Black, white and Gray: Civil rights attorney who once challenged Lipscomb University in court receives the Christian university’s highest honor (reporting from Nashville, Tenn.). Page 1 lead. NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Forty-five years ago, civil rights attorney and preacher Fred Gray filed a lawsuit that exposed deep divides between black and white members of Churches of Christ.The 1967 lawsuit challenged the transfer of more than $400,000 in … Continue reading Black, white and Gray: Race relations in Churches of Christ

Training to lead: Lads vs. LTC (reporting from Indianapolis). Currents. INDIANAPOLIS — The crowd was loud and rowdy, ready to explode with excitement. From all over the Midwest — and as far away as New York — they had traveled for the big event, filling a downtown hotel. Giant red banners and colorful balloons decorated the stage. Hundreds of trophies adorned a white-clothed table. But before … Continue reading Training to lead: Lads vs. LTC

From ‘serve us’ to service: For a 120-year-old church, growth coincides with a renewed focus on Kingdom building and community outreach (reporting from Mt. Juliet, Tenn.). Churches That Work. MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Forgive David Shannon if he sounds like he’s boasting. It’s just that he’s impressed with the young man at the end of the table. “He’s probably as smart as you and me put together, you know … Continue reading From ‘serve us’ to service

FUNDING ON THE DECLINE — Children’s homes: Still a core church ministry? (reporting from Duncan, S.C.). Page 1 lead. DUNCAN, S.C. – Southeastern Children’s Home cares for neglected and abused children on a 50-acre campus overlooking the Smoky Mountains. Boys row out in a boat to catch bass and bream in a spring-fed pond. A beekeeper teaches girls how to cultivate honey. The home’s residents ride … Continue reading With funding on the decline, are children’s homes still a core church ministry?