Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

Bobby Ross Jr. is an award-winning journalist who has reported from all 50 states and 20 countries.
Christian Chronicle

In nation’s top mission field, creating better fellowship

In nation’s top mission field, creating better fellowship (reporting from Taunton, Mass.): The New England Lectureship brings together Christians in the state with the lowest ratio of members of Churches of Christ.  TAUNTON, Mass. — As Maurice Davis points out, Massachusetts — one of the nation’s least religious states — is a mission field. In fact, none of the 50 states has a lower ratio of members of … Continue reading In nation’s top mission field, creating better fellowship

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Christian Chronicle

Five ideas to improve Sunday night

Five ideas to improve Sunday night “I don’t like Sunday night services,” said a minister friend, whose congregation draws 250 for morning worship but only 100 for the evening assembly. “Our Sunday night attendance is plummeting,” a different preacher said. “We go from 130 in the morning to 30 at night.” In many — but certainly not all — Churches of Christ, the Sunday night … Continue reading Five ideas to improve Sunday night

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion News Service

Stripping away the stigma: Ministries help women escape sex industry

Stripping away the stigma (reporting from Colleyville, Texas): Christian ministries help women escape sex industry. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service COLLEYVILLE, Texas (RNS) — The smoke, the loud music and the smell of perfumes trigger uncomfortable memories for Polly Wright. But Wright ignores those reminders of her past as she and a troupe of women make their way to the strip club’s … Continue reading Stripping away the stigma: Ministries help women escape sex industry

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Washington Post

Stripping away the stigma: Christian ministries help women escape sex industry

This story appeared in The Washington Post and in media outlets across the nation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion News Service COLLEYVILLE, Texas — The smoke, the loud music and the smell of perfumes trigger uncomfortable memories for Polly Wright. But Wright ignores those reminders of her past as she and a troupe of women make their way to the strip club’s dressing room … Continue reading Stripping away the stigma: Christian ministries help women escape sex industry

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

50 years of Northern exposure

50 years of Northern exposure (reporting from Wasilla, Alaska): Alaska lectureship celebrates a half-century of promoting unity among Churches of Christ. Third Place, Leisure Writing, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WASILLA, Alaska — This state known for its natural beauty, midnight sun and independent spirit boasts an estimated 3 million lakes, 100,000 black bears and, oh, about 2,500 … Continue reading 50 years of Northern exposure

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Religion Unplugged

May 2014: GetReligion

Newspaper reporter critiqued by GetReligion fires back. Published May 2. Little argument, and little religion, after botched execution. Published May 5. NBA MVP Kevin Durant thanks God, but media fail to notice. Published May 7. Putting a real face on Pew’s Latino religious identity survey. Published May 8. AP’s one-sided report on teaching Bible in public schools. Published May 9. NYTimes leans to the right … Continue reading May 2014: GetReligion

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

More on politics, sin and Louisiana’s kissing congressman

More on politics, sin and Louisiana’s kissing congressman GETRELIGION.ORG — For anyone unfamiliar with Rep. Vance McAllister, he’s a Louisiana congressman who ran on a Christian family values platform. But now he’s in trouble with some voters — and presumably his wife — after he got videotaped kissing a staff member (not a peck on the cheek, by the way). Last week, I praised the serious, respectful nature of the New … Continue reading More on politics, sin and Louisiana’s kissing congressman

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Under a bridge, come to the feast

Under a bridge, come to the feast (reporting from Tulsa, Okla.): Christians show love for the homeless by preparing meals, washing feet and praying. TULSA, Okla. — Street people lying on the grass and perched inside concrete nooks watch as a long, yellow moving truck backs under a downtown bridge. Interstate 244 rumbles with traffic overhead as men, women and children from the Park Plaza Church … Continue reading Under a bridge, come to the feast

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Embracing family, friends and faith on Opening Day

Embracing family, friends and faith on Opening Day (column from Arlington, Texas): Why I love root, root, rooting for the home team. ARLINGTON, Texas — My three favorite holidays: Thanksgiving. Christmas. Opening Day. I was blessed to join my 16-year-old son, Keaton, and 49,029 fellow baseball fans at my beloved Texas Rangers’ season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday afternoon. I originally planned to watch the game … Continue reading Embracing family, friends and faith on Opening Day

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.