Church members’ homes destroyed in Texas Panhandle wildfire

At least a half-dozen families who attend Churches of Christ must rebuild after the largest blaze in Texas history. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Multiple members of Churches of Christ have lost homes in the Texas Panhandle wildfire, which has grown into the largest in state history. The blaze destroyed the residences of three families who attend the Canadian Church of Christ, about 100 miles northeast … Continue reading Church members’ homes destroyed in Texas Panhandle wildfire

Christians cheer the Chiefs, fight the violence

Mass shooting at Super Bowl victory rally highlights the challenge facing Kansas City. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Even before last week’s mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory rally, Branden Mims was focused on reducing violence in this city that mourned a record 182 homicides in 2023. Mims, the 35-year-old senior minister for the Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ, leads a faith-based … Continue reading Christians cheer the Chiefs, fight the violence

A new Sunday night tradition

Tennessee church launches a small-group ministry ‘to grow our people and reach the community.’ It’s just one of many congregations trying a different approach. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DICKSON, Tenn. — An NFL game played on the TV as about a dozen people arrived at Chris and Libby McCurley’s house on a recent Sunday night. The casually attired guests chatted for a few … Continue reading A new Sunday night tradition

‘Momma, I can see Jesus’

Matt and Macy Collins launched the Magnolia Foundation to honor their daughter Hattie Jo, who died in a tornado.  By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Not long before the tornado that claimed her life, 4-year-old Hattie Jo Collins asked a question. The blond bundle of energy was riding in her family’s minivan with her mother, Macy, and baby sister, Lainey Mae, when she posed it. … Continue reading ‘Momma, I can see Jesus’

Trip conjures nostalgia for time spent at Abilene Christian University

Editor travels to West Texas to report on debate over sexual stewardship policy. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ABILENE, Texas — I don’t bleed purple, but I do have fond memories of Abilene Christian University. As best I can remember, I first visited the West Texas campus nearly 40 years ago. The year was 1984.  Related: ACU rebuffs the left and the right in reaffirming its sexual … Continue reading Trip conjures nostalgia for time spent at Abilene Christian University

ACU rebuffs the left and the right in reaffirming its sexual stewardship policy

One group petitioned the West Texas university to loosen its stance on same-sex relationships. Another pushed for tougher language. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ABILENE, Texas — For students at Abilene Christian University, the debate over traditional vs. affirming views on same-sex relationships is not purely theological. It’s personal. Whether they support the university’s sexual stewardship policy, which calls for chastity outside of marriage between a man and … Continue reading ACU rebuffs the left and the right in reaffirming its sexual stewardship policy

A lover of Jesus and paperbacks: Remembering a faithful Christian

Glynna Hartman, a former church secretary, exuded joy and feistiness. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — Glynna Hartman loved to read. The Bible. Religious books. Paperback romance novels. It’s that last one that drew so many chuckles at her memorial service Friday night at the Wilshire Church of Christ, the faithful Christian’s home congregation in Oklahoma City. As her son, David Hartman, recalls, she’d … Continue reading A lover of Jesus and paperbacks: Remembering a faithful Christian

No phones allowed, but machetes OK: Global program aims to build teens’ faith

Immersive learning experience on a South Pacific island stretches Australian ninth graders physically and spiritually. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle PORT VILA, Vanuatu — The journey begins 1,200 miles — and a world — away. Ninth graders at an affluent Christian school in Australia leave their smartphones at home and fly to this developing island nation in the South Pacific. Students cram in the … Continue reading No phones allowed, but machetes OK: Global program aims to build teens’ faith

Australian teen who lost her mom to cancer dreams of leading her country

Loved one’s Christian faith inspires high school senior, who is celebrated as ‘a symbol of resilience and service.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BRISBANE, Australia — Jada Electra Black has a big dream. The Christian teen would like to serve as prime minister of Australia. “That’s my goal,” said Black, who attends Redlands College, a K-12 school associated with Churches of Christ. “I want to study … Continue reading Australian teen who lost her mom to cancer dreams of leading her country