Building up the kingdom — one small, rural church at a time

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

For Christians in Memphis, Tyre Nichols’ death a cause for concern, action

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

On a mission to fill empty pulpits

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

Surprise! Award honors influential children’s minister

Brenda Gordon recognized at the National Children’s & Youth Ministries conference. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The picture flashed on the big screen, and Brenda Gordon immediately recognized the face. It was her own. “It was a shock. That’s what it was,” Gordon said. “I had no idea that anything was going on.” People who love Gordon — her husband, … Continue reading Surprise! Award honors influential children’s minister

‘It’s the same Jesus’

After a three-year pandemic delay, a unity service brings together Christians who worship in English, Korean and Spanish. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CHICAGO — To a visitor entering the Northwest Church of Christ this past Sunday, the assembly might have sounded like the Day of Pentecost. Distinct voices praised God in English, Korean and Spanish — all at the same time. The diverse crowd of Christians who … Continue reading ‘It’s the same Jesus’

Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I’m a journalist, so I have no choice but to do a year-end list, right? When I look back on 2022, a few special moments stand out. Crying happy tears as my son Keaton married Paige, the love of his life. Joining my granddaughter, Norah, at her first Texas Rangers game — a big deal in our family. … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

From Ukraine to Uvalde, The Christian Chronicle’s Top 10 news stories of 2022

In a year full of major headlines, these were the biggest ones. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Journalists for The Christian Chronicle traveled across the United States — and around the world — to cover important news during 2022. Ranking the Top 10 stories of the year is highly subjective. But these are my choices: Read the full story. This story appears in the online … Continue reading From Ukraine to Uvalde, The Christian Chronicle’s Top 10 news stories of 2022

Still the one: Alabama preacher marks 65 years with the same congregation

Gerald Romine says he ‘never saw any reason to leave’ the Roanoke Church of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ROANOKE, Ala. — In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. The Soviet Union stunned the world with the launch of Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite. And football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant decided to leave Texas A&M for his … Continue reading Still the one: Alabama preacher marks 65 years with the same congregation

Growth marks senior living CEO’s nearly half-century tenure

Longtime administrator retiring after transforming a once-struggling nursing home in Ohio. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DELAWARE, Ohio — In 1974, Larry Harris was working as a salesman and training to become a manager for Glick Furniture Co., then the largest furniture retailer in central Ohio. That’s when Frank Chappell, a fellow member of the Northland Church of Christ in Columbus, approached Harris about a different … Continue reading Growth marks senior living CEO’s nearly half-century tenure