Virginia congregation helps an Afghan refugee family — and reaps its own blessings
SPRINGFIELD, Va. — The Afghan refugee’s words trailed off. He spoke in a whisper. Finally, he lowered his head and fought back tears. “I’m sorry,”…
Opinion
Reflecting on the life of Eugene Lawton
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the…
Grace under fire: Remembering the godly, funny people of Ukraine
How is the U.S. the same as the USSR? “In the U.S., you have the freedom to stand in front of the White House and…
Editorial: What it means to love our enemies
Jesus had a way of saying things that are easy to understand but hard to hear. “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:43) tops the list. Each…
What my dad taught me about growing a church
I was born the year my dad, Travis Irwin, began his 45-year ministry to Church of Christ congregations in Ohio and Tennessee. Thus I have…
A time to praise the stellar work of my colleagues
BETHESDA, Md. — The sun hasn’t risen yet as I type this. It’s still early at the Washington, D.C.-area hotel where I’m staying. I’m attending…
Church closing trend began before COVID-19
MANCHESTER, Tenn. — When the Ragsdale Church of Christ closed its doors on March 6, it joined hundreds of other congregations nationwide that have ceased…
God is near to the brokenhearted
God, are you here? The Milky Way, the stars and their constellations seemed so vibrant in the wide open night sky. “Are you here?” It…
Grow the church by doing good
HENDERSON, Tenn. — Jesus’ reputation for doing good preceded him. Can Churches of Christ say the same? “I don’t know that that is the initial…
Where have all the churches gone?
Based on records maintained by 21st Century Christian, roughly 200 Churches of Christ in the U.S. closed between 2014 and 2021. These congregations encompassed every…
