Walking (with God) in Memphis (reporting from Memphis, Tenn.): In the nation’s poorest metro area, a Christian ministry trains former inmates to succeed at work — and life. MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a room at the Midtown Church of Christ, a dozen men bow to pray each weekday morning. Then they drop to the ground and do 10 to 15 pushups. “It’s just something I … Continue reading Walking (with God) in Memphis
Painting for Jesus (reporting from Wichita, Kan.): At work camps across the nation, teens put their faith into action. WICHITA, Kan. — Teens from Churches of Christ sure know how to paint the town. From West Virginia to Texas, dozens of annual summer work camps bring together young Christians to scrape and paint houses. Here in Kansas’ largest city, 200 teens and 60 adults participated in … Continue reading Painting for Jesus
After the rioting, church leaders seek to bring spiritual and social renewal to the city. First Place, Diversity Coverage, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists Second Place, News Story, Associated Church Press Finalist (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association BALTIMORE — Derrick Lindsey takes an Amtrak train to work in Washington, D.C. The federal employee — a member of the Central Church of Christ in Baltimore — … Continue reading The broken soul of Baltimore
Cats in purses and other funny pulpit moments: Preachers across the nation recall humorous experiences. Decades ago, James O. Maxwell preached a sermon at the Lawrence and Marder Church of Christ in Dallas on trusting in God. One woman in the predominantly black congregation became quite emotional. “Oh, you better hush your mouth!” the sister proclaimed. “Hush your mouth! You better hush!” The message touched another … Continue reading Cats in purses and other funny pulpit moments
Christians in America: Five links to help understand nation’s changing religious landscape: http://t.co/FuBsFKlOQE pic.twitter.com/0XjNB9T6bC — Bobby Ross Jr. (@bobbyross) May 14, 2015 This story appears in the online edition of The Christian Chronicle. Continue reading Five links to help understand America’s changing religious landscape
A church for the broken and hurting (reporting from Fort Worth, Texas): In urban Fort Worth, a 123-year-old congregation enjoys a spiritual revival as it ministers to wounded souls. FORT WORTH, Texas — Some in the group have been sober for years. Others measure recovery in days, not weeks. A few still smell like alcohol. To measure the heartbeat of the Southside Church of Christ, go to … Continue reading A church for the broken and hurting
Ministers and the student debt monster: Christian universities tout efforts to make theological training more affordable for preachers. Second in a series Abilene Christian University says it’s taking steps to crack down on the tens of thousands of dollars in debt accumulated by many ministry students. The Texas university implemented a 50 percent tuition discount for Bible majors two years ago. Now, the ACU Graduate … Continue reading Ministers and the student debt monster
Christian Chronicle named top newspaper in national “Best of the Christian Press” contest: http://t.co/XyaKEDqv5w pic.twitter.com/EPRRarqAoO — Christian Chronicle (@InformInspireCC) May 4, 2015 I was blessed to receive 1st place for news story and 1st place for feature in the Associated Church Press contest: http://t.co/kUu5cxySSo — Bobby Ross Jr. (@bobbyross) May 4, 2015 This story appears online at christianchronicle.org. Continue reading Christian Chronicle named top newspaper in national ‘Best of the Christian Press’ contest
A ‘muy buena’ church plant (reporting from Arlington, Texas): In the Dallas area, a Spanish-speaking congregation experiences growth and offers potential lessons for reaching the burgeoning Hispanic population. ARLINGTON, Texas — In the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth, a growing Hispanic congregation celebrated two more baptisms on a recent Sunday. Members sang the Spanish version of “This is the Day” as the Arlington Iglesia de Cristo (Church … Continue reading A ‘muy buena’ church plant
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 