Category: Christian Chronicle

Christian Chronicle

How churches can bridge the marriage divide

Growing marriage gap between rich and poor offers ministry opportunities. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Facts & Trends In the Texas town of Childress, about 22.4 percent of the population lives in poverty — nearly double the national average. Halfway between Amarillo and Wichita Falls, the cattle and cotton-farming hub of 6,000 is the biggest community for 100 miles in any direction. “The closest shopping … Continue reading How churches can bridge the marriage divide

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Next mayor of Dallas puts faith in ‘good Lord above’ and voters

Church of Christ member rose from humble roots to lead nation’s ninth-largest city. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle On the morning after winning election as the next mayor of Dallas, Eric Johnson returned to his roots — the Dallas West Church of Christ. At the congregation where the 43-year-old lawyer and state representative grew up, fellow Christians formed a circle, held hands and … Continue reading Next mayor of Dallas puts faith in ‘good Lord above’ and voters

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, Religion News Service

At 87, ‘disaster deacon’ opens his heart — and church — to flooding victims

Widower’s work with Red Cross emergency shelter is ‘an inspiration to many.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TULSA, Okla. — Oh, Kenneth Hearrell has stories to tell. About how he rode a horse five miles to his two-room schoolhouse from first through fourth grades. About how he used a homemade rowboat to drive cattle to dry land after a big rain swamped the … Continue reading At 87, ‘disaster deacon’ opens his heart — and church — to flooding victims

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Virginia mass shooting hits close to home for church member

‘It’s just such a shock,’ says member who frequently conducts business at building where rampage occurred. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle When Eugene Thompson learned of Friday’s mass shooting at a government building in Virginia Beach, Va., he immediately thought: That could have been my son. That could have been me. Thompson, a longtime member of the Princess Anne Church of Christ in that coastal city, owns … Continue reading Virginia mass shooting hits close to home for church member

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Launched during segregation, lectureship celebrates 75 years

Hundreds of African American Christians gather for preaching, singing and fellowship. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ST. LOUIS — For 75 years, the National Lectureship of Churches of Christ has brought together Christians from across the U.S. for preaching, singing and fellowship. Hundreds of members of predominantly African American congregations gathered at a hotel near St. Louis’ Gateway Arch for the recent milestone event. … Continue reading Launched during segregation, lectureship celebrates 75 years

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, Religion News Service

To Botham Jean’s parents, shooting still feels ‘as if it just happened’

Bertrum and Allison Jean reflect on their emotional journey as racial unity summit and mission trip pay tribute to slain son. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DALLAS — The nightmare never goes away. Almost nine months have passed since Amber Guyger, an off-duty Dallas police officer still in uniform, entered Botham Shem Jean’s fourth-floor apartment and opened fire, killing the beloved song leader and Bible … Continue reading To Botham Jean’s parents, shooting still feels ‘as if it just happened’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, Religion News Service, Washington Post

Oklahoma SPJ recognizes Bobby Ross Jr. with three first-place awards

By Bobby Ross Jr. I was honored to receive six awards — including first place in three categories — in the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists’ annual contest. Winners were announced Saturday night at an awards banquet in Midwest City, recognizing content produced in 2018. (I was unable to attend due to a prior commitment.) The Christian Chronicle and Religion News Service compete in Division … Continue reading Oklahoma SPJ recognizes Bobby Ross Jr. with three first-place awards

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Special report from Jerusalem: Is the Holy Land the Promised Land?

Leading evangelical supporters of President Trump tout the modern state of Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Scholars in Churches of Christ take a different view. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle JERUSALEM — To prominent evangelical allies of President Donald Trump, “the Lord is at work” in the administration’s high-profile backing of Israel. From moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem to recognizing … Continue reading Special report from Jerusalem: Is the Holy Land the Promised Land?

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, The Ross News

In Israel, a missile attack and a monk stir reflection

Project Interchange experience fosters better understanding of Middle East issues, but answers remain elusive. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle JERUSALEM — After a busy day that included a tour of a high-tech company in Ramallah, West Bank, and a visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, I was wrapping up dinner when my phone pinged. “Your mom just called super worried,” … Continue reading In Israel, a missile attack and a monk stir reflection

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.