Colorado congregation strives to meet its community’s physical — and spiritual — needs. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LONGMONT, Colo. — Something big is happening at the Longmont Church of Christ. I didn’t realize just how big until I arrived at the church, 40 miles north of Denver, and found a full parking lot … on a Tuesday. “We have an interesting community outreach program,” deacon … Continue reading ‘God’s clinic’ cares for thousands
The Associated Church Press “Best of the Church Press Awards,” for content produced in 2022, were announced last week in Chicago. I was blessed to receive seven awards for stories I wrote for The Christian Chronicle and Religion Unplugged: • First Place, International Reporting (Short Format), for “In Alaska, a Russian-speaking church becomes a hub for helping Ukrainians” from Anchorage, Alaska. • First Place, Biographical Profile, for “She’s … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. earns two first-place awards, five other Associated Church Press honors
The rescued children aren’t the only ones blessed — so are the American supporters who keep returning. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COZUMEL, Mexico — Scott Eller steered a rented Nissan March through this bustling Caribbean city as his wife, Andrea, talked about their “home away from home.” Driving away from the cruise ships and sandy beaches that draw thousands to Cozumel, Scott … Continue reading In a Mexican resort city, Christians care for homeless ‘angels’
A runway mishap contributes to a long day, but God’s beauty makes up for it. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COZUMEL, Mexico — When I told friends I was traveling to Cozumel on a reporting trip for The Christian Chronicle, they chuckled. “Uh huh,” their responses seemed to say, as if I might have ulterior motives. “No, really,” I insisted. I flew to the Mexican resort city to cover … Continue reading Flight delays and new friends: My trip to Cozumel
‘Y’all, pay attention to what God is doing,’ a student worship leader tells his Generation Z counterparts. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle “Nothing good happens after midnight. Except for this.” So proclaims the Facebook page for Midnight Worship, a weekly gathering hosted by the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. More than 1,000 miles from Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky. — where a seemingly routine chapel … Continue reading Asbury revival sparks prayer, reflection at Christian universities
Flying is faster, but an interstate journey can be full of adventure. HENDERSON, Tenn. — I love road trips. Except for all the driving. And the long days on the highway. And the would-be NASCAR stars weaving in and out of traffic. Seriously, I like cranking up my country music playlist and seeing America’s farms and high-rises through my car’s windows. When reporting for The Christian Chronicle, I usually fly. But for a … Continue reading Bible conferences, Love’s Travel Stops and time on the road with Dad
Some congregations are between ministers. Others can’t afford one. This program aims to help. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — Matthew Morine’s friends in ministry keep quitting. The job, tough in normal times, became insurmountable during the pandemic. “It’s not because they dislike ministry or they’re not wanting to serve the church,” said Morine, pulpit minister for the Castle Rock Church of Christ in … Continue reading Building up the kingdom — one small, rural church at a time
Like the 29-year-old victim in the nation’s latest high-profile police brutality case, the five officers charged with murder are Black. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A picture of Tyre Nichols in his hospital bed greeted a recent assembly of the Coleman Avenue Church of Christ. The same big screen displayed photos of five Memphis police officers charged with murder in the 29-year-old Black man’s death. The … Continue reading For Christians in Memphis, Tyre Nichols’ death a cause for concern, action
For John and Carla Moore, addressing the shortage of preachers in Churches of Christ is a priority. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DENVER — Low pay and benefits. Overly demanding leaders. Unrealistic expectations. Full-time ministry in Churches of Christ doesn’t have the best reputation, contributing to a shortage of candidates to fill pulpit openings. Numerous current and former preachers across the U.S. cited the negative … Continue reading On a mission to fill empty pulpits
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 