In a Latino trailer park, Terry Davis pays his blessings forward

Part of The Christian Chronicle’s “One Nación Under God” special project. A ‘bus ministry kid’ gives back (reporting from Norcross, Ga.): In a Latino trailer park, Terry Davis pays his blessings forward.  NORCROSS, Ga. — Terry Davis found Jesus on a “JOY bus.” Growing up in a housing project on Atlanta’s south side, Davis slept on the ground to avoid flying bullets. “I still shake when it comes to bullets … Continue reading In a Latino trailer park, Terry Davis pays his blessings forward

The introvert behind the pulpit

The introvert behind the pulpit: For these preachers, devotion to ministry requires balancing need for solitude with passion for sharing God’s word. No offense, but people drain Mark Littleton of much-needed energy. Here’s what invigorates him: sitting in his church office — alone — with his Bible, study books, computer and a Diet Dr Pepper. “It’s not that I don’t want to be around people,” said Littleton, pulpit … Continue reading The introvert behind the pulpit

No R-rated movies shown at this family-friendly drive-in

No R-rated movies shown at this family-friendly drive-in  (reporting from Calvert City, Ky.): Kentucky church members stay true to their Christian values while operating one of the nation’s few remaining outdoor theaters. CALVERT CITY, Ky. — As the sun sets in rural western Kentucky, the marquee lights shine at the Calvert Drive-in Theatre. For many who enjoy the outdoor movie experience, the nightly double features stir nostalgia and fond memories … Continue reading No R-rated movies shown at this family-friendly drive-in

In Kentucky, a dispute over church, state and taxpayer-funded foster care

In Kentucky, a dispute over church, state and taxpayer-funded foster care (reporting from Melber, Ky.): Rather than adhere to proselytization rules, a Christian children’s home gives up its seven-figure state funding. MELBER, Ky. — Surrounded by pastureland and soybean, corn and tobacco fields, a rural children’s home associated with Churches of Christ cared for abused and neglected boys and girls for 24 years. In the last fiscal year, … Continue reading In Kentucky, a dispute over church, state and taxpayer-funded foster care

Cristo can move mountains, Spanish-speaking church believes

Part of The Christian Chronicle’s “One Nación Under God” special project. Cristo can move mountains, Spanish-speaking church believes (reporting from Elgin, Ill.): In a Chicago suburb, a Latino congregation experiences growth and contemplates a multicultural future. First Place (with Erik Tryggestad and staff), Theme Issue, Section or Series, Associated Church Press ELGIN, Ill. — Tears of joy flowed as the Elgin Church of Christ, a Spanish-speaking congregation northwest of Chicago, stood and … Continue reading Cristo can move mountains, Spanish-speaking church believes

Ebola patient Dr. Kent Brantly released from hospital

Ebola patient Dr. Kent Brantly released from hospital: ‘Today is a miraculous day. I’m thrilled to be alive, to be well and to be reunited with my family,’ the medical missionary says.  Just a few weeks ago, the prognosis for Dr. Kent Brantly — a Church of Christ member who contracted the often-deady Ebola virus while serving in Liberia — was described as “grave.” But today, … Continue reading Ebola patient Dr. Kent Brantly released from hospital

Amen to this question: ‘What the hell is happening in Ferguson, Mo.?’

Amen to this question: ‘What the hell is happening in Ferguson, Mo.?’ GETRELIGION.ORG — In Ferguson, Mo. — dubbed “Baghdad, USA” by The Huffington Post and labeled a “A CITY ON EDGE” in a banner headline by today’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch — Wednesday’s arrests of two prominent journalists for the apparent crime of doing their jobs caused a Twitterstorm. The social media outrage produced some, um, religious overtones. Jesus, this … Continue reading Amen to this question: ‘What the hell is happening in Ferguson, Mo.?’

Rocky Mountain Reunion touts unity — in English and Spanish

Part of The Christian Chronicle’s “One Nación Under God” special project. Rocky Mountain Reunion touts unity — in English and Spanish (reporting from Westminster, Colo.): A bilingual worship assembly brings together Christians in northern Colorado, regardless of language.  WESTMINSTER, Colo. — “Amen! Amen! Amen!” said a chorus of voices that echoed through the Northwest Church of Christ auditorium as visiting minister Steven Curo preached from 1 Corinthians 1:18. Seconds … Continue reading Rocky Mountain Reunion touts unity — in English and Spanish

Don’t just sit in those pews

Don’t just sit in those pews (reporting from Arlington, Texas): In the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth, a once-shrinking congregation finds revival as it serves its community.  ARLINGTON, Texas — It’s a Tuesday after school, and basketballs are flying at the North Davis Church of Christ family life center. Welcome to “The Rec,” as the banner outside declares. Two afternoons per week, the 600-member church opens its … Continue reading Don’t just sit in those pews