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

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

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

#BeLikeBo: Harding University unveils memorial honoring slain graduate

Dedication ceremony pays tribute to Botham Shem Jean, a faithful Christian who died tragically in 2018. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SEARCY, Ark. — Future generations of Harding University students will learn to “Be Like Bo.” The university, which is associated with Churches of Christ, made sure of that with this week’s dedication of a memorial honoring the late Botham Shem Jean. On Wednesday — the day … Continue reading #BeLikeBo: Harding University unveils memorial honoring slain graduate

Bible camp’s bluegrass festival commemorates victims, heroes of 9/11

At 20th anniversary of terrorist attacks, Christians in North Carolina, New York and across U.S. take time to reflect on the lives lost. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MOCKSVILLE, N.C. — Carolina Bible Camp’s all-day bluegrass festival Saturday was a time for pickin’, fellowship and remembrance. Hundreds of bluegrass fans converged on the rustic camp, about 60 miles north of Charlotte, to hear artists such as Scythian, Joe … Continue reading Bible camp’s bluegrass festival commemorates victims, heroes of 9/11

Five Christian Chronicle journalists named finalists for Religion News Association awards

The winners will be announced in a virtual ceremony Oct. 7. (Update) The Religion News Association has named five Christian Chronicle journalists as finalists in the 2021 RNA Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence. The awards recognize top journalism in secular and religious publications. The Chronicle finalists are: • Bobby Ross Jr., Cheryl Mann Bacon, Chellie Ison and Hamil Harris, for the Gerald A. Renner Award for Excellence in Religion Enterprise Reporting. That team covered … Continue reading Five Christian Chronicle journalists named finalists for Religion News Association awards

Emotions high as Tennessee church floods — again

Rural congregation will seek higher ground after experiencing a second major disaster. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NUNNELLY, Tenn. — A noisy, industrial-strength fan blew in the back as Pinewood Church of Christ members stepped into their makeshift worship facility Sunday. Wooden planks — newly erected with help from 15 volunteers from the Brushy Church of Christ in nearby Centerville — framed the rural congregation’s picnic pavilion. New, maroon “Songs … Continue reading Emotions high as Tennessee church floods — again

Showing Jesus: Christians offer physical, spiritual help after historic flooding

In hard-hit Waverly, Tenn., donations pour in as a church provides shelter to displaced residents. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WAVERLY, Tenn. — The Waverly Church of Christ’s pews were packed Sunday. But not just with people. Clothing and stuffed animals covered several rows — evidence of the 200-member congregation’s immense effort to help victims of historic flooding. Related: Emotions high as Tennessee church … Continue reading Showing Jesus: Christians offer physical, spiritual help after historic flooding

Can America be saved? Yes, say these Christians

Domestic mission effort focuses on reaching lost souls in the U.S. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ROME, Ga. — Julie Trujillo has traveled to Honduras and Peru to help with medical missions. She has flown to Panama to evangelize. The 45-year-old Christian was looking for her next chance to share Jesus in Latin America when she learned about a door-knocking campaign in Rome — … Continue reading Can America be saved? Yes, say these Christians