Preach it, Teech (reporting from Santa Ana, Calif.): For California minister, rap music is a way to reach a new generation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SANTA ANA, Calif. — As Jason “Teech” Darden grabs a microphone, loud music pulsates. The audience — a group of urban students invited to a Saturday mentoring event — cheers as Darden begins to rap. “Turn it … Continue reading Preach it, Teech: Minister mixes God, hip-hop
A search for preachers — reality TV style (reporting from Malibu, Calif.): A video quest puts a modern twist on efforts to inspire a new generation of ministers. MALIBU, Calif. — “American Idol” for ministers? “Survivor” with an emphasis on the Holy Spirit? Welcome to the “Next Gen Preacher Search,” developed by Pepperdine University’s Youth Leadership Initiative. The national contest invited students interested in preaching and … Continue reading A search for preachers — reality TV style
The faith behind Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’: New movie starring Kevin Costner is based on the inspiring true story of coach Jim White, who has deep roots in Churches of Christ. “McFarland, USA,” a new Disney film starring Kevin Costner, tells the true story of California cross-country coach Jim White, who transformed a migrant farm town’s predominantly Latino high school into an unlikely powerhouse. The PG-rated motion … Continue reading The faith behind Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’
No R-rated movies shown at this family-friendly drive-in (reporting from Calvert City, Ky.): Kentucky church members stay true to their Christian values while operating one of the nation’s few remaining outdoor theaters. CALVERT CITY, Ky. — As the sun sets in rural western Kentucky, the marquee lights shine at the Calvert Drive-in Theatre. For many who enjoy the outdoor movie experience, the nightly double features stir nostalgia and fond memories … Continue reading No R-rated movies shown at this family-friendly drive-in
For home congregation, Robertson family’s celebrity a blessing and a challenge. First Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press Honorable mention (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WEST MONROE, La. — Gasps of excitement wash over a crowded classroom at the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ as Phil Robertson arrives for Sunday … Continue reading Inside the ‘Duck Dynasty’ church
Faith, family and ducks: For these reality TV stars, ‘holding hands with Hollywood’ presents a challenge as they endeavor to share Jesus (reporting from West Monroe, La.). Currents. WEST MONROE, La. — Hollywood, meet the real Robertsons. A&E’s hit reality series “Duck Dynasty” has made celebrities out of Duck Commander Phil Robertson, his wife Kay and their bearded, camo-clad sons Willie, Jase and Jeptha, not to mention “Uncle Si,” Phil’s younger brother. … Continue reading Faith, family and ducks: Behind the scenes of ‘Duck Dynasty’
I’m going to Disney church!: A Florida ministry serves vacationing Christians with a Sunday assembly at an Orlando-area hotel (reporting from Kissimmee, Fla.). Second Front. KISSIMMEE, Fla. — At a hotel a mile west of Walt Disney World’s main gate on U.S. Highway 192, aspiring princesses and little boys with Mickey Mouse ears fill up on scrambled eggs and cereal on a Sunday morning. In a banquet … Continue reading I’m going to Disney church!
Saving Sin City: West Coast meeting draws preachers, leaders to Las Vegas (reporting from Las Vegas). Page 1 lead. Second Place, Convention or Meeting Coverage, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LAS VEGAS – Go ahead. Snicker. Leo G. Gay has heard all the jokes. When fellow Christians find out he’s from Sin City, the wisecracks start. “I get questions like, … Continue reading Saving Sin City
‘This is what the Lord made me for,’ says national motocross champion Trey Canard (reporting from Shawnee, Okla.). Currents. SHAWNEE, Okla. – Out of his racing uniform, Trey Canard seems an unassuming presence, especially for someone known for performing high-speed, bone-jarring exploits in front of 30,000 to 60,000 fans. However, the toughness and quiet confidence of the 5-foot-6, 150-pound Canard shine through as he reflects on … Continue reading ‘This is what the Lord made me for’
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 