On a mission to fill empty pulpits
For John and Carla Moore, addressing the shortage of preachers in Churches of Christ is a priority. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DENVER — Low pay and benefits. Overly demanding leaders. Unrealistic expectations. Full-time ministry in Churches of Christ doesn’t have the best reputation, contributing to a shortage of candidates to fill pulpit openings. Numerous current and former preachers across the U.S. cited the negative … Continue reading On a mission to fill empty pulpits
🍼 March For Life coincides with 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade 🔌
Seven months after Roe’s overturning, abortion fight moves to statehouses. Good morning, Weekend Plug-in readers! We open with Dolly Parton, who celebrated her 77th birthday Thursday and gave the world a gift: a new song. “I had a dream about God standing on a mountain, looking down on us, saying ‘Don’t make me have to come down there,’” she said of her inspiration. Give it … Continue reading 🍼 March For Life coincides with 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade 🔌
Surprise! Award honors influential children’s minister
Brenda Gordon recognized at the National Children’s & Youth Ministries conference. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The picture flashed on the big screen, and Brenda Gordon immediately recognized the face. It was her own. “It was a shock. That’s what it was,” Gordon said. “I had no idea that anything was going on.” People who love Gordon — her husband, … Continue reading Surprise! Award honors influential children’s minister
🕎 At the anniversary of Texas synagogue hostage crisis, a new report on antisemitism 🔌
Think hostility or prejudice toward Jews is fading in America? Think again. “Classical fascist” antisemitic views are widespread in the U.S., according to a new survey by the Anti-Defamation League. Religion writer Michelle Boorstein details the findings for The Washington Post. At the same time, rising antisemitism in the U.S. is seeping into the workplace, Bloomberg’s Arianne Cohen reports. “It’s not just high-profile incidents,” Cohen’s story notes. … Continue reading 🕎 At the anniversary of Texas synagogue hostage crisis, a new report on antisemitism 🔌
A year later, Texas synagogue hostages cope, carry on
By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press COLLEYVILLE, Texas — A year ago, Jeff Cohen and three others survived a hostage standoff at their Reform Jewish synagogue in this Fort Worth suburb. Their trauma did not disappear, though, with the FBI’s killing of the pistol-wielding captor, 44-year-old British national Malik Faisal Akram. Healing from the Jan. 15, 2022, ordeal remains an ongoing process. “Let’s be blunt: … Continue reading A year later, Texas synagogue hostages cope, carry on
‘It’s the same Jesus’
After a three-year pandemic delay, a unity service brings together Christians who worship in English, Korean and Spanish. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CHICAGO — To a visitor entering the Northwest Church of Christ this past Sunday, the assembly might have sounded like the Day of Pentecost. Distinct voices praised God in English, Korean and Spanish — all at the same time. The diverse crowd of Christians who … Continue reading ‘It’s the same Jesus’
🚀 Launching the new and improved Weekend Plug-in 🔌
The best roundup of religion news you’ll find anywhere. Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. I’m your Weekend Plug-in columnist, and I’m excited to launch the fourth year of this popular newsletter. Each Friday, Plug-in aims to highlight … Continue reading 🚀 Launching the new and improved Weekend Plug-in 🔌
Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022
By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I’m a journalist, so I have no choice but to do a year-end list, right? When I look back on 2022, a few special moments stand out. Crying happy tears as my son Keaton married Paige, the love of his life. Joining my granddaughter, Norah, at her first Texas Rangers game — a big deal in our family. … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022
Weekend Plug-In year in review: The best religion journalism of 2022
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Earlier this week, veteran religion journalist Kimberly Winston invited me to talk about the year’s top religion stories for an upcoming feature on Interfaith Voices’ “Inspired” … Continue reading Weekend Plug-In year in review: The best religion journalism of 2022
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 