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
Two people fell in love and shared a legacy of faith: Seeds of hard work, faith and commitment were planted long before Bob Ross and Judy Nanney married 50 years ago. There ain’t nothin’ not affected When two hearts get connected All that is, will be or ever was Every single choice we make Every breath we get to take Is all because two people fell … Continue reading Two people fell in love and shared a legacy of faith
Family mission trips on the rise (reporting from Logan, Utah): An Oklahoma group’s 1,200-mile journey to Utah exemplifies a growing trend of Christian parents introducing children to mission work. LOGAN, Utah — Asked what excited her about going on a mission trip to Utah, 5-year-old Lainey Foster smiled. “I might go swimming today or every day that I’m here,” the blond-haired cutie replied. “So that’s really good.” … Continue reading Family mission trips on the rise
Part of a special package tied to the abductions of 270 girls in Nigeria. Christians battle human trafficking in the U.S. (reporting from Dallas): Across the nation, individuals and ministries associated with Churches of Christ bring hope and freedom to victims. DALLAS — Think of Katie Pedigo as a modern-day abolitionist. A Church of Christ preacher’s daughter who grew up to become an attorney, Pedigo wages a daily battle … Continue reading Christians battle human trafficking in the U.S.
Part of a special package tied to the abductions of 270 girls in Nigeria. From modern-day slave to slave for Christ: Chong Kim escaped captivity and became a crusader against human trafficking. Chong Kim had a secret. She was pregnant, but that wasn’t her secret. Everybody knew about the baby. Her unborn daughter was what brought her to a Christian maternity home in West Texas. She had worked … Continue reading From modern-day slave to slave for Christ
In nation’s top mission field, creating better fellowship (reporting from Taunton, Mass.): The New England Lectureship brings together Christians in the state with the lowest ratio of members of Churches of Christ. TAUNTON, Mass. — As Maurice Davis points out, Massachusetts — one of the nation’s least religious states — is a mission field. In fact, none of the 50 states has a lower ratio of members of … Continue reading In nation’s top mission field, creating better fellowship
Five ideas to improve Sunday night “I don’t like Sunday night services,” said a minister friend, whose congregation draws 250 for morning worship but only 100 for the evening assembly. “Our Sunday night attendance is plummeting,” a different preacher said. “We go from 130 in the morning to 30 at night.” In many — but certainly not all — Churches of Christ, the Sunday night … Continue reading Five ideas to improve Sunday night
50 years of Northern exposure (reporting from Wasilla, Alaska): Alaska lectureship celebrates a half-century of promoting unity among Churches of Christ. Third Place, Leisure Writing, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WASILLA, Alaska — This state known for its natural beauty, midnight sun and independent spirit boasts an estimated 3 million lakes, 100,000 black bears and, oh, about 2,500 … Continue reading 50 years of Northern exposure
Under a bridge, come to the feast (reporting from Tulsa, Okla.): Christians show love for the homeless by preparing meals, washing feet and praying. TULSA, Okla. — Street people lying on the grass and perched inside concrete nooks watch as a long, yellow moving truck backs under a downtown bridge. Interstate 244 rumbles with traffic overhead as men, women and children from the Park Plaza Church … Continue reading Under a bridge, come to the feast
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 