Category: Christian Chronicle

Christian Chronicle

Holy imagination: Churches seek to reverse decline

Southern California seminars tackle ‘The Challenge of the Empty Church.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MISSION VIEJO, CALIF. — Spiritual earthquake, meet holy imagination. That’s one way to characterize the cultural and societal forces that brought together about 140 leaders representing 40-plus Churches of Christ on a recent weekend. From Orange County to the Inland Empire, ministers, elders and other concerned Christians flocked to back-to-back seminars … Continue reading Holy imagination: Churches seek to reverse decline

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Mourning a tiny church’s closing

Although small in number, this Texas congregation’s legacy will live on. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GREENWOOD, Texas — After 128 years of faithful service to the Lord, the end came suddenly for the Greenwood Church of Christ.  I’d worship at the little country church a few times a year, arriving a half hour or so early with my parents, Bob and Judy Ross. Mom would … Continue reading Mourning a tiny church’s closing

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

Top 24 of 2024: Bobby Ross Jr.’s best stories of the year

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I love what I do. I get paid to travel and tell newsworthy stories. 2024 marked my 35th year in full-time journalism, and I thank God for allowing me to live my dream. A major career highlight: In April, I was honored to receive the Religion News Association’s Supple Award for Feature Writing at its 75th anniversary convention in … Continue reading Top 24 of 2024: Bobby Ross Jr.’s best stories of the year

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

In presidential election, many Christian voters split along racial lines

At a predominantly Black church in Southern California, Donald Trump’s win sparks discussion and reflection. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CARSON, Calif. — President-elect Donald Trump doesn’t have many fans, if any, at the Metropolitan Church of Christ in this urban community south of Los Angeles. No one interviewed at the predominantly Black congregation on a recent Lord’s Day voted for the Republican candidate. That’s not … Continue reading In presidential election, many Christian voters split along racial lines

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

⚖️ Transgender rights debate moves from the voting booth to SCOTUS 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Transgender rights emerged as a key factor in the 2024 race for the White House. President-elect Donald Trump successfully used Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2019 support for … Continue reading ⚖️ Transgender rights debate moves from the voting booth to SCOTUS 🔌

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Ukrainian refugees prepare a special Thanksgiving feast to show gratitude to Texas Christians

A Houston church’s thriving outreach to families fleeing the war inspires a heartfelt holiday gesture. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HOUSTON —A year ago, Memorial Church of Christ volunteers served Ukrainian refugee families a traditional Thanksgiving meal from Pappas Bar-B-Q, a popular Houston restaurant chain. But this November, the newcomers to Texas — still adapting and learning a new language after fleeing Russia’s 1,000-day war on their homeland … Continue reading Ukrainian refugees prepare a special Thanksgiving feast to show gratitude to Texas Christians

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press, Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged

Oklahoma SPJ honors Bobby Ross Jr. as Print Reporter of the Year

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I was pleased to receive the Print Reporter of the Year award in the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists’ 2024 annual contest. I was recognized for a portfolio of five stories that I wrote for The Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged and The Associated Press: 1. Jesus at the ballpark: Why MLB teams host faith nights from San Diego. 2. Sharing love … Continue reading Oklahoma SPJ honors Bobby Ross Jr. as Print Reporter of the Year

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A little farm, a giant legacy

An ordinary Christian couple made an extraordinary difference. A new memorial pays tribute. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BELLVUE, Colo. — A blind farmer. A motorcycle-riding nurse. The story of the late Bob and Helen Bland is as ordinary as it is extraordinary, right down to their last name. Yet on a blue-sky Sunday afternoon, a crowd of friends, family and fellow Christians gathered … Continue reading A little farm, a giant legacy

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A pro-life — and pro-love — ministry

Michigan church that picketed abortion clinics tries a ‘kinder, nicer’ approach. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle STERLING HEIGHTS, MICH. — A sign declaring that “Abortion stops a beating heart” no longer hangs outside the Metro Church of Christ. Leaders replaced that banner with one telling neighbors, “You’re VALUABLE! Made in the image of God.” The Detroit-area congregation has not wavered in its opposition to abortion. But … Continue reading A pro-life — and pro-love — ministry

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.