sovereignty, the influence of Calvinist writers, and concerns about methodology, sacraments, and evangelical identity.
February 14, 2007
The Best Convention Ever!
A look back at a unity-charged North American Christian Convention—and a call to pursue unity’s intended outcome: evangelism. When churches move beyond fellowship to mission, the fruit of unity can be a harvest of new believers.
December 10, 2006
The Restoration Movement: Its Vitality, Quirks, and Needs in the 21st Century
LeRoy Lawson reflects on the Restoration Movement’s quirks and strengths, then points to key needs ahead—renewed purpose, celebrated diversity, deeper cooperation, and relevance to the pre-Christian world.
October 1, 2006
Why I Left the Christian Church
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
