Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

The journey that led a church to appoint female elders

‘It needs to be the whole body,’ Sheila Bost says of men and women leading and preaching. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LOS ANGELES — In the early 1960s, then-Abilene Christian College — a Texas higher education institution associated with Churches of Christ — had different rules for male and female dorm residents. Sheila Bost, now a grandmother of 12, remembers that she couldn’t study at … Continue reading The journey that led a church to appoint female elders

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Christian Chronicle

Should women preach in a mixed-gender assembly?

This graduate theology student — one of four sisters and the mother of five girls — doesn’t think so. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ARLINGTON, Texas — Christa Sanders Bryant has a passion for teaching the Bible. The mother of five believes God has called her — and all Christians — to lead souls to Jesus. But even though she is pursuing a master’s … Continue reading Should women preach in a mixed-gender assembly?

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Religion Unplugged

Did a prophet predict Rick Perry’s future? The theology matters!

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. About a year ago, I wrote about the retirement of Tim Funk, the award-winning religion writer for the Charlotte Observer. But I noticed this week that Funk is back at work for the … Continue reading Did a prophet predict Rick Perry’s future? The theology matters!

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Christian Chronicle

‘A hundred years goes faster than you think’

Visit to old family cemetery stirs fond memories and reflections. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CEDAR GROVE, Tenn. — My dad, Bob Ross, bent down and brushed leaves off the flat grave marker so he could read the inscription. “Lloyd Lee Ross. Sgt US Army. World War II,” the writing said. “Bronze Star Medal. Purple Heart.” The dates, March 24, 1918, to April … Continue reading ‘A hundred years goes faster than you think’

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Christian Chronicle

Two preachers. Two church shootings. An immediate bond

Ministers discuss experiences as panel explores how to protect congregations from attacks. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HENDERSON, Tenn. — A few minutes before stepping onstage, Britt Farmer and Joey Spann met for the first time. But the two preachers — one from Texas, the other from Tennessee — greeted each other like old friends. These ministers belong to an exclusive club. It’s one … Continue reading Two preachers. Two church shootings. An immediate bond

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Religion Unplugged

This veteran religion journalist likes to sing spirituals — but not when she’s working

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Surely there’s someone out there who doesn’t like Adelle M. Banks. I just haven’t found that person yet. A rare soul beloved by colleagues and competitors alike, Banks is … Continue reading This veteran religion journalist likes to sing spirituals — but not when she’s working

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Religion Unplugged

A journalist’s faith: New memoir tells how justice prevailed in civil rights era murders

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. “To the One who loves justice.” That’s the simple dedication at the start of investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell’s long-awaited memoir, “Race Against Time,” which hits bookstores Tuesday. It reflects the deep Christian faith … Continue reading A journalist’s faith: New memoir tells how justice prevailed in civil rights era murders

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Religion Unplugged

How the SBC sex abuse scandal turned a city hall reporter into a full-time religion writer

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Robert Downen almost burned out on newspapers and went into the insurance business. Instead, the talented journalist, now 28, stuck it out and spearheaded what the Religion News Association chose as the No. … Continue reading How the SBC sex abuse scandal turned a city hall reporter into a full-time religion writer

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Religion Unplugged

(Who Is Alex Trebek?)

Game show host with cancer touts prayer, but faith story is complicated. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. I have wondered about Alex Trebek’s faith for a while. My curiosity was piqued last May … Continue reading (Who Is Alex Trebek?)

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