Category: Christian Chronicle

Christian Chronicle

Editorial: Christian journalism means truth-seeking

Sometimes the truth is positive and inspiring. Sometimes the truth is negative and concerning. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — Jerry Mitchell is a Christian and a journalist. To some readers in a hyperpartisan age, that description may sound like an oxymoron. But Mitchell is a devoted follower of Christ. He’s a 1982 graduate of Harding University, a Christian university in Searcy, Ark. He’s … Continue reading Editorial: Christian journalism means truth-seeking

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Virginia congregation helps an Afghan refugee family — and reaps its own blessings

‘It is a humbling honor and immeasurable gift they have given us to share their lives right now,’ minister says. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SPRINGFIELD, Va. — The Afghan refugee’s words trailed off. He spoke in a whisper. Finally, he lowered his head and fought back tears. “I’m sorry,” he said, apologizing for losing control of his emotions. “No,” I replied. “We’re honored … Continue reading Virginia congregation helps an Afghan refugee family — and reaps its own blessings

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

She’s a mom, Sunday school teacher — and prominent religious freedom attorney

Lori Windham teaches children’s Bible classes and argues cases in the nation’s highest courts. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FAIRFAX, Va. — As the Fairfax Church of Christ stood to sing on a recent Sunday, Lori Windham stepped forward to interpret the hymn for deaf members. Windham, a 42-year-old wife, mother and attorney, learned American Sign Language so she could help with the suburban Washington, D.C., congregation’s … Continue reading She’s a mom, Sunday school teacher — and prominent religious freedom attorney

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Evangelical Press Association honors Christian Chronicle as top print newspaper

In all, the Chronicle earned 14 awards in the annual contest. From Staff Reports | The Christian Chronicle COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Christian Chronicle earned top honors this week in the annual journalism contest sponsored by the Evangelical Press Association. The Chronicle claimed first place for best print newspaper — one of 14 overall awards received by the Oklahoma-based international publication for members of Churches of Christ. “Solid, in-depth writing,” … Continue reading Evangelical Press Association honors Christian Chronicle as top print newspaper

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

‘Beautiful are the faces’: Alaska Christians reunited, reinvigorated

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Snow-capped mountains rise behind the Anchorage Church of Christ as the sun sets after 9 p.m. on a chilly April night. The peaks reflect the beauty of Alaska’s largest city, where an estimated 1,500 moose share the natural surroundings with nearly 300,000 human residents. Inside the church building this past weekend, Robert Kuenning, longtime minister for the Valley Church of Christ in Wasilla, north … Continue reading ‘Beautiful are the faces’: Alaska Christians reunited, reinvigorated

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A time to praise the stellar work of my colleagues

From a special project on churches closing to in-depth coverage of war in Ukraine, Christian Chronicle journalists excel. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BETHESDA, Md. — The sun hasn’t risen yet as I type this. It’s still early at the Washington, D.C.-area hotel where I’m staying. I’m attending the annual meeting of the Religion News Association. Because of the pandemic, it’s the professional organization’s first in-person conference in 2½ years. I … Continue reading A time to praise the stellar work of my colleagues

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Worship in PJs or pews?

Two years into the pandemic, church leaders reflect on the blessings — and drawbacks — of livestreaming. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Have some Christians gotten a little too comfortable worshiping at home in their pajamas? Trey Morgan asks that half-serious question about livestreamed services. “You honestly have to wonder,” said Morgan, senior minister for the Childress Church of Christ, a thriving Texas congregation halfway … Continue reading Worship in PJs or pews?

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

‘This is not God’s first pandemic’

Center for Christian Studies presents seminar on ‘Leading the Church in Tumultuous Times.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle AUSTIN, Texas — It’s a stressful time to be a church leader. From racial strife to rising inflation to pandemic culture wars, various factors conspire to divide congregations. “It’s never been easy to be a leader in the church,” said Keith Stanglin, director of the Austin-based Center for Christian Studies. “I think it’s just become … Continue reading ‘This is not God’s first pandemic’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Breaking down barriers — new and old — to help tornado victims

As a Kentucky town recovers from a devastating storm, church members open an unlikely relief center. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MAYFIELD, Ky. — Before the tornado, Penny Wade Smith grew frustrated with the neighborhood behind her business. Rob Smith shared his wife’s concern. As the Christian couple saw it, the residents had become a nuisance — responsible for dumping trash and beer bottles … Continue reading Breaking down barriers — new and old — to help tornado victims

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.