Category: Christian Chronicle

Christian Chronicle

Giving from the heart — with a click or tap

E-tithing on the rise as more Christians contribute to the church online. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle When the collection plate is passed at the Figueroa Church of Christ in Los Angeles, it’s not unusual for minister James A. Maxwell to see members tapping on their smartphones. Don’t worry: These tech-savvy brothers and sisters aren’t distracted. Rather, they’re contributing what they’ve purposed in … Continue reading Giving from the heart — with a click or tap

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

‘There, but for the grace of God, go I’

Kansas church realizes its dream of opening a resource center for former inmates and drug addicts. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Roswell Church of Christ wouldn’t give up. For years, the inner-city congregation struggled to realize its dream of transforming a one-time dry cleaners into “a one-stop shop for ex-offenders and substance abusers.” But on a recent … Continue reading ‘There, but for the grace of God, go I’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Why ‘pounding’ the new minister is a good thing

‘Hospitality is so important and often more important than many longtime members who have never moved realize.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WACO, Texas — My youth minister son, Brady, and his wife, Mary, got a “pounding” when they moved to Texas. Ordinarily, that might worry me. But in the Christian context, it’s a positive thing — not a sign of an … Continue reading Why ‘pounding’ the new minister is a good thing

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Reporting news that informs and inspires — in all 50 states

The Christian Chronicle’s Bobby Ross Jr. celebrates faith-filled milestone. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FAITH, S.D. — After chasing stories all over the United States, I found Faith — a town in South Dakota with a population of 421. With my recent trip to the Dakotas, I reached a personal goal: reporting for The Christian Chronicle from all 50 states and the … Continue reading Reporting news that informs and inspires — in all 50 states

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Learning NOT to love chicken-fried steak

Texas minister and wife focus on eating better and exercising more. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WACO, Texas — When Jordan and Debbie Hubbard married nearly 13 years ago, they shared a love for tasty, high-calorie foods. Think Texas-sized chicken-fried steaks. “We were both fat and happy,” said Jordan Hubbard, 42, who at one time weighed close to 320 pounds. “We ate … Continue reading Learning NOT to love chicken-fried steak

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Tulsa officer charged in shooting still welcome at church

  By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GLENPOOL, Okla. — After a week in the national headlines, Betty Shelby received hugs and well-wishes from her church family Sunday. Shelby, the Tulsa police officer charged with first-degree manslaughter in the shooting of an unarmed black suspect, offered to stay home from worship to avoid causing a commotion. But leaders of the Glenpool Church of … Continue reading Tulsa officer charged in shooting still welcome at church

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Sparse numbers, strong faith in North Dakota

Small, isolated congregations face challenges in the state with the nation’s fewest Churches of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BISMARCK, N.D. — Talk about a Sunday commute. For 15 years, Rod and Rosalyn Genrich drove 100 miles each way to worship with the Minot Church of Christ. The Genriches, who farmed 1,900 acres of wheat in the small North Dakota community … Continue reading Sparse numbers, strong faith in North Dakota

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Young man with autism has a heart for homeless

California church member overcomes fears as he leads ministry that serves the needy. Second Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr.  | The Christian Chronicle CAMARILLO, Calif. — A few miles from the Camarillo Church of Christ, a man with a backpack and a bicycle squats at a busy intersection. Chris Kibbe, who describes himself as between jobs and homeless, holds a … Continue reading Young man with autism has a heart for homeless

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Amid massive biker rally, Bible camp thrives

Deep in the Black Hills National Forest, Christians from the Dakotas and beyond renew ties and enjoy fellowship. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DEADWOOD, S.D. — Revving engines of Harleys, Yamahas and Kawasakis are the first clue you’re getting close to Black Hills Bible Camp. For a half-century, the youth and family camp has brought together members of Churches of Christ during … Continue reading Amid massive biker rally, Bible camp thrives

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.