A heart for Hawaii

A heart for Hawaii (reporting from Honolulu): Pearl Harbor church has served military families for 59 years, but future at risk. HONOLULU — “Aloha!” Mark Young stretches out each syllable of the traditional Hawaiian greeting as 150-plus church members and visitors fill the blue-gray wooden pews in a simple, A-frame auditorium. “Welcome to the Pearl Harbor Church of Christ, where we keep a little bit … Continue reading A heart for Hawaii

Lester Holt a humble newsman with a serious faith

Lester Holt a humble newsman with a serious faith: NBC anchor finds journalism ‘faith-affirming.’ A few years ago, a group of communications students from Harding University in Searcy, Ark., visited NBC’s “Today” show studios in New York. A familiar face greeted them. “Lester Holt was so kind to take a few minutes and visit with each of our students about their goals and plans,” said … Continue reading Lester Holt a humble newsman with a serious faith

A search for preachers — reality TV style

A search for preachers — reality TV style (reporting from Malibu, Calif.): A video quest puts a modern twist on efforts to inspire a new generation of ministers.  MALIBU, Calif. — “American Idol” for ministers? “Survivor” with an emphasis on the Holy Spirit? Welcome to the “Next Gen Preacher Search,” developed by Pepperdine University’s Youth Leadership Initiative. The national contest invited students interested in preaching and … Continue reading A search for preachers — reality TV style

Anchor for his soul: NBC’s Lester Holt described as ‘a humble and loving Christian’

Anchor for his soul: @LesterHoltNBC called humble, loving Christian: http://t.co/oQSWU2x4C7 #religion #journalism pic.twitter.com/ilLl54cAIe — GetReligion (@GetReligion) February 17, 2015 This analysis of media coverage appears online at GetReligion.org. Continue reading Anchor for his soul: NBC’s Lester Holt described as ‘a humble and loving Christian’

Preacher, lay your debt burden down

Preacher, lay your debt burden down (reporting from Florence, Ala.): Heritage Christian University sets a goal of graduating every student with no loans to repay. First in a series FLORENCE, Ala. — Lucas Suddreth thought he’d rely on federal student loans to pay for his ministry education. Instead, Heritage Christian University gave him a full-tuition scholarship and helped arrange a part-time youth ministry position. “I’m extremely … Continue reading Preacher, lay your debt burden down

The faith behind Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’

The faith behind Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’: New movie starring Kevin Costner is based on the inspiring true story of coach Jim White, who has deep roots in Churches of Christ. “McFarland, USA,” a new Disney film starring Kevin Costner, tells the true story of California cross-country coach Jim White, who transformed a migrant farm town’s predominantly Latino high school into an unlikely powerhouse. The PG-rated motion … Continue reading The faith behind Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’

Youth Advance builds the future, and present, of the church

Youth Advance builds the future, and present, of the church (reporting from Malvern, Pa.): Organizers work to identify and train the most outstanding teen leaders in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. MALVERN, Pa. — In a hotel meeting room northwest of Philadelphia, a gray-haired facilitator sings karaoke with a group of teens. The playlist ranges from Katy Perry’s “Roar” to the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” to the … Continue reading Youth Advance builds the future, and present, of the church

Sketching the Good News — nightly

Sketching the Good News — nightly (reporting from Shamokin Dam, Pa.): At a low point in his life, Bill Wiist found comfort in giving visual expression to holy words. SHAMOKIN DAM, Pa. — When Matthew A. Wiist left home for U.S. Marine Corps boot camp in 2009, he asked a favor of his father, Bill, a talented artist. The son requested that his dad pick an … Continue reading Sketching the Good News — nightly

His dad was a preacher — and a pedophile

After discovering his father’s secret, Jimmy Hinton strives to create awareness of sexual predators. First Place, Feature Writing, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists Second Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press (a different story of mine won first place in this category) Honorable mention (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SOMERSET, Pa. — Jimmy Hinton grew up at the … Continue reading His dad was a preacher — and a pedophile