The oldest Church of Christ in America? It’s complicated
The rural Kentucky congregation at the top of 21st Century Christian’s list began with Baptist ties in 1796. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LOUISVILLE, Ky. — What’s the oldest Church of Christ in America? It’s the Cedar Springs Church of Christ in Kentucky’s rural Fern Creek community, according to a national directory published by 21st Century Christian. In actuality, the answer is more complicated. Yes, the Louisville-area congregation’s … Continue reading The oldest Church of Christ in America? It’s complicated
Sermons on hate still resonate 60 years after JFK’s assassination
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged DALLAS — Less than a year before the U.S. presidential election, pastors took to their pulpits to decry a culture of hate, extremism and vile politics. “Much of the hate and discord that has been poisoning our nation has been preached in the name of Christ and the church,” the Rev. Charles V. Denman declared. In a different sanctuary, … Continue reading Sermons on hate still resonate 60 years after JFK’s assassination
For Cuba, a time of stress — and salvation
Amid an economic crisis, ministry and music propel a native son devoted to sharing the bread of life. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MATANZAS, Cuba — Church members in this port city overlooking the Bay of Matanzas sang “Glory, Glory Hallelujah” on a recent Sunday as they celebrated the baptisms of five new Christians. Afterward, about 250 spiritual brothers and sisters ate fellowship meals piled … Continue reading For Cuba, a time of stress — and salvation
COVID-19 left her blind. Then it took her father. But this young mom refuses to ‘give up on God’
After all the trials, Texas church member receives an unexpected blessing — a son with a biblical name. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LANCASTER, Texas — “Amazing Grace” welcomed tiny Samuel Souder to his first church service. Through the nursery glass echoed the sweet sound of the Cold Springs Church of Christ singing the familiar tune. Derek and Della Souder softly mouthed the words of the beloved hymn as they … Continue reading COVID-19 left her blind. Then it took her father. But this young mom refuses to ‘give up on God’
Bobby Ross Jr. honored with Religion News Association’s top award for news analysis
By Bobby Ross Jr. The Religion News Association presented its 2023 Awards for Excellence in Religion Reporting during a ceremony tonight at Columbia Journalism School in New York City. I was honored to receive first place for Excellence in Religion News Analysis for stories I wrote last year for The Associated Press. This is a category won in previous years by The Washington Post, The … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. honored with Religion News Association’s top award for news analysis
Keeping the faith: Texas Rangers win the World Series
After the long-awaited triumph, it’s easy to draw parallels between baseball and the Christian life. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ARLINGTON, Texas — I lived to see it. The Texas Rangers just won the World Series. Forty-one years after I first walked into the old Arlington Stadium and became a Rangers fan at age 14, my team achieved the ultimate baseball glory. Finally. Related: Road to the World … Continue reading Keeping the faith: Texas Rangers win the World Series
A baseball blessing in Cuba
Not praying for Texas Rangers’ wins, but thanking God for them anyway. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MATANZAS, Cuba — I crouched in anticipation as I stared at the TV. In a dark room with no air conditioning, I ignored the sweat dripping down my face and focused on the screen. The drama unfolding before me was … a postseason baseball game. With … Continue reading A baseball blessing in Cuba
Road to the World Series: My Top 10 Texas Rangers games of 2023
By Bobby Ross Jr. ARLINGTON, Texas — Magical. That’s the best way to describe the Texas Rangers’ 2023 season. An exhilarating and sometimes excruciating journey has taken my beloved favorite team since 1982 all the way to the World Series. Update: Keeping the faith: Rangers win the World Series For the first time, my sons Brady and Keaton and I will get to experience the Fall Classic … Continue reading Road to the World Series: My Top 10 Texas Rangers games of 2023
🇮🇱 Israel-Hamas war: The crucial role of religion in the deadly conflict 🔌
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Good morning, Weekend Plug-in readers! Did you miss me? I traveled to Cuba on a reporting trip. Given my limited internet access while away, Plug-in took last week off. That means this is our first edition since the Israel-Hamas war started. What an overwhelming story with countless religious angles. But I’ll do my best to catch you — and me — up. The … Continue reading 🇮🇱 Israel-Hamas war: The crucial role of religion in the deadly conflict 🔌
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 