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Christian Chronicle appoints 14-member Journalism Advisory Council
Panel will join in the international newspaper’s mission of informing, inspiring and uniting Churches of Christ.
Fourteen distinguished journalists and communicators from across the U.S. will serve on The Christian Chronicle’s newly created Journalism Advisory Council.
Council members will offer input on journalistic and ethical matters and contribute occasional op-ed pieces to the newspaper’s editorial pages, Editor-in-Chief Bobby Ross Jr. announced.
“I’m thrilled that these devoted Christians have accepted our invitation to join in The Christian Chronicle’s mission of informing, inspiring and uniting Churches of Christ.”
“I’m thrilled that these devoted Christians have accepted our invitation to join in the Chronicle’s mission of informing, inspiring and uniting Churches of Christ,” Ross said.
The Chronicle, owned by Oklahoma Christian University and governed by a national Board of Trustees, is an independent newspaper committed to the highest standards of quality journalism. The new council will play a different role from that of the Chronicle’s board, said Erik Tryggestad, president and CEO.
“Our trustees are invaluable members of our team who support us as we navigate an increasingly complicated media landscape,” Tryggestad said. “The Journalism Advisory Council will be, as we so like to say, separate and apart, focused on the journalistic side of this ministry.”
The 76-year-old publication serves 135,000 U.S. print subscribers and thousands of readers online, with a new app initiated by Tryggestad and overseen by Digital News Editor Chellie Ison under development.
The Chronicle has received frequent journalistic honors from the Associated Church Press, the Evangelical Press Association, the Religion News Association and the Society of Professional Journalists.
“For the Journalism Advisory Council, we wanted to bring in folks who have hearts for real journalism that honors God,” Tryggestad said. “We wanted dedicated professionals who will help us on the journalistic side of the operation. And I’m thrilled with the group Bobby has put together.”
The newly appointed council members are:
Cheryl Mann Bacon
Cheryl Bacon
“The Christian Chronicle does excellent journalism. It provides thorough coverage of important and sometimes difficult topics and events. In an era when many religious publications have resorted to preaching, the Chronicle provides solid news and commentary.” — Cheryl Mann Bacon
Bacon is retired chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Abilene Christian University in Texas.
In retirement, she enjoys freelance writing and consulting, especially with churches. A regular contributor to The Christian Chronicle, she is a member of the University Church of Christ.
Dawn Bramblett
Dawn Bramblett
“The Christian Chronicle provides a timely, reliable and valuable communication tool for those who are seeking to follow Christ and glorify God around the country and the world.” — Dawn Bramblett
Bramblett is owner of the Bramblett Group, a public relations and marketing firm in Henderson, Tenn., whose clients include Freed-Hardeman University.
She is a member of the Jacks Creek Church of Christ, where her husband, Jason, serves as an elder.
Lisa D. Brewer
Lisa Brewer
“As its mission indicates, The Christian Chronicle has a dynamic role to play in bringing Christianity to future generations. If there is anything I can do to help, I want to do so.” — Lisa D. Brewer
Brewer is a legal assistant for Brewer & Brewer Attorneys at Law in Wilkesboro, N.C.
A member of the Wilkesboro Church of Christ, she earned a master’s in English from Wake Forest University. She organizes the annual Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival to raise money for the camp.
Kimberly E. Chaudoin
Kim Chaudoin
“It is an honor to be a part of this advisory council. I’ve read The Christian Chronicle since I was a child. I clearly recall my parents getting it in the mail and reading it all the way through. So, I have for nearly 40 years regarded the Chronicle as a quality publication. The paper has continued to grow in quality through the years and is a great source of information about the Churches of Christ and the work that is being done around the world through these congregations and people. Communication is vitally important, and I am excited to play some small role in this important work.” — Kimberly E. Chaudoin
Chaudoin is assistant vice president of public relations and communications at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn.
She is a member of the Otter Creek Church of Christ in Brentwood, Tenn.
Wendell Edwards
Wendell Edwards
“It was an honor to be asked. It is an honor to serve.” — Wendell Edwards
Edwards is a television news anchor for ABC 33/40 News and Sinclair Broadcasting in Birmingham, Ala.
He is a member of the Riverchase Church of Christ in Birmingham.
Rick Gibson
Rick Gibson
“I believe that Churches of Christ have much to learn from one another. The Christian Chronicle has an important role in connecting us in meaningful ways.” — Rick Gibson
Gibson is vice president for public affairs and church relations at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif.
He is a member of the University Church of Christ. He serves as president of the LA5 Rotary Club of Los Angeles.
Paula Harrington
Paula Harrington
“I have respected the integrity of The Christian Chronicle and its desire to unite the Churches of Christ for many years. My grandfather, who was a minister for over 60 years, passed down his love of the Chronicle and was a devout reader. I am honored to serve on this council to encourage and advance the cause of Christ.” — Paula Harrington
Harrington is children’s ministry coordinator for the Lone Oak Church of Christ in Paducah, Ky.
She often discusses her faith in a column she writes for a local newspaper, the Marshall County Daily.
Hamil R. Harris
Hamil Harris
“I am excited about how the Chronicle writes about what Christians are doing around the world.” — Hamil R. Harris
Harris is director of the Innovation and Collaboration Center and an adjunct professor of journalism at Morgan State University in Baltimore.
He spent 24 years as a reporter for The Washington Post and now serves as a freelance correspondent for The Christian Chronicle. He preaches for the Glenarden Church of Christ.
E. Blake Jackson
Blake Jackson
“During a time of deep fracturing among institutions around the world, there is life-giving hope in the church’s simple call to unity, liberty and love. I couldn’t be more proud to support the work of The Christian Chronicle as the paper of record for an endlessly diverse body of believers who aim to practice these profound virtues every day.” — E. Blake Jackson
Jackson is senior director of global communications at Walmart Inc. in Bentonville, Ark.
A graduate of Oklahoma Christian University, he is a member of the Bentonville Church of Christ.
Kenneth Pybus
Kenneth Pybus
“Every community needs strong and thorough news coverage. The Christian Chronicle has always provided that and continues to play an important role in covering our branch of the Restoration Movement.” — Kenneth Pybus
Pybus is chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Abilene Christian University in Texas.
He is a member of the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene.
Jana Rucker
Jana Rucker
“The Christian Chronicle plays a vital role in sharing news and trends in the Churches of Christ, and it is my hope to add value in supporting this important work.” — Jana Rucker
Rucker is vice president for university communications and enrollment at Harding University in Searcy, Ark.
She is a member of the College Church of Christ.
Brian Simmons
Brian Simmons
“I desire to make my small contribution to The Christian Chronicle because it is one of the few ways to give the Churches of Christ a wider view of our fellowship.” — Brian Simmons
Simmons is professor and chair of the Department of Communication at Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City.
A former longtime minister in Portland, Ore., he is a member of the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. He also is a member of The Christian Chronicle’s national board of trustees.
Elizabeth Smith
Elizabeth Smith
“I am excited to help support a publication that I have read my entire life. I am also excited to support this publication as it faces the challenges of technology and media consumption. I believe it fills a unique and important role in the media and Christian landscape.” — Elizabeth Smith
Smith is assistant professor of communication and director of Pepperdine Graphic Media at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif.
She is a children’s ministry leader for the Culver Palms Church of Christ in Los Angeles.
David P. Swearingen
David Swearingen
“We so appreciate and support The Christian Chronicle’s ongoing legacy of publishing fair, balanced global news coverage and its commitment to our foundation of steadfast faith in God.” — David P. Swearingen
Swearingen is retired vice president of corporate communications for Johnson & Johnson in New York.
He is an elder of the University Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas.
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