Category: Christian Chronicle

Associated Press, Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged

Oklahoma SPJ honors Bobby Ross Jr. as Print Reporter of the Year

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I was pleased to receive the Print Reporter of the Year award in the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists’ 2024 annual contest. I was recognized for a portfolio of five stories that I wrote for The Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged and The Associated Press: 1. Jesus at the ballpark: Why MLB teams host faith nights from San Diego. 2. Sharing love … Continue reading Oklahoma SPJ honors Bobby Ross Jr. as Print Reporter of the Year

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A little farm, a giant legacy

An ordinary Christian couple made an extraordinary difference. A new memorial pays tribute. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BELLVUE, Colo. — A blind farmer. A motorcycle-riding nurse. The story of the late Bob and Helen Bland is as ordinary as it is extraordinary, right down to their last name. Yet on a blue-sky Sunday afternoon, a crowd of friends, family and fellow Christians gathered … Continue reading A little farm, a giant legacy

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A pro-life — and pro-love — ministry

Michigan church that picketed abortion clinics tries a ‘kinder, nicer’ approach. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle STERLING HEIGHTS, MICH. — A sign declaring that “Abortion stops a beating heart” no longer hangs outside the Metro Church of Christ. Leaders replaced that banner with one telling neighbors, “You’re VALUABLE! Made in the image of God.” The Detroit-area congregation has not wavered in its opposition to abortion. But … Continue reading A pro-life — and pro-love — ministry

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

‘God has placed us together for a purpose’

Two New England churches with common roots become one body. SEABROOK, N.H. — A white poster board decorated with four red hearts  greeted worshipers at the Seabrook Church of Christ on a recent Sunday. “Welcome Brothers & Sisters From Kittery Church of Christ,” declared the handwritten sign near the front entrance. The simple message reflected a new beginning for the two coastal New England congregations — one in New Hampshire, … Continue reading ‘God has placed us together for a purpose’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged

Don’t skip the Pleasant-ries

A Saturday afternoon at Michigan Stadium was thrilling, but time spent with a coaching legend was even better. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ANN ARBOR, Mich. — When a legend invites you to the Big House, you go. That’s how I ended up among 110,250 fans at Michigan Stadium — the largest stadium in the United States — for last Saturday’s football game between the defending … Continue reading Don’t skip the Pleasant-ries

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

These Christians not afraid to address sexual trauma

Ministry educates missionaries in training — and believers around the world — about the good and bad of sex. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LUBBOCK, Texas — As autumn approaches, aspiring missionaries in their late teens and early 20s arrive at Sunset International Bible Institute’s West Texas campus. Forty-five students — 27 women and 18 men — from 19 U.S. states and Mexico will train for … Continue reading These Christians not afraid to address sexual trauma

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

‘O Why Not Tonight?’

For Churches of Christ, the invitation has a long history — but not all embrace the tradition. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — Softly and tenderly, Jesus called this sinner home. On March 13, 1977, I made my way to the front of the church and asked to be baptized. I was 9 years old.   I don’t recall the exact invitation song … Continue reading ‘O Why Not Tonight?’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Reporting on controversies

We strive — with a lot of prayer — to cover real news in a manner that honors God. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Iknow a little about Churches of Christ. I was two weeks old when I first attended. Except for the crazy COVID-19 period, I’ve spent most every Lord’s Day in the pews. Related: Christian journalism means truth-seeking In two decades with The Christian Chronicle, I’ve reported … Continue reading Reporting on controversies

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Why a Tennessee congregation sold its building and moved into a school

Numerical and financial struggles led a Nashville-area church ‘to be proactive.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HERMITAGE, TENN. — The New Garden Church is not a traditional Church of Christ. Then again, it’s not trying to be. The church plant — which grew out of the Hermitage Church of Christ, a half-century-old congregation that closed in 2018 — seeks to reach a new generation with the Gospel. … Continue reading Why a Tennessee congregation sold its building and moved into a school

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.