Category: Christian Chronicle

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.
Associated Press, Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged, The Ross News, Washington Post

Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2021

By Bobby Ross Jr. The biggest — and best — news of the year was the birth of my granddaughter, Norah. But besides that banner headline, here are my top stories of 2021 (mostly in chronological order): 1. The pandemic: I started the year with coverage of many Christians welcoming the COVID-19 vaccines but others voicing skepticism. In a personal column, I reflected on the joy … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2021

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Serving Jesus and soft drinks — at 38,000 feet

From flight attendant to funeral director, secular jobs help pay the bills for bivocational ministers. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NEWNAN, Ga. — On a typical Sunday, Alan Henderson shares God’s word with 100 to 110 souls at the Newnan Church of Christ, about 35 miles southwest of Atlanta. The rest of the week, the part-time preacher lives out his faith from a different vantage point: … Continue reading Serving Jesus and soft drinks — at 38,000 feet

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press, Christian Chronicle, Oklahoman

‘Best of the Best’: Bobby Ross Jr. earns Best Reporter prize from Oklahoma SPJ

This was a nice surprise. The Society of Professional Journalists’ Oklahoma professional chapter honored me as Best Reporter at its 2021 virtual awards ceremony on Oct. 29. The “Best of the Best” prize recognized a portfolio of five stories that I wrote for The Christian Chronicle, The Associated Press and The Oklahoman: 1. ‘The world doesn’t stop’: Her 15-month-old daughter died in the bombing but … Continue reading ‘Best of the Best’: Bobby Ross Jr. earns Best Reporter prize from Oklahoma SPJ

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Picket signs, honking horns and sidewalk sermons: Inside an anti-abortion ministry

Michigan church members say the Gospel, not politics, motivates them to gather at clinics and urge women not to end pregnancies. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A bullhorn amplified Conner Westerby’s words as he stood on a public sidewalk and tried to gain the attention of a woman entering a clinic about 75 feet away. Westerby, a 24-year-old Christian … Continue reading Picket signs, honking horns and sidewalk sermons: Inside an anti-abortion ministry

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

All in the family: baseball and Jesus

For Faulkner coach and his wife, love for ‘adoption’ extends from their home to the team’s players. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Patrick and Katie Beth McCarthy’s oldest son, Miller, once told a reporter his family lived at the ballpark. “We just go spend the night at our house sometimes,” he quipped. Baseball is extremely important to the McCarthys. Patrick is the head coach … Continue reading All in the family: baseball and Jesus

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Bobby Ross Jr. wins RNA Award for Religion Reporting Excellence

For the second year in a row, the Religion News Association’s national awards were presented in virtual fashion Thursday night because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was honored to receive third place for reporting at magazines and non-daily newspapers. Emma Green of The Atlantic won first place, while John Beck of Moment Magazine earned second place. “The judges praise Ross for writing with both authority and compassion,” RNA … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. wins RNA Award for Religion Reporting Excellence

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.