Culture warrior, MAGA champion, Church of Christ member: Who is Ryan Walters?

Oklahoma’s superintendent of public instruction ignites a national furor with a mandate requiring a Bible in every classroom. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY â€” Ryan Walters wasn’t always known as Oklahoma’s culture-warrior-in-chief. Neither was the 39-year-old Republican always a high-profile MAGA champion, denouncing liberal indoctrination; illegal immigration; LGBTQ-themed school library books; diversity, equity and inclusion programs; and the “Woke Olympics.” Decades before winning election as Oklahoma’s top education official in 2022 — and before igniting … Continue reading Culture warrior, MAGA champion, Church of Christ member: Who is Ryan Walters?

Bobby Ross Jr. wins two first-place prizes in regional Diamond Journalism Awards

By Bobby Ross Jr. I was honored to receive two first-place prizes and be recognized as a finalist for Journalist of the Year in the 2024 Diamond Journalism Awards. The regional contest, sponsored by the Arkansas pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, celebrates journalistic excellence in Arkansas and six neighboring states. Winners were announced at an awards ceremony Wednesday night in Little Rock. … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. wins two first-place prizes in regional Diamond Journalism Awards

Christians pray for Trump — and the divided nation — after assassination attempt

Church leaders seek peace and healing in an ‘eye for an eye world.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The morning after a gunman perched atop a roof narrowly missed killing former President Donald Trump, Christians across the U.S. came together Sunday — as always — to worship God and pray. About 270 miles southeast of the Pennsylvania farm show grounds where shots rang out at Trump’s … Continue reading Christians pray for Trump — and the divided nation — after assassination attempt

Bread and Bibles lead souls to Jesus

Twice a week, Texas church meets neighbors in its parking lot. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FORT WORTH, TEXAS â€” â€œFree Bread.” “Free Bibles.” The simple messages catch the attention of motorists passing the Bridgewood Church of Christ â€” at a busy corner just off the East Loop 820 thoroughfare. “Is it really free?’” people ask. “It’s free,” church member Booker Williams assures them. “It’s like salvation. You’ve just got … Continue reading Bread and Bibles lead souls to Jesus

🤖 High-tech translator: AI helps missionaries share faith in more languages 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Christian missionary Leslie Taylor preaches in English and Japanese each Sunday at a bilingual church in the Tokyo area. A military brat who spent time as a … Continue reading 🤖 High-tech translator: AI helps missionaries share faith in more languages 🔌

Meet the suddenly most quotable minister in Minnesota

Ethan Bilbrey’s name keeps showing up in stories. But why? By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle RICHFIELD, Minn. — Nebraska. Tennessee. Minnesota. I keep running into Ethan Bilbrey … and I keep quoting him in The Christian Chronicle. The funny thing is, I had never met him — or even heard of him — until three months ago. Scott Laird, a longtime Montana minister who serves … Continue reading Meet the suddenly most quotable minister in Minnesota

‘Divine power’ saves minister

Despite severe burns, Minnesota preacher is devoted to fulfilling God’s purpose for his life. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ROSEVILLE, Minn. â€” A grease fire that severely burned Richard Inyang on his stomach, arms, hands and upper thighs could have killed him. But it didn’t. As the Minnesota preacher sees it, the Lord still has a purpose for him. After his brush with death, the … Continue reading ‘Divine power’ saves minister

Demand for food ministries rises with grocery prices

Churches across the U.S. serving more hungry neighbors, leaders report. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MINNEAPOLIS â€” As volunteers prepared to hand out milk, produce, canned goods and meat, cars lined up outside the Minneapolis Central Church of Christ. More than an hour before the church’s weekly food distribution, vehicles stretched down a neighborhood street — an indication of the extreme need the congregation serves. “My … Continue reading Demand for food ministries rises with grocery prices

Bobby Ross Jr. wins six national ‘Best of the Church Awards’ from Associated Church Press

By Bobby Ross Jr. The “Best of the Church Press” Awards were presented Friday night in Chicago. I was blessed to receive six awards — including first-place honors in three categories — from the Associated Church Press. My awards: • First Place, News Story (Short Format), for â€œIt’s the same Jesus” from Chicago. “As an old news writer turned minister, I really enjoy well-done feature stories. This has it … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. wins six national ‘Best of the Church Awards’ from Associated Church Press