These days, politics in the United States seems to be a dividing force even among Christians. Over the last few years, how many Christians changed congregations or cut off relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ over politics? How many Christians feel, and sometimes give into, the temptation to attack other Christians because they identify with a different political figure or party?

In this episode, two Church of Christ members who are leaders in opposing political parties come to the table to share their thoughts on how Christians can run counter to the current political culture and rise above its negativity. How might Christians disagree (even strongly) on policy without judging and waging war on each other?

Shay Cathey is a member of Central Pointe Church of Christ in Dallas and vice chair of the Texas Democratic Party. She is a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Michele Woodhouse is a member of Biltmore Church of Christ in Asheville, N.C., and Republican Party chair of North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. She was a delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 78: A Democrat and a Republican walk into the podcast studio appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

After years of decline, Hermitage Church of Christ maintain its facility at a cost of $3,000 per week while its ministry languished. So the congregation sold its building and became New Garden Church. In this episode we explore how becoming a guest in its own community changed how New Garden Church discerns God at work in Hermitage and how it ministers with its neighbors. What lessons could other congregations, struggling with similar low membership and high operating costs, learn from New Garden Church?

This episode also features a conversation with The Christian Chronicle's editor-in-chief, Bobby Ross Jr., who talks about how and why The Christian Chronicle chooses to cover stories of congregations that leave behind traditional practices (and sometimes drop the "Church of Christ" name altogether). Ross also touches on the Chronicle's recent decision to publish a profile on Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's controversial superintendent of public instruction.

Link to Bobby Ross Jr.'s Christian Chronicle story on Hermitage Church of Christ becoming New Garden Church

Link to Bobby Ross Jr.'s Christian Chronicle story on Oklahoma public schools superintendent Ryan Walters

Link to Bobby Ross Jr.'s editorial on how and why The Christian Chronicle covers stories like New Garden Church and Ryan Walters

Link to New Garden Church

Link to Heritage 21 Foundation (referenced in the New Garden Church segment)

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 77: How (and why) Hermitage Church of Christ became New Garden Church appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Bestselling author (Ghosted: An American Story) and former Church of Christ member Nancy French opens up about her new memoir and allegations of sexual abuse by a minister when she was growing up in Churches of Christ. She talks about how sexual abuse happens in Christian churches and organizations and why they sometimes protect perpetrators and not their victims. And, in Christianity, where forgiveness of sins and redemption are central, how might congregations hold abusers accountable while also holding fast to the gospel?

Link to Ghosted: An American Story, by Nancy French (Zondervan)

Link to The Christian Chronicle’s review of Ghosted: An American Story

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 76: Nancy French talks about her book, ‘Ghosted,’ and her trauma growing up in Churches of Christ appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

In our first-ever show before a live audience, we're pleased to present C. Leonard Allen, author of 16 books that explore Christian life, most of all Christian life together in the church.

In his latest book, a memoir titled The Bookroom: Remembrance and Forgiveness, Allen retraces the story of his lifelong search for answers to the questions that he first learned to ask as a boy in his father's bookroom. Growing up in the Church of Christ, Allen couldn't help but wonder if the claims he heard from that tradition were reliable and true.

In this interview (including questions from a live audience at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in Brentwood, Tennessee), he highlights the twists and turns and lessons learned from decades of looking for answers to the questions he asked as a boy.

Link to C. Leonard Allen's book, The Bookroom: Remembrance and Forgiveness

Many thanks to the Harpeth Hills Church of Christ and its members for hosting and participating in this show.

Many, many thanks to Mark Fulford for recording and producing this episode.

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 75 LIVE in Tennessee: C. Leonard Allen, author, 'The Bookroom: Remembrance and Forgiveness' appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Less than a week after an assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump, three preachers talk about how and what they preach when political violence is on the rise.

Featuring:

• Jerrard Davis, minister, Spencer Church of Christ, Spencer, Oklahoma
• David Duncan, preaching minister, Memorial Church of Christ, Houston, Texas
• Robin Gough, preaching minister, Fairfax Church of Christ, Fairfax, Virginia

Read The Christian Chronicle's coverage of how Church of Christ congregations and members are responding to political violence at christianchronicle.org.

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 74: Preachers on preaching when political violence is rising appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

The attack on former president Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13 happened less than 24 hours before Church of Christ congregations began gathering for Sunday worship. The Christian Chronicle news team wanted to know if congregations prayed special prayers, elders and preachers spoke of the event from pulpits, and if the assassination attempt and what it means became the topic of conversation in Bible classes and lobbies.

And how might Church of Christ folks interpret the event in the days, weeks, and months to come? What might they do?

Christian Chronicle staff members in this episode:

• Bobby Ross Jr., editor-in-chief
• Cheryl Mann Bacon, contributing editor
• Dr. Jeremie Beller, opinions editor
• Calvin Cockrell, media editor
• Nic Fraraccio, summer news intern

Link to The Christian Chronicle’s front page headline report on how Church of Christ congregations and members are responding to the assassination attempt (by Bobby Ross, Jr.)

Link to editorial on finding our way as Christians and making sense of a violent world (by Erik Tryggestad)

Link to editorial on how Christians might answer the question: “What do we do now?” (by Cheryl Mann Bacon)

For more on this story as well as many other news stories and reports, visit christianchronicle.org.

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The post Episode 73: The Christian Chronicle’s coverage of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Segment One: Audrey Jackson reports from the Church of Christ in Nazareth, Israel (with Maurice Jadon and Sandro Jadon)

The Christian Chronicle's Audrey Jackson reports in from Nazareth, Israel, where she is a guest of the Church of Christ there. Arab Israeli Christians of Palestinian heritage, Maurice Jadon and Sandro Jadon, give their own accounts on the life of Christians and the church in Israel now.

Link to Audrey Jackson's full report from Israel (from The Christian Chronicle online edition June 30, 2024)

Link to Episode 42 interview with Sandro Jadon, Arab Israeli Christian of Palestinian heritage who is a member of Nazareth Church of Christ

Segment Two: Too many aging Church of Christ ministers are too poor to retire (Cheryl Mann Bacon reports)

The Christian Chronicle's Cheryl Mann Bacon answers questions about her deep-dive report on how many Church of Christ ministers cannot afford to retire. She explores some of the assumptions and causes of what turns out to be a crisis for aging ministers and their families.

Link to Cheryl Mann Bacon's full report on the retirement crisis among Church of Christ ministers (from The Christian Chronicle online edition June 24, 2024)

Link to Cheryl Mann Bacon's interview with Jordan Coss, which provides resources and a to-do list for congregations and ministers planning and preparing for retirement

Link to Episode 21, featuring an interview with Jordan Coss, who completed his doctoral dissertation on retirement trends among Church of Christ ministers

Segment Three: 4,000 college campuses in the U.S. and only 150 Church of Christ campus ministries (Chris Buxton and Casey Coston, Campus for Christ)

This segment starts with a challenge that one Church of Christ leader made in 1971 to evangelize college campuses. More than 50 years later, Church of Christ campus ministries exist on fewer than four percent of all college campuses in the United States. Chris Buxton and Casey Coston talk about how to change that.

Link to Campus for Christ, an organization that exists to support growing campus ministries across the United States

Link to ulife, a coaching and consulting service that helps congregations plant and grow campus ministries

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 72: Audrey Jackson reports from Israel. Ministers too poor to retire? No college is God-less, but many are church-less. appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Over the last few hundred years, Christians in many different places and times moved to restore the New Testament church.

The Church of Christ community emerged from one of those movements that started and spread on the American frontier in the years just after the founding of the United States.

In this episode, we explore how the events, ideas, and people that influenced the establishment of the United States also influenced the movement from which the Church of Christ community emerged. Which assumptions, habits, and ideas does the Church of Christ community retain to this day from the founding of the United States?

Dr. Richard Hughes, one of the foremost historians of the Church of Christ, answers this question and more.

Link to Dr. Richard Hughes author page, including these titles referenced in the episode:

Reviving the Ancient Faith: The Story of Churches of Christ in America, 3rd ed.

American Origins of Churches of Christ

Christian America and the Kingdom of God

The Grace of Troublesome Questions

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 71: How the American Revolution influenced the Church of Christ (Dr. Richard Hughes) appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

On the two-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, we explore what is happening now with abortion in the United States, in general, and the Church of Christ community in particular. 

Segment One: Tessa Cox, Charlotte Lozier Institute

What overall effect has the Dobbs decision had on the number of abortions happening each year in the United States? Now that Roe v. Wade is history, what comes next for those who dream of a day when abortion disappears?

Link to Charlotte Lozier Institute

Segment Two: Scott McConnell, Lifeway Research

In the United States, evangelical Protestant communities (a cohort in which many researchers place the Church of Christ) tend to be vocal and to vote for anti-abortion candidates and policies. But how active and supportive are those communities when it comes to helping children, families, and women in the crises that often lead to abortions?

Link to Lifeway Research study on church support for pregnancy resource centers

Link to Lifeway Research study on how much women trust their churches when seeking help in crises that could lead to an abortion

Segment Three: Eric McPherson, Christian Family Services

How has the Dobbs decision changed things "on the ground" for a Christian crisis pregnancy ministry in a state that banned abortion?

Link to Christian Family Services

Link to archive of abortion/crisis pregnancy coverage by The Christian Chronicle

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 70: What does it mean to be "pro-life" two years after Dobbs? appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Segment One: Dr. Warren Blakney, North Peoria Church of Christ, Tulsa, Oklahoma

The North Peoria Church of Christ recently received a $1.6 million federal grant to study the removal of one mile of Interstate 244 through the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Senior minister Dr. Warren Blakney explains why this is the work that God is calling his congregation to do now.

Link to a report on the congregation and the federal grant from The Black Wall Street Times

Segment Two: Brandon Beatty and Todd Hamm, pulpit ministers with Deep River Church of Christ in High Point, North Carolina

When Deep River Church of Christ formed in High Point, North Carolina, a little over 20 years ago, its leaders wanted the people in the pews to reflect the diversity of the people in the community. That led to an arrangement whereby two full-time ministers, one Black and one White, share the same pulpit. Those two ministers tell how it works.

Link to 'At the River' podcast from Brandon Beatty and Todd Hamm

Segment Three: Madison Swain, Miss Juneteenth Texas and Miss Juneteenth USA runner up for 2023 (Westward Church of Christ, Texas City, Texas)

Nineteen-year old Madison Swain (Westward Church of Christ, Texas City, Texas) is Miss Juneteenth Texas and first runner up to Miss Juneteenth USA for 2023. She talks about what it takes to be Miss Juneteenth and what the tiara means to her as she represents both Christ and her community.

Link to a column Miss Juneteenth Texas Madison Swain wrote for The Galveston County Daily News

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 69: Tear down this highway! One congregation, two full-time preachers (one Black, one White); Miss Juneteenth USA runner up Madison Swain appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Segment One: Calling for peace in Gaza (James Michael Crusoe, Arlington Road Church of Christ, Hopewell Virginia)

Inspired by the "message of reconciliation" in Second Corinthians 5:18-20, 13 leaders from Church of Christ congregations in seven states and one South African province recently signed a letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza-Israel conflict. Their spokesperson, James Michael Crusoe, explains why.

Link to Audrey Jackson's Christian Chronicle report on the cease-fire petition

Segment Two: A foreign mission field in Florida (Maikon and Tatiane Borba, Southeast Florida Church of Christ, Pompano Beach, Florida)

Brazilians Maikon and Tatiane Borba came to the United States to train for mission work back in their home country. But when they found as many as half a million Brazilians living in South Florida, they sensed God calling them to a "visa-free foreign mission field." They tell their story.

Link to Audrey Jackson's Christian Chronicle story on Maikon and Tatiane Borba and their mission work in South Florida

To help Maikon and Tatiane and the Southeast Florida Church of Christ, please email sfcofchrist@gmail.com or call (954) 355-8921.

Segment Three: Voices from the future (Lads to Leaders all-stars Chloe Brennaman, Blake Donaho, and Ava Killen)

Three voices of the future Church of Christ are present in this segment. Chloe Brenneman (Redland Church of Christ, Wetumpka, Alabama), Blake Donaho (Southside Church of Christ, Waco, Texas), and Ava Killen (Leoma Church of Christ, Leoma, Tennessee) are shining stars on the Lads to Leaders circuit. They talk about their growth in Christ and the gifts they and their fellow young people have to offer the church now.

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 68: Calling for peace in Gaza, a foreign mission field in Florida, and voices from the future appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Christian Chronicle CEO (and sometimes globetrotting field reporter) Erik Tryggestad calls in live (at recording time) from the street in suburban Kyiv. He reports on how the continuing war to repel Russia's invasion is testing the faith, hope, and love of the Church of Christ community in Ukraine and beyond. A test that the church seems to be more than passing with the help of God. Listen to this one for first-hand news from "on the ground." Listen to this one for a testimony to the real presence of God and God's love at work even in war. 

Link to The Christian Chronicle's coverage of the Church of Christ in Ukraine

Link to Sunset International Bible Institute's relief efforts for Ukrainian Christians

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 67: Erik Tryggestad reports from on the street in Kyiv, Ukraine appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

A few months ago, The Wall Street Journal called Dearborn, Michigan, "America's jihad capital," a characterization that the city's mayor called "inflammatory and untrue." The fact is that Dearborn (population 110,000) is America's only major city with a majority Muslim population. Parkside Church of Christ, a congregation that grew up in Dearborn Heights and peaked during the 1990s, decided to stay when Arab Americans and Muslims started moving into the community. The congregation's minister, Wayne Beason, talks about how Parkside Church of Christ loves its Muslim neighbors.

What happens when AI (artificial intelligence) comes to church? Preston Road Church of Christ (Dallas, Texas) minister Josh Kingcade helps us explore the dimensions of this question. Should we assume that using AI in church life and ministry is all bad?

It is accurate to say that Down Syndrome is the spiritual gift and superpower of Ethan Etter and Hope Martin. They share how they prepare and speak to thousands and how their lives are full of joy.

Link to The Christian Chronicle's Cheryl Mann Bacon's story on Ethan and Hope

Link to Extra, the book that Ethan and Hope's moms wrote

Link to video of Ethan and Hope at Abilene Christian University chapel (2024)

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 66: Loving neighbors in "America's jihad capital." AI comes to church. Down Syndrome is their spiritual gift and superpower. appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

On March 3, 2020, an EF4 tornado struck Cookeville, Tennessee, in the middle of the night, taking the lives of 19 people.

Among those who died was four-year old Hattie Jo Collins, the oldest daughter of Macy and Matt Collins.

In this episode, Macy and Matt tell the story of what happened that night and in the "dark night of the soul" that came over them in the days, weeks, months, and years that followed.

They also tell the story of how God is transforming even the terrible and tragic death of their daughter into a ministry of comfort, healing, help, and hope for those who are in desperate need of good news in their darkest hours.

Link to The Christian Chronicle's online story about Macy and Matt Collins and the Magnolia Foundation they set up in honor of Hattie Jo Collins.

Link to the Magnolia Foundation.

Find more stories like this one at christianchronicle.org.

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 65: The Hattie Jo Collins Story appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Over the last few months (and years), "Christian nationalism" became a buzzword in both Christian and mainstream news media. A few years ago, barely anyone knew the term. Now it may be making its way into everyday conversations, if not the pews at local congregations.

But is Christian nationalism even worth talking about?

Dr. Brad East, associate professor of theology at Abilene Christian University, thinks that "Christian nationalism" is not a helpful term and that Christians have better language available to talk about matters that are both important and urgent to the church as it sojourns in the United States.

This is not a conversation about politics or the popular culture at large, but about conversations that are happening among people in the pews. Sometimes, language from politics and popular culture becomes the language of the church. When that happens, how do we make our talk and thoughts biblical again?

Link to Dr. East's recent column, "How (Not) to Talk About Christian Nationalism" in Christianity Today

Link to Christian Chronicle editor Bobby Ross, Jr.'s, recent column on Christian nationalism (published in Religion Unplugged)

Link to Episode 62 interview with Dr. Greg Smith of the Pew Research Center, exploring what American Christians know and think about Christian nationalism

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 64: Dr. Brad East REALLY doesn't want to talk about Christian nationalism appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

In this episode, The Christian Chronicle's CEO, Erik Tryggestad, interviews popular Christian author Philip Yancey, who recently co-wrote with John A. Bernbaum What Went Wrong? Russia's Lost Opportunity and the Path to Ukraine.

Yancey was one of the first Western Christians that leaders of the former Soviet Union invited in soon after the fall of Communism in the early 1990s. Over the last 30 years, Yancey has formed deep relationships in both Russia and Ukraine, contributing to, and supporting the growth of Christian churches and ministries in those countries. Over that time, he also formed a deep understanding of how culture, current events, history, and powerful figures in both government and the Russian Orthodox Church influenced the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine.

In his book, Yancey looks at that crisis through the lens of Christianity and the church.

He expounds on that in his conversation with The Christian Chronicle and makes specific application to the Church of Christ community in both countries.

Link to What Went Wrong? Russia's Lost Opportunity and the Path to Ukraine by Philip Yancey and John A. Bernbaum

Link to The Christian Chronicle's coverage of Christians, the Church of Christ, and ministry affiliates in Russia and Ukraine

Link to Mission Eurasia (referenced in the interview)

Visit christianchronicle.org for all coverage and stories

To donate to this ministry, please go to christianchronicle.org/donate

Please send your comments, ideas, and suggestions to podcast@christianchronicle.org

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 63: Philip Yancey, author of 'What Went Wrong? Russia's Lost Opportunity and the Path to Ukraine' appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

After some time away from the studio (to finish and graduate from the Master of Religious Education in Missional Leadership program at Rochester Christian University), host BT Irwin returns with an episode chock full of information and insight on two timely topics (Christian nationalism and the mental health of LGBTQ+ students on Christian college campuses). Plus, one of the best true stories you'll ever hear (and it involves the most famous man in Rome, Italy).

Segment One: Are there Christian nationalists in Church of Christ pews? (Dr. Greg Smith, Pew Research Center)

Link to Pew Research Center's latest survey data on Christianity in politics

Link to Pew Research Center's report on views of the United States as a "Christian nation"

Link to Pew Research Center report on attitudes toward separation of church and state

Link to Christian Chronicle editor Bobby Ross, Jr.'s, column on Christian nationalism (from Religion Unplugged)

Segment Two: Are Christian colleges safe places for LGBTQ+ students? (Dr. Justin Dyer and Dr. Jenet Erickson, Brigham Young University)

Link to Dr. Dyer's and Dr. Erickson's research on mental health of LGBTQ+ students at religious colleges and universities

Link to Handbook of Religion and Health (referenced in the interview)

Link to research on the link between human flourishing and religious communities (referenced in the interview)

Segment Three: Who does a Church of Christ Sunday school teacher meet when he's deep inside the Vatican? (Dr. Tom Campbell, Spring Meadows Church of Christ, Spring Hill, Tennessee)

View all stories at christianchronicle.org

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 62: Christian nationalism, LGBTQ+ students at Christian schools, and deep inside the Vatican appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

In this episode: Christian attitudes on immigration in the United States, how the church is helping its neighbors recover from the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey, and how the Freed-Hardeman University men's basketball team won the NAIA national championship…"the right way."

Segment One: Christian attitudes on immigration in the United States (Scott McConnell, Lifeway Research)

Link to the Lifeway Research survey report

Segment Two: Christians and their neighbors one year after the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria (Audrey Jackson, The Christian Chronicle)

Link to Audrey Jackson's full story in The Christian Chronicle

Link to First Hope Association (Turkey earthquake relief)

Link to One Kingdom (Turkey earthquake relief)

Segment Three: The Freed-Hardeman University NAIA national champion men's basketball team (Coach Drew Stutts and players Geraldo, Peyton Law, and Ryley McClaren, Freed-Hardeman University)

Link to The Christian Chronicle's coverage of Freed-Hardeman University's NAIA national championship win 

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 61: Christian attitudes on immigration, earthquake recovery in Turkey, and the national champion Freed-Hardeman men's basketball team appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

The Christian Chronicle, Inc. is getting all-new branding and design across all of its media. In this episode, you'll hear from those who had a hand in the makeover as well as two senior journalism majors who make some predictions about how The Christian Chronicle may function and look in the future.

Segment One: The Christian Chronicle editorial team talks about why the time is right for a whole new design and look (Audrey Jackson, Bobby Ross, Jr., and Erik Tryggestad)

Link to new-look christianchronicle.org story on the redesign

Segment Two: The leader of the creative team that performed the makeover talks about how they did it (Jose Reyes, executive creative director, Metaleap Creative)

Link to Metaleap Creative

Segment Three: Senior journalism majors and student news editors at Harding University and Pepperdine University talk about how The Christian Chronicle may evolve to stay relevant in the future (Tiane Davis, Harding University; Abby Wilt, Pepperdine University)

Link to The Bison, the student newspaper at Harding University

Link to The Pepperdine Graphic, the student news at Pepperdine University

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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The post Episode 60: All about The Christian Chronicle's all new look appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Haiti’s government is all but nonexistent and gangs are in near-total control of the country, causing death and destruction, food and medical shortages, and spreading violence. Church of Christ congregations, members, and ministries are suffering along with the rest of the country. Hear Church of Christ minister and Haitian political refugee Roolite Religieaux talk about what he knows from his family’s firsthand accounts back home. Also hear Ken Bever, executive director and founder of Hope for Haiti’s Children, talk about that ministry’s ongoing efforts to care for children and orphans in the face of growing danger and difficulty.

Also in this episode: Dr. Drew Baker, executive director of Common Grounds Unity, talks about that ministry’s "caffeinated" effort to bring together estranged Christians to give unity a try.

SEGMENT ONE: What is happening with some Church of Christ congregations, members, and ministries in Haiti? (Ken Bever and Roolite Religieaux, Hope for Haiti's Children)

Link to Hope for Haiti's Children

SEGMENT TWO: Unity starts with a cup of coffee (Dr. Drew Baker, Common Grounds Unity)

Link to Common Grounds Unity

Link to Common Grounds Unity Podcast

Link to Purpose Door Coffee (as mentioned in the segment)

Link to Dry Bones Denver (as mentioned in the segment)

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type “Church Leadership Workshop” in the search bar

The post Episode 59: A Haitian Christian reports on what is happening to Christians and churches in his country. Also: How one ministry is using coffee to bring estranged Christians back together appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Dr. Bob Waldron, a lifelong minister and missionary for congregations around the world, talks about what he has learned about the Lord’s Supper from his reading, study, and travels. How might we renew and restore all that the Lord intended for this “main event” in the life of the church? Dr. Waldron also talks about his book, Food for the Journey, and its 52 meditations on the Lord’s Supper.

Link to Food for the Journey by Bob Waldron 

Links to other books and resources that Dr. Waldron recommends for reflection and study on the Lord’s Supper:

The Meal Jesus Gave Us by N.T. Wright

Last Supper & Lord’s Supper by I. Howard Marshall

The Lord’s Supper by William Barclay

Jesus and the Last Supper by Brant Pitre

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

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The songs 'Come Share the Lord' and 'Arise' used by permission of Ken Young, Hallal Music.

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type “Church Leadership Workshop” in the search bar

The post Episode 58: When Communion gets stale, how might it become fresh again? (Bob Waldron, author, 'Food for the Journey') appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Texas preacher Shawn Davis finds strength in the Lord after he loses everything in a wildfire. Herald of Truth, an old radio ministry, is new again (and partnering with The Christian Chronicle). Elsie Stark, an 11-year old baking entrepreneur competes on Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship.

SEGMENT ONE: A Texas preacher finds strength in the Lord after he loses everything in a wildfire (Shawn Davis, Canadian, Texas) 

Link to Bobby Ross, Jr.’s, Christian Chronicle story about Shawn Davis

Link to Bobby Ross, Jr.’s, Christian Chronicle coverage of the Texas wildfires

Broken Things used by permission (Ken Young, Hallal Music)

SEGMENT TWO: An old radio ministry is new again and partnering with The Christian Chronicle (Will Hester, Herald of Truth, and Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle) 

Link to Herald of Truth’s new Truth Digital Media online radio program

Baxter, Batsell Barrett, "The Resurrection" (1974). Herald of Truth Audio. 27.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/hot_audio/27

SEGMENT THREE: An 11-year old baking entrepreneur competes on Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship (Elsie Stark, Southern Hills Church of Christ, Abilene, Texas) 

Link to Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship, Season 12, featuring Elsie Stark

Link to Elsie Stark’s baking business page, Elsie’s Awesome Sweets & Treats, on Facebook

Link to Elsie Stark’s baking business page, Elsie’s Awesome Sweets & Treats, on Instagram

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TAGS

Texas wildfires, Smokehouse Creek Fire, Canadian, Canadian Church of Christ, Panhandle Church of Christ, Shawn Davis, Broken Things, Bobby Ross Jr., Herald of Truth, Truth Digital Media, Batsel Barrett Baxter, Harold Hazelip, Chris McCurley, Wes McAdams, Will Hester, Erik Tryggestad, Food Network, Kids Baking Championship, Elsie Stark, Elsie’s Awesome Sweets & Treats, Southern Hills Church of Christ, Abilene, BT Irwin

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type “Church Leadership Workshop” in the search bar

The post Episode 57: A preacher loses everything in a wildfire. An old radio ministry is new again. An 11-year old baker competes on Food Network. appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

A Kansas City church runs toward gun violence, an Australian teen lost her mom and found her own faith, a puppet ministry bringing Bible stories to 50 million, and a bonus segment (Bible bowling with the Tryggestads).

SEGMENT ONE: A Kansas City church runs toward gun violence (Branden and Sharee Mims, Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ, Kansas City, Missouri)

Bobby Ross, Jr.’s, Christian Chronicle story on how the Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ is making peace in the most violent part of Kansas City

Link to Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ, Kansas City, Missouri

SEGMENT TWO: An Australian teen lost her mom and found her own faith (Jada Black, Redlands College, Wellington Point, Queensland, Australia)

This segment edited for brevity, clarity, and "flow." Note: The Christian Chronicle's Audrey Jackson was also along for this interview. You'll hear her ask some questions, too!

Link to Bobby Ross, Jr.’s, Christian Chronicle profile on Jada Black

Link to Bobby Ross, Jr.’s, Christian Chronicle feature on immersive learning experience for ninth graders at Redlands College

Link to Audrey Jackson’s Christian Chronicle report on chaplains at Redlands College

SEGMENT THREE: A puppet ministry bringing Bible stories to 50 million (Darla Robinson, The Puppetunes, Los Angeles, California)

Link to The Puppetunes

'Bethlehemian Rhapsody' is used by permission of The Puppetunes.

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TAGS

Kansas City, Kansas City Chiefs, mass shooting, gun violence, Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ, Greater Impact, Branden Mims, Sharee Mims, Australia, Queensland, Redlands College, Jada Black, Hillsong scandal, cancer, grief, faith, Psalty, Bobby Ross, Jr., Audrey Jackson, Puppetunes, puppets, Bible stories, Bible class, Sunday school, childrens ministry, Darla Robinson, pandemic, Bethlehemian Rhapsody, Bible bowl, Leadership Training for Christ, Lads to Leaders, Erik Tryggestad, BT Irwin

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type “Church Leadership Workshop” in the search bar

The post Episode 56: Making peace in Kansas City, a teen grieves her mom and finds her faith, and puppets bring Bible stories to 50 million. Plus a Bible bowl bonus segment (at home with the Tryggestads). appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Dr. O.J. Shabazz (Church of Christ in Harlem, New York City), a congregational minister with more than 40 years of experience, talks about the practical wisdom he shares in his book, 'Excellence in Ministry: A Guide to Protocols and Etiquette for Church Leaders'.
 
Dr. O.J. Shabazz (Church of Christ in Harlem, New York City), a congregational minister with more than 40 years of experience, talks about his book, Excellence in Ministry: A Guide to Protocols and Etiquette for Church Leaders. 

Link to The Christian Chronicle’s review of Excellence in Ministry by Dr. O.J. Shabazz

Link to Excellence in Ministry: A Guide to Protocols and Etiquette for Church Leaders

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

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TAGS

Dr. O.J. Shabazz, ministry, leadership, preaching, evangelism, congregation, excellence, discipleship, training, education, Harlem, New York City, BT Irwin

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type “Church Leadership Workshop” in the search bar

The post Episode 55: Excellence in Ministry (Dr. O.J. Shabazz) appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Dr. Scott Thumma of Hartford Institute for Religion Research reveals how and why minister burnout is on the rise. Dr. Philena Myers (Woodland Place Church of Christ, Ocala, Florida) explains how Black history is Christian history.  Let's Start Talking has a waiting list of people who need volunteers to practice conversational English while teaching them the Bible. Leslee Altrock explains how people can volunteer.

SEGMENT ONE: Minister burnout is on the rise (Dr. Scott Thumma, Hartford Institute for Religion Research)

Link to the Hartford Institute for Religion Research report on rising clergy discontentment

SEGMENT TWO: Black history is Christian history (Dr. Philena Myers, Woodland Place Church of Christ, Ocala, Florida)

Link to Dr. Philena Myers’s submission to The Christian  Chronicle: “I am Black history”

SEGMENT THREE: Let’s Start Talking has a waiting list of people who want to learn English and the Gospel (Leslee Altrock, Let’s Start Talking)

Link to Let’s Start Talking Connect (where you can find out how to volunteer as a conversation partner for people who want to learn conversational English while using the Gospel of Luke as their textbook) 

Link to Bobby Ross, Jr.’s, report on the need for more volunteers at Let’s Start Talking

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

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Send comments, ideas, and questions to podcast@christianchronicle.org

TAGS

Minister burnout, clergy burnout, minister discontent, clergy discontent, minister shortage, Sacred Calling, COVID, pandemic, congregation, church, change, minister health, Hartford Institute for Religion Research, Dr. Scott Thumma, Black history, Black History Month, Dr. Philena Myers, Woodland Place Church of Christ, Ocala, Florida, evangelism, missions, Bible, English, Let’s Start Talking, Leslee Altrock, Bobby Ross Jr., BT Irwin 

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type “Church Leadership Workshop” in the search bar

The post Episode 54: Minister burnout on the rise, Black history is Christian history, a waiting list for people waiting to hear the Gospel appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type “Church Leadership Workshop” in the search bar

The post Episode 53: Should LGBTQ+ faculty and students (and those who affirm them) have a place and a voice at Abilene Christian University? appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Christian Chronicle contributor Cheryl Mann Bacon talks more about her recent report on how the cost of insurance is threatening the very existence of some congregations. Ethel Sherrill, a longtime member of the landmark historic Silver Point West End Church of Christ in Silver Point, Tennessee, shares an oral history with The Christian Chronicle’s Ted Parks. Christy Award-winning author Sara Watterson (Edmond Church of Christ, Edmond, Oklahoma) talks about writing Christian and clean fiction for young readers. 

SEGMENT ONE: Congregations are struggling to keep or pay for their insurance (Cheryl Mann Bacon)

Cheryl Mann Bacon’s Christian Chronicle coverage of insurance companies dropping congregations or more than tripling their annual premiums in some states

Cheryl Mann Bacon’s Christian Chronicle column on advice she collected for congregations from insurance industry experts

SEGMENT TWO: An oral history of a landmark congregation in the Church of Christ tradition (Ted Parks with Ethel Sherrill) 

Ted Parks’s Christian Chronicle story on the reunion of the Silver Point West End Church of Christ

Erik Tryggestad’s Christian Chronicle interview with Evelyn Buck, the keeper of the important and rich history of the Silver Point Christian Institute and Silver Point West End Church of Christ

SEGMENT THREE: Award-winning Christian fiction author talks about how to write a great book for teens and young adults (Sara Watterson) 

Link to Sara Watterson’s author page

Link to Sara Watterson’s Christy Award-winning Christian young adult fiction book This Dreamer

Link to Sara’s book recommendations and reviews website for Christian and clean teen and young adult fiction, including fantasy, romance, and science fiction 

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

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Send comments, ideas, and questions to podcast@christianchronicle.org

TAGS

Insurance, premiums, natural disasters, acts of God, church buildings, church finance, church administration, church budget, climate change, California, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Cheryl Mann Bacon, Black history, Black History Month, G.P. Bowser, Silver Point Christian Institute, Silver Point West End Church of Christ, Civil Rights Movement, segregation, integration, Silver Point, Tennessee, Ethel Sherrill, Ted Parks, Christian fiction, Christian fantasy, Christian romance

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type “Church Leadership Workshop” in the search bar

The post Episode 52: Insurance is choking churches, stories from a historic Church of Christ landmark, and how to write fiction for Christian young people appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Dr. Greg Smith of the Pew Research Center talks about the latest data on "nones," Americans who claim no religious affiliation. Today, that make up 28 percent of all Americans, up from 16 percent less than 20 years ago. Who are they and why are they rejecting organized religion? Bobby Ross, Jr., visits Cuba to interview minister Tony Fernandez. The Church of Christ is growing by bounds and leaps in that Communist country. Tony explains how this is happening. Finally, Irene and Willie Masters were born five hours apart on January 13, 1934. They devoted their entire adult lives to serving the church and sharing the Gospel. They'll share their best advice for the generations now following them.

SEGMENT ONE: The “nones” are your neighbors now (Dr. Greg Smith, Pew Research Center)

Link to Pew Research Center’s new report on religious “nones” in the United States

Link to Bobby Ross, Jr.’s, Christian Chronicle report on the state of the Church of Christ in Cuba

Link to People magazine features story on Irene and Willie Masters (and their daughter, Charlotte)

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

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Send comments, ideas, and questions to podcast@christianchronicle.org

TAGS

Nones, religion in America, church membership, church attendance, religious affiliation, Pew Research Center, Dr. Greg Smith, demographics, Christianity and politics, Cuba, Herald of Truth, Tony Fernandez, Versallas Church of Christ, Matanzas, Tim Archer, Bobby Ross Jr., evangelism, missions, church planting, Communism, house churches, church growth, elder, deacon, Bible class teacher, Sunday school teacher, personal Bible study, Irene Masters, Willie Masters, 37th Street Church of Christ, Snyder, Texas, Burleson Church of Christ, Burleson, Texas, People Magazine, BT Irwin

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type “Church Leadership Workshop” in the search bar

The post Episode 51: The rise of the "nones," a gospel revolution in Cuba, and unicorns in Texas appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

Dirk Smith of Eastern European Mission describes how EEM will send 800,000 Bibles to Europe, including Ukraine and Russia, in 2024. Dr. Jeremie Beller explains why The Christian Chronicle's editorial board believes that the "Restoration Plea" is still valid. Jason Bivens is not only a deacon with a Church of Christ congregation in Tennessee, he is a bladesmith who won Season Ten of The History Channel's 'Forged in Fire.'

SEGMENT ONE: Eastern European Mission (EEM) is sending 800,000 Bibles to Europe in 2024 (Dirk Smith, vice president, Eastern European Mission)

Link to Eastern European Mission

Link to 55:11 Podcast

SEGMENT TWO: Why the “Restoration Plea” is still valid (Dr. Jeremie Beller, for The Christian Chronicle editorial board)

Link to Dr. Jeremie Beller’s op-ed in The Christian Chronicle

SEGMENT THREE: Church of Christ deacon who won Season Ten of The History Channel’s Forged in Fire reality competition show (Jason Bivens, Church of Christ at Unity, McMinnville, Tennessee)

Link to Audrey Jackson’s Christian Chronicle feature on Jason Bivens

Link to The History Channel’s Forged in Fire

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

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Send comments, ideas, and questions to podcast@christianchronicle.org

TAGS

Bible, Eastern European Mission, EEM, 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith, Ukraine, Russia, Europe, evangelism, humanitarian aid, war, invasion, Restoration Movement, Restoration Tradition, Restoration Plea, Restoration, Barton Stone, Alexander Campbell, unity, tradition, Disciples of Christ, Christian Church, church splits, disfellowship, opinion, op-ed, Jeremie Beller, editorial, deacon, Jason Bivens, History Channel, Forged in Fire, reality show, reality competition, bladesmith, Church of Christ at Unity, McMinnville, Tennessee, BT Irwin

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type “Church Leadership Workshop” in the search bar

The post Episode 50: Almost a million Bibles for Europe, a plea for the "Restoration Plea," and a deacon "Forged in Fire" appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.

On this one-year anniversary of The Christian Chronicle Podcast, we ask The Christian Chronicle news team to share what they think were the biggest stories they reported in 2023…and which stories they wish got more attention and started more conversations among Church of Christ folks. They'll also make their best guesses at what stories are most likely to get the most attention in 2024. Featuring Cheryl Mann Bacon, Calvin Cockrell, Audrey Jackson, Bobby Ross, Jr., and Erik Tryggestad.
 
Christian Chronicle stories from 2023 that the news team talks about in this episode:

After over a century, Lipscomb’s Austin Center to close (Cheryl Mann Bacon)

Bicultural teens enjoy unity at camp (Cheryl Mann Bacon)

Christian family inspired new movie ‘On a Wing and Prayer’ (Calvin Cockrell)

A diverse church full of conversion stories (Bobby Ross, Jr.)

Dwindling Church of Christ seeks new future at community church campus (Cheryl Mann Bacon)

For Cuba, a time of stress–and salvation (Bobby Ross, Jr.)

For newly arrived refugees, an unexpected Christmas blessing (Bobby Ross, Jr.)

“God is crying with us” (Audrey Jackson)

Harding School of Theology set to leave Memphis (Cheryl Mann Bacon)

How a grassroots ministry to Afghan refugees snowballed into something big (Bobby Ross, Jr.)

How a Russian immigrant came to serve Ukrainian refugees (Bobby Ross, Jr.)

“If they go into full-time ministry, they’ll go back into poverty” (Audrey Jackson)

In Mexican resort city, Christians care for homeless “angels” (Bobby Ross, Jr.)

It’s the same Jesus (Bobby Ross, Jr.)

A “love your enemies” test (Erik Tryggestad)

Making Jesus more accessible (Audrey Jackson)

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type “Church Leadership Workshop” in the search bar

The post Episode 49: The Christian Chronicle news team talks about the biggest stories of 2023 appeared first on The Christian Chronicle.