Although small in number, this Texas congregation’s legacy will live on. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GREENWOOD, Texas — After 128 years of faithful service to the Lord, the end came suddenly for the Greenwood Church of Christ. I’d worship at the little country church a few times a year, arriving a half hour or so early with my parents, Bob and Judy Ross. Mom would … Continue reading Mourning a tiny church’s closing
By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I was pleased to receive the Print Reporter of the Year award in the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists’ 2024 annual contest. I was recognized for a portfolio of five stories that I wrote for The Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged and The Associated Press: 1. Jesus at the ballpark: Why MLB teams host faith nights from San Diego. 2. Sharing love … Continue reading Oklahoma SPJ honors Bobby Ross Jr. as Print Reporter of the Year
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 “Would you like fries with that?” Who knew that question might play a role in the 2024 presidential campaign? Given my quarter-century on the Godbeat, I can … Continue reading 🍔 In the race for president, why are we talking about McDonald’s? 🔌
By Bobby Ross Jr. I was honored to receive two first-place prizes and be recognized as a finalist for Journalist of the Year in the 2024 Diamond Journalism Awards. The regional contest, sponsored by the Arkansas pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, celebrates journalistic excellence in Arkansas and six neighboring states. Winners were announced at an awards ceremony Wednesday night in Little Rock. … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. wins two first-place prizes in regional Diamond Journalism Awards
By Bobby Ross Jr. ARLINGTON, Texas — I finally got my ring. My World Series ring, that is. A two-hour wait in the Texas sun was a small price to pay to receive a replica championship ring at the Rangers’ game Tuesday night. The ring promotion was one of the highlights of my Texas Rangers vacation, which featured six games in six days — and … Continue reading A Texas Rangers vacation: Six games in six days
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 PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Just three days after she turned 17, the bride wore a simple white gown that her mother made. She was so nervous that she gashed … Continue reading ❤️ 60th anniversary tribute: 2 people fell in love and share a legacy of faith 🔌
By Bobby Ross Jr. The “Best of the Church Press” Awards were presented Friday night in Chicago. I was blessed to receive six awards — including first-place honors in three categories — from the Associated Church Press. My awards: • First Place, News Story (Short Format), for “It’s the same Jesus” from Chicago. “As an old news writer turned minister, I really enjoy well-done feature stories. This has it … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. wins six national ‘Best of the Church Awards’ from Associated Church Press
The story behind ministers spending an afternoon in a ballpark suite. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ARLINGTON, TEXAS —Fishing is about more than fishing. That was the gist of a Top 10 country song released in 2011. Trace Adkins’ “Just Fishin’” details a father’s deeper desire for simple time spent with his daughter: And she thinks we’re just fishing on the riverside Throwing back what … Continue reading What’s really going on at the Texas Rangers game
Editor travels to West Texas to report on debate over sexual stewardship policy. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ABILENE, Texas — I don’t bleed purple, but I do have fond memories of Abilene Christian University. As best I can remember, I first visited the West Texas campus nearly 40 years ago. The year was 1984. Related: ACU rebuffs the left and the right in reaffirming its sexual … Continue reading Trip conjures nostalgia for time spent at Abilene Christian University
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 