Ministry in Mormon country (reporting from Salt Lake City). Page 1 lead. SALT LAKE CITY — To Mormons, the Salt Lake Temple — a magnificent granite structure built in the 1800s — stands as a sacred icon and monument of pioneer faith. For the 14 million adherents worldwide of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Square represents “Jerusalem and Mecca and Shangri-La all … Continue reading Ministry in Mormon country
By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WEBB CITY, Mo. — The Joplin tornado’s path of destruction can be seen all along Range Line Road, where a Home Depot, Walmart and other businesses lie in ruins. Yellow “Caution” tape and shreds of wood flutter in the breeze amid bulldozers clearing debris and smashed vehicles abandoned after the May 22 twister that claimed 158 lives and … Continue reading Big storms, bigger hearts in Joplin, Mo.
Future looking brighter for Rochester College in Michigan (reporting from Rochester Hills, Mich.). Page 1. ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Each semester, Rochester College President Rubel Shelly teaches a required freshman course called “Introduction to the Christian Faith.” At a college where less than a quarter of traditional undergraduate students identify with Churches of Christ, the class exposes some 18- and 19-year-olds to the Scriptures for the … Continue reading Future looking brighter for Rochester College in Michigan
‘Dear Lord,’ please help us: In tornado-ravaged South, stories of hope emerge as churches, ministries launch disaster relief efforts (with Jeremy D. Smith, reporting from Tuscaloosa, Ala.). Page 1 lead. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Moments before a tornado wiped out the Central Church of Christ building, six students huddled in a small cinderblock closet at the church. Carl Naylor started to pray, but he managed just two words … Continue reading In tornado-ravaged South, stories of hope emerge
Bible Bowls: Textual preparation or trivial pursuit? (reporting from Walled Lake, Mich.). Page 1. WALLED LAKE, Mich. – It’s no secret that today’s young people value hands-on ministry: feeding the hungry, painting houses for the elderly, providing coats for the homeless. Youths go on international mission trips and seek to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. But do they devote themselves to in-depth study … Continue reading Bible Bowls: Textual preparation or trivial pursuit?
Saving Sin City: West Coast meeting draws preachers, leaders to Las Vegas (reporting from Las Vegas). Page 1 lead. Second Place, Convention or Meeting Coverage, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LAS VEGAS – Go ahead. Snicker. Leo G. Gay has heard all the jokes. When fellow Christians find out he’s from Sin City, the wisecracks start. “I get questions like, … Continue reading Saving Sin City
‘He was a hero to his church family’: Member killed, wife wounded when gunman opens fire on Arizona congresswoman (reporting from Tucson, Ariz.). Page 1 lead. First Place, News Story, Associated Church Press Finalist (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association Third Place, General News Reporting, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TUCSON, Ariz. – Until … Continue reading ‘He was a hero to his church family’
‘This is what the Lord made me for,’ says national motocross champion Trey Canard (reporting from Shawnee, Okla.). Currents. SHAWNEE, Okla. – Out of his racing uniform, Trey Canard seems an unassuming presence, especially for someone known for performing high-speed, bone-jarring exploits in front of 30,000 to 60,000 fans. However, the toughness and quiet confidence of the 5-foot-6, 150-pound Canard shine through as he reflects on … Continue reading ‘This is what the Lord made me for’
First Place, Editorial/Commentary, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists This staff editorial was written by Bobby Ross Jr., managing editor for The Christian Chronicle. In Georgia, a former youth minister faces statutory rape charges. He’s accused of a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old church member. In Indiana, a minister pleaded guilty last summer to sexually assaulting a teenage girl. These cases — both involving Churches of … Continue reading Editorial: Taking steps to protect children
