iGods and other devices: Teens connected and distracted (reporting from Daytona Beach, Fla.): Demands of youth ministry in a digital age explored at national conference in Florida. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — If zombies attack, Vic Pruett will be ready. The Florida minister jokes that he has a smartphone application that will help him fight back. “I do love my smartphone,” said Pruett, who preaches for the Holly Hill … Continue reading iGods and other devices: Teens connected and distracted

Is your church visitor-friendly? Page 1 lead. When Sarah Stirman and her family moved to the Dallas area last summer, they visited half a dozen congregations. At each, their experience was basically the same. “Our family sat alone and was ignored before service started. If we were lucky, we were greeted during ‘shake and bake,’” she said, referring to the forced greeting period when the … Continue reading Is your church visitor-friendly?

‘Little youth rally’ draws 12,000 as teens make annual pilgrimage to Winterfest (reporting from Gatlinburg, Tenn.). Currents. GATLINBURG, Tenn. – Envision a crowd at a rock concert — a mob of frenzied fans lined up hours early waiting for the doors to open. Picture the scene at a national political convention — a throng of party faithful with crazy hats and colorful signs. Imagine the audience … Continue reading ‘Little youth rally’ draws 12,000 as teens make annual pilgrimage to Winterfest

For one Navajo, a long journey home (reporting from Gallup, N.M.). Currents. GALLUP, N.M. — It’s past 9 p.m. on a Sunday when Norman Chee Atchison, a housefather at Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home, goes to tuck in 3-year-old Monica. When Atchison and his wife, Cathy, step into Monica’s room, they find her and two older girls on the floor playing. “Girls! You’re supposed to be showered … Continue reading For one Navajo, a long journey home

1.5 million blessings: At a Georgia church, a donor’s $1.5 million gift is shared by the congregation and spent in the Lord’s name. Page 1 lead. Let God write the story. Pulpit minister Don McLaughlin made that request of the 1,400-member North Atlanta Church of Christ last fall as he revealed astonishing news. A donor who asked to remain anonymous had given $1.5 million to be … Continue reading 1.5 million blessings