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
‘God, I need help’: 9/11 military heroes with PTSD still fighting a war at home
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged A Glock 19 handgun on his lap, the decorated combat veteran prepared to take his own life. “I’m telling you, I was going to become a statistic,” retired Air Force Lt. Col. Damon Friedman said. Every day, an estimated 22 U.S. veterans die by suicide. Friedman, a special warfare officer who served four tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, intended … Continue reading ‘God, I need help’: 9/11 military heroes with PTSD still fighting a war at home
📽️ ‘Reagan’ movie: God’s purpose in president’s life emerges as a central theme 🔌
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 MANCHESTER, N.H. — I grew up in the 1980s, which helps explain the nostalgia I felt watching “Reagan,” a new feature-length film chronicling the life of President Ronald … Continue reading 📽️ ‘Reagan’ movie: God’s purpose in president’s life emerges as a central theme 🔌
‘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?’
🍿 The real-life faith story behind the new baseball movie ‘You Gotta Believe’ 🔌
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 FORT WORTH, Texas — “You Gotta Believe,” opening in theaters on Friday, recounts a youth baseball team’s thrilling, improbable journey all the way to the 2002 Little … Continue reading 🍿 The real-life faith story behind the new baseball movie ‘You Gotta Believe’ 🔌
⚾️ Jesus in Birdland: Orioles become latest MLB team to host Faith Night 🔌
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 The best team in Major League Baseball? It just might be the Baltimore Orioles, who rank No. 1 in MLB.com’s latest power rankings. The most Christ-focused team … Continue reading ⚾️ Jesus in Birdland: Orioles become latest MLB team to host Faith Night 🔌
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
Culture wars turn classrooms into battlefields
To understand the wrangling over religion in public schools, consider these three questions. 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 OKLAHOMA CITY — Before I got my start in religion reporting 25 years ago, I … Continue reading Culture wars turn classrooms into battlefields
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
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 