For Harding School of Theology, it’s the end of an era after 66 years in Memphis. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MEMPHIS, TENN. — Before the preacher stepped to the pulpit, the crowd seated in wooden pews at Harding School of Theology stood to sing. The hymn before the lesson — “Our God, He Is Alive” — rose in volume and intensity, a crescendo of emotion befitting the moment. … Continue reading ‘A great, joyful sense of closure’
Author recounts growing up in Churches of Christ — and her sexual assault by a preacher. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The biggest villain — and rightly so — in Nancy French’s memoir “Ghosted: An American Story” is a preacher who gives the seventh-grader a ride home from Vacation Bible School. “In his early twenties, he was too young to be a preacher,” French writes. “But … Continue reading Nancy French’s ‘Ghosted’ offers a haunting, helpful read — but not for everyone
The story behind ministers spending an afternoon in a ballpark suite. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ARLINGTON, TEXAS —Fishing is about more than fishing. That was the gist of a Top 10 country song released in 2011. Trace Adkins’ “Just Fishin’” details a father’s deeper desire for simple time spent with his daughter: And she thinks we’re just fishing on the riverside Throwing back what … Continue reading What’s really going on at the Texas Rangers game
Christians mobilize to help after monster tornado strikes small Oklahoma town. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SULPHUR, Okla. — After a monster tornado hit this southern Oklahoma town late Saturday night, the Vinita Avenue Church of Christ swung into action. With power out Sunday morning, the congregation — which counted 38 worshipers on a recent Lord’s Day — canceled the regular assembly and focused on helping storm victims. … Continue reading ‘All I could see was destruction’
By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — My parents must be so proud. I’ve finally arrived. That’s right: I’ve reached cartoon status in an international Christian newspaper. Over the past 19 years, I’ve written more than 150 Inside Story columns for The Christian Chronicle. Readers have become accustomed to seeing my mugshot on Page 3. “You look just like your picture in the paper,” I’ve … Continue reading Be honest: What do you think of my new face?
The Awards for Excellence in Religion Reporting showcase outstanding journalism across all media. From The Christian Chronicle: PITTSBURGH — Bobby Ross Jr., editor-in-chief of The Christian Chronicle, received the nation’s top award for religion feature writing at a ceremony Saturday night at the Andy Warhol Museum. The Religion News Association presented Ross with the Supple Award for Feature Writing during its 75th anniversary convention in Pittsburgh. Jodi Rudoren, editor-in-chief of The Forward, a leading … Continue reading Religion News Association honors Bobby Ross Jr. with Supple Award for Feature Writing
The Chronicle earned first-place awards for its print and digital publications. From The Christian Chronicle: LEXINGTON, Ky. — For the fifth time in the past six years, the Evangelical Press Association has recognized The Christian Chronicle with its first-place Award of Excellence for print newspapers. The professional organization also honored the Chronicle’s website with its top prize for newspaper-online news. In all, the Oklahoma City-based international newspaper for Churches of Christ earned nine awards … Continue reading Evangelical Press Association again recognizes Christian Chronicle as top newspaper
Attendance tops 10,000 at the largest of Lads to Leaders’ half-dozen Easter weekend conventions across the nation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Twenty-two years ago, my young family loaded a U-Haul truck and trekked east on Interstate 40 so I could chase a big dream. No, I didn’t move to Nashville to seek country music stardom. Sadly, I can’t carry a tune. Instead, … Continue reading The bright present — and future — of the church
Lads to Leaders puppets skit draws Alabama broadcast duo’s attention. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Make listeners snicker? That’s what Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey do on their nationally syndicated radio comedy show. Evoke that same laughter as bulbous, fabric-headed Bible teachers in a puppet skit by Christian teens? Now, that’s a new one. Related: The bright present — and future — … Continue reading Teens mix radio show’s humor with Bible’s message
