Life of Jack Evans Sr., influential preacher, crusade speaker and Christian college president, celebrated. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TERRELL, Texas — Jack Evans Jr. rose from his seat on the front row of the Graham-Kennedy-Farmer Auditorium at Southwestern Christian College. Dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and tie, the oldest son of Jack Evans Sr. — one of the most influential … Continue reading ‘A giant has fallen’
Christians in Sin City differ on whether it’s sinful to wager on a game of chance. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LAS VEGAS — I hit the jackpot on a recent Sunday. No, I didn’t win big money at the slot machines or blackjack tables. Since I don’t gamble, that would be impossible. But I did strike it rich in terms of how … Continue reading ‘I’m a dealer, but I don’t gamble’
A Ugandan teenager imprisoned on false murder charges. An American law professor inspired to follow God’s calling. The story behind a life-changing meeting, an African nation’s reforms and Pepperdine’s surprising choice. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MALIBU, Calif. — A few hours after Jim Gash’s inauguration this fall as Pepperdine University’s eighth president, his wife, Joline, showed up at her husband’s fourth-floor executive … Continue reading From global justice champion to Christian university president
Final court order deems non-instrumental congregations and related ministries as beneficiaries. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle A one-time traveling salesman born in small-town Kentucky before the start of the Civil War moved to Nashville, Tenn., in the early 20th century and started a successful apparel company. In its heyday, R.W. Comer’s Washington Manufacturing Co. — best known for its DeeCee work clothing — … Continue reading Trust to distribute $35 million to Churches of Christ in Tennessee, Kentucky
Botham Jean’s brother extends grace to fired officer convicted of murdering his loved one. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SEARCY, Ark. — A stunned silence fell over the daily chapel service at Harding University, where police shooting victim Botham Shem Jean, 26, earned his accounting degree and was known for his singing voice and dedication to his faith. Thousands of the Christian university’s students had just watched … Continue reading Guilty and forgiven
‘Christian Chronicle Live’ panel tackles sexual abuse in Churches of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SEARCY, Ark. — The predator repented. Or so he claimed. He’d done his time and confessed his sins. He was a changed man. Or so he told the elders of a congregation willing to forgive. He was welcomed into the fold. But to protect children, the leaders determined … Continue reading It’s time to talk about predators in the church
A minister transition can be difficult. An Oregon congregation seeks to make it work. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CORVALLIS, Ore. — After 38 years of ministry with the Circle Church of Christ, Gregg Strawn sprinkled bits of humor, warning and reflection into his final sermon. Sporting a tie that belonged to his late father — a former elder of this 150-member congregation in the … Continue reading ‘I don’t want to be the sacrificial lamb’
By Bobby Ross Jr. LAS VEGAS — The Religion News Association presented the 2019 Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence at its annual convention this past weekend. I was honored to receive third place for reporting at magazines and non-daily newspapers. Emma Green of The Atlantic won first place, while Tiffany Stanley of the Washington Post Magazine earned second place. My entry portfolio included these three … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. wins RNA Award for Religion Reporting Excellence
Country star baptized in a Church of Christ reflects on his spiritual highs and soul-wrenching lows. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle And it was down with the old man, up with the new. Raised to walk in the way of light and truth. I didn’t see no angels, just a few saints on the shore. But I felt like a newborn baby, … Continue reading In new memoir, Randy Travis goes ‘diggin’ up bones’
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 