Winterfest goes ‘Way Out West’ to launch its first youth conference outside the Bible Belt. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A small hotel ballroom. A few hundred teens. In sheer size, Winterfest Way Out West — a new teen event launched this past weekend — did not resemble the massive youth rallies that draw thousands in Texas and Tennessee each year. “In Fort … Continue reading ‘I want kids to know Christ’
Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged God figured prominently — and personally — in President Donald Trump’s second inaugural address. In fact, Trump mentioned God four times in Monday’s speech — just as he … Continue reading 🇺🇸 God and Trump: 5 revealing quotes from inaugural week 🔌
‘I hope the good Lord will take care of me,’ former New York Jets defensive tackle says. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FARRIS, Okla. — Winning the Super Bowl couldn’t be any better than what Carl McAdams experienced this weekend. McAdams can attest to that. He played defensive tackle for the New York Jets when they upset the Baltimore Colts, 16-7, in Super Bowl III on Jan. … Continue reading Super Bowl champion baptized at 80
Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Who let the dogs out? Come to think of it, I guess I did. I asked in a recent column — inspired by the adorableness of my … Continue reading 🐶 Doggone it, but a few readers bark over idea of pets in heaven 🔌
Southern California seminars tackle ‘The Challenge of the Empty Church.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MISSION VIEJO, CALIF. — Spiritual earthquake, meet holy imagination. That’s one way to characterize the cultural and societal forces that brought together about 140 leaders representing 40-plus Churches of Christ on a recent weekend. From Orange County to the Inland Empire, ministers, elders and other concerned Christians flocked to back-to-back seminars … Continue reading Holy imagination: Churches seek to reverse decline
Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged When Jimmy Carter was inaugurated as America’s 39th president in January 1977, Amy Carter, his only daughter, was a 9-year-old elementary school student. So, coincidentally, was I. As a third … Continue reading 🇺🇸 ‘Good and faithful servant’: 7 religion takeaways from Jimmy Carter’s funeral 🔌
Although small in number, this Texas congregation’s legacy will live on. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GREENWOOD, Texas — After 128 years of faithful service to the Lord, the end came suddenly for the Greenwood Church of Christ. I’d worship at the little country church a few times a year, arriving a half hour or so early with my parents, Bob and Judy Ross. Mom would … Continue reading Mourning a tiny church’s closing
By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I love what I do. I get paid to travel and tell newsworthy stories. 2024 marked my 35th year in full-time journalism, and I thank God for allowing me to live my dream. A major career highlight: In April, I was honored to receive the Religion News Association’s Supple Award for Feature Writing at its 75th anniversary convention in … Continue reading Top 24 of 2024: Bobby Ross Jr.’s best stories of the year
Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Welcome to a special year-end edition of Weekend Plug-in! I asked some of the nation’s top religion journalists to share their … Continue reading 🏆 Weekend Plug-in year in review: The best religion journalism of 2024 🔌
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 