For lessons on closed houses of worship, look at 1918 flu pandemic

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. I thought I knew a little about my family’s history. I’ve written about my grandfather Lloyd Lee Ross, whose World War II service earned him a Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart. … Continue reading For lessons on closed houses of worship, look at 1918 flu pandemic

Bobby Ross Jr. honored with 10 ACP ‘Best of the Church Press’ awards for 2019

By Bobby Ross Jr. I was blessed to receive 10 honors — including first place in four categories — in the Associated Church Press “Best of the Church Press” contest. The awards, presented in a virtual awards ceremony March 19, recognized content produced in 2019. In all, The Christian Chronicle received 16 awards — including the top prize as best newspaper. In case my mother … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. honored with 10 ACP ‘Best of the Church Press’ awards for 2019

This journalist got a big scoop, only to watch Fox News steal his reporting — and his traffic

By Kelly McBride|Poynter Institute Bobby Ross Jr. is a veteran religion reporter and a man of faith. He edits The Christian Chronicle, an independent news organization serving the Church of Christ community. It was surprising, then, when Ross took to Twitter last week to call out a Fox News reporter. The cable TV network “aggregated”  (Ross will say “stole”) one of his best stories without doing its … Continue reading This journalist got a big scoop, only to watch Fox News steal his reporting — and his traffic

On Croatia trip, a son reminds his father of the value of missions

Little moments meant a lot in the life of a future youth minister. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ZAGREB, Croatia — To me, the young man preaching as a brother in Christ translates his English words into Croatian is still 8 years old. He’s the little boy who traveled 1,100 miles in a white rental van with his home congregation — the Edmond Church of Christ in … Continue reading On Croatia trip, a son reminds his father of the value of missions

My son Keaton reports: Oklahoma opioid trial has national implications

By Bobby Ross Jr. My son Keaton is a general reporting intern for The Oklahoman. I was excited to see his story on the national implications of an ongoing trial against opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson at the top of Sunday’s front page. Keaton, a 22-year-old journalism major, will be a senior this fall at Oklahoma Christian University, where he will serve as editor-in-chief of the … Continue reading My son Keaton reports: Oklahoma opioid trial has national implications

Rain, rain, go away: Bennett enjoys his first Texas Rangers game

By Bobby Ross Jr. ARLINGTON, Texas — My oldest son, Brady, was 10 months old when his mother, Tamie, and I took him to his first Texas Rangers game in May 1994. That was Texas’ first season playing at The Ballpark in Arlington, the beautiful new baseball palace that replaced the rickety old Arlington Stadium. In a 2006 Christian Chronicle column titled “For love of … Continue reading Rain, rain, go away: Bennett enjoys his first Texas Rangers game

Pittsburgh Pirates’ ballpark is one of the best

By Bobby Ross Jr. PITTSBURGH — I’ve always heard that PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is spectacular. Now I can confirm that based on personal experience. My sons Brady and Keaton and I traveled to Pittsburgh to see our beloved Texas Rangers play Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon. Related: How I fell in love with baseball We had a wonderful time, and the Rangers … Continue reading Pittsburgh Pirates’ ballpark is one of the best

In Israel, a missile attack and a monk stir reflection

Project Interchange experience fosters better understanding of Middle East issues, but answers remain elusive. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle JERUSALEM — After a busy day that included a tour of a high-tech company in Ramallah, West Bank, and a visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, I was wrapping up dinner when my phone pinged. “Your mom just called super worried,” … Continue reading In Israel, a missile attack and a monk stir reflection

Bobby Ross Jr. honored with eight ACP ‘Best of the Church Press’ awards for 2018

By Bobby Ross Jr. CHICAGO — I was blessed to receive eight honors — including first place in three categories — in the Associated Church Press “Best of the Church Press” contest. The awards, presented at the ACP’s annual awards banquet April 11, recognized content produced in 2018. In all, The Christian Chronicle received 15 awards. In case my mother is reading, here is a … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. honored with eight ACP ‘Best of the Church Press’ awards for 2018