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

Donate to The Christian Chronicle at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send comments, ideas, and questions to [email protected]

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

Learn more about the new book, Why Aren't Christians More Like Jesus by Michael Clemens at whyarentchristiansmorelikejesus.com

52nd Annual Caribbean Lectureship in Barbados this July 13 - 16, 2025. Learn more and register at caribbeanlectureship.com.

Freed-Hardeman University graduate degrees in New Testament or Old Testament at fhu.edu/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

Donate to The Christian Chronicle at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send comments, ideas, and questions to [email protected]

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

Learn more about the new book, Why Aren't Christians More Like Jesus by Michael Clemens at whyarentchristiansmorelikejesus.com

52nd Annual Caribbean Lectureship in Barbados this July 13 - 16, 2025. Learn more and register at caribbeanlectureship.com.

Freed-Hardeman University graduate degrees in New Testament or Old Testament at fhu.edu/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)

Learn more about the new book, Why Aren't Christians More Like Jesus by Michael Clemens at whyarentchristiansmorelikejesus.com

52nd Annual Caribbean Lectureship in Barbados this July 13 - 16, 2025. Learn more and register at caribbeanlectureship.com.

Freed-Hardeman University graduate degrees in New Testament or Old Testament at fhu.edu/chronicle.

Author and theologian Curtis Chang talks about his book, 'The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry is the Doorway to Your Best Self' and 'The After Party,' the new small group curriculum he created with David French and Russell Moore to help Christians practice "better politics" in 2024. 

Link to The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry is the Doorway to Your Best Self (Curtis Chang)

Link to The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics (Curtis Chang, David French, Russell Moore)

Link to Redeeming Babel

Link to Curtis Chang’s biography

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

Donate to The Christian Chronicle at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send comments, ideas, and questions to [email protected]

TAGS

Curtis Chang, Redeeming Babel, Anxiety Opportunity book, After Party, politics, anxiety attack, anxiety, anxiety disorder, panic, panic attack, panic disorder, worry, Donald Trump, January 6, Joe Biden, Republicans, Democrats, partisan politics, political violence, conspiracy theories, David French, Russell Moore, curriculum, church, congregation, small group, Christian politics, Christian nationalism, BT Irwin

Learn more about the new book, Why Aren't Christians More Like Jesus by Michael Clemens at whyarentchristiansmorelikejesus.com

52nd Annual Caribbean Lectureship in Barbados this July 13 - 16, 2025. Learn more and register at caribbeanlectureship.com.

Freed-Hardeman University graduate degrees in New Testament or Old Testament at fhu.edu/chronicle.

John Johnson put on the red suit for the first time 40 years ago and he's been Santa Claus ever since. But it's not just a side job or role that John plays for a few months each year; it is his calling and his ministry. In this episode, the member of the Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) Church of Christ shares his secrets and some of his stories from 40 years of loving children, the elderly, the lonely, the poor, and the sick. This episode will make you cry and laugh. And after you hear it, we promise: You'll know for sure that Santa Claus is real. Merry Christmas.
Link to John Johnson’s book, Simply St. Nick

Link to Audrey Jackson’s Christian Chronicle story about John Johnson

Link to the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

Donate to The Christian Chronicle at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send comments, ideas, and questions to [email protected]

TAGS

Santa Claus, John Johnson, Simply St. Nick, St. Nicholas, St. Nicholas of Myra, Westbow Press, Christmas, Myrtle Beach Church of Christ, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, giving, children, hospice, Audrey Jackson, BT Irwin

Learn more about the new book, Why Aren't Christians More Like Jesus by Michael Clemens at whyarentchristiansmorelikejesus.com

52nd Annual Caribbean Lectureship in Barbados this July 13 - 16, 2025. Learn more and register at caribbeanlectureship.com.

Freed-Hardeman University graduate degrees in New Testament or Old Testament at fhu.edu/chronicle.

SEGMENT ONE: Abilene Christian University is facing organized backlash from LGBTQ-affirming alumni, students, and even some professors for its "Holy Sexuality Week. Christian Chronicle CEO Erik Tryggestad fills in the story and talks about how The Christian Chronicle will cover it in 2024.

Link to Religion News Service coverage of the “Holy Sexuality Week” backlash at Abilene Christian University

Link to Christian Chronicle Podcast Episode 39 featuring Rubel Shelly talking about his book, Male and Female, God Created Them  

Link to online transcript of the Christian Chronicle Podcast Episode 39 interview with Rubel Shelly

SEGMENT TWO: Barbara Bagwell has never been able to use her hands, but that hasn't stopped her from living a full life and making art in her own way. The member of the Pikes Peak (Colorado) Church of Christ tells her story in her own voice and words.

Link to Barbara Bagwell’s book, Beautiful Stranger

Link to Barbara Bagwell’s art page

SEGMENT THREE: Youth minister Philip Jenkins of the Mt. Juliet (Tennessee) Church of Christ ended up in a local Waffle House for 15 hours straight. He'll explain how this happened and how it turned into one of the best-attended (but unplanned and unscheduled) church outreach events ever.

Link to Cheryl Mann Bacon’s Christian Chronicle story about Philip Jenkins’s day at the Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Waffle House 

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

Donate to The Christian Chronicle at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send comments, ideas, and questions to [email protected]

TAGS

Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas, Holy Sexuality Week, LGBTQ+, Wildcats for Inclusion, homosexuality, same sex, Phil Schubert, Religion News Service, traditional marriage, biblical marriage, Christopher Yuan, Christian colleges and universities, Christian education, gay affirming, sexuality, Erik Tryggestad, Barbara Bagwell, disability, living with disability, art, artist, Pikes Peak Church of Christ, Pikes Peak, Colorado, Beautiful Stranger, Philip Jenkins, Mt. Juliet Church of Christ, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Waffle House, youth, youth group, loving neighbors, community, outreach, fellowship, BT Irwin

Learn more about the new book, Why Aren't Christians More Like Jesus by Michael Clemens at whyarentchristiansmorelikejesus.com

52nd Annual Caribbean Lectureship in Barbados this July 13 - 16, 2025. Learn more and register at caribbeanlectureship.com.

Freed-Hardeman University graduate degrees in New Testament or Old Testament at fhu.edu/chronicle.

Legendary performer (and Church of Christ favorite son) Pat Boone has a book and a new hit album, but he really wants to talk about what the Bible is telling him these days, what he sees God doing in the world, and what the choice he hopes everyone makes to obey the Word. And he proves that he still knows how to lead congregational singing! 

Link to Pat Boone’s book: If: The Eternal Choice We All Must Make

Link to Pat Boone’s new album, Country Jubilee

Link to Pat Boone’s website, patboone.com

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

Donate to The Christian Chronicle at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send comments, ideas, and questions to [email protected]

TAGS

Pat Boone, Country Jubilee, If: The Eternal Choice We All Must Make, Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee, country music, Hank Williams, Red Foley, Tennessee Waltz, Grits, country radio, Christian education, songleading, gospel meetings, daily Bible reading, Johushuah, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Salvation Army, BT Irwin 

Learn more about the new book, Why Aren't Christians More Like Jesus by Michael Clemens at whyarentchristiansmorelikejesus.com

52nd Annual Caribbean Lectureship in Barbados this July 13 - 16, 2025. Learn more and register at caribbeanlectureship.com.

Freed-Hardeman University graduate degrees in New Testament or Old Testament at fhu.edu/chronicle.

Landon Saunders, a broadcaster and preacher who won millions of fans and friends around the world, went to his rest on November 14, 2023. He was 86 years old. In this episode, you'll listen to recordings of Saunders preaching and speaking in his own words. You'll also listen to two friends who knew him well. Mike Cope, director of the Thriving in Ministry program at Pepperdine University was a close friend for over 40 years. Candace Nicolds was Saunders's minister at his home congregation, Brookline Church of Christ in Brookline, Massachusetts. 
Some segments edited for brevity and clarity

Link to Cheryl Mann Bacon’s Christian Chronicle report on the death of Landon Saunders

Link to the complete Landon Saunders archives at Brown Library at Abilene Christian University

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

Donate to The Christian Chronicle at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send comments, ideas, and questions to [email protected]

TAGS

Landon Saunders, Heartbeat, Herald of Truth, Freed-Hardeman University, Harding University, Harding Graduate School of Theology, evangelism, preaching, gospel, marketplace, joy, see this woman, Mike Cope, Pepperdine University, Harbor, Pepperdine University Bible Lectures, Thriving in Ministry, Candace Nicolds, Brookline Church of Christ, Brookline, Massachusetts, James Wiser, Abilene Christian University, Brown Library

Learn more about the new book, Why Aren't Christians More Like Jesus by Michael Clemens at whyarentchristiansmorelikejesus.com

52nd Annual Caribbean Lectureship in Barbados this July 13 - 16, 2025. Learn more and register at caribbeanlectureship.com.

Freed-Hardeman University graduate degrees in New Testament or Old Testament at fhu.edu/chronicle.

A few weeks before this episode, The Christian Chronicle reported that Oklahoma Christian University is closing its graduate school of theology due to budget cuts and declining enrollment. This latest news follows the trend of enrollment decline in Bible, ministry, and theology programs at colleges and universities with roots and ties in the Church of Christ. For some Christian Chronicle readers, it raised questions: Do graduate programs like the one at Oklahoma Christian University truly benefit local congregations? Are the costs of a graduate education really worth it for Church of Christ ministers? And how might graduate programs need to change to better prepare ministers and support local congregations in the 21st century? In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Frank Yamada, executive director of the agency that accredits graduate programs in ministry and theology. He'll talk about the trends that are inspiring innovations in graduate education for ministers. You'll also hear from David Shannon, a 26-year veteran of local congregational minister who became president of Freed-Hardeman University in 2017. Shannon makes the case for why graduate education is important and valuable to Church of Christ ministers and congregations. PLUS, we end this one with another Bible bowl bonus segment featuring Amy Bowman, children's minister at the Brentwood Hills Church of Christ in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Some segments edited for brevity and clarity

Link to Cheryl Mann Bacon’s Christian Chronicle report on Oklahoma Christian University closing its graduate school of theology

Segment One: The state of graduate education in ministry and theology (Dr. Frank Yamada, executive director, Association of Theological Schools)

Link to Association of Theological Schools

Link to Dr. Frank Yamada’s bio

Segment Two: The case for graduate education in ministry and theology (David Shannon, president, Freed-Hardeman University)

Link to Freed-Hardeman University Graduate School of Theology

Link to Christian Chronicle story announcing David Shannon’s appointment as president of Freed-Hardeman University (from 2017)

View the full archive of stories at christianchronicle.org

Donate to The Christian Chronicle at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send comments, ideas, and questions to [email protected]

TAGS

Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond, Oklahoma, graduate school, graduate studies, Bible, ministry, theology, religion, seminary, minister education, minister training,

Learn more about the new book, Why Aren't Christians More Like Jesus by Michael Clemens at whyarentchristiansmorelikejesus.com

52nd Annual Caribbean Lectureship in Barbados this July 13 - 16, 2025. Learn more and register at caribbeanlectureship.com.

Freed-Hardeman University graduate degrees in New Testament or Old Testament at fhu.edu/chronicle.

Some segments edited for brevity and clarity

Segment One: An Arab Israeli Christian talks about what is happening in Gaza and Israel (Sandro Jadon)

Link to Erik Tryggestad’s Christian Chronicle interview with Sandro Jadon in the days imm

ediately after the October 7 attack on Israel from Hamas

Link to Erik Tryggestad’ Christian Chronicle interviews with Israeli Christians serving in their country’s armed forces in the days following the October 7 attack

Link to The Christian Chronicle op-ed by Evertt Huffard on the crisis in Israel

Jeremie Beller’s Christian Chronicle story about communing and worshiping with the Nazareth Church of Christ in Jesus’s hometown

To contact Sandro Jadon about bringing your congregation or a group to visit Israel (with Sandro as your tour guide) and to visit Nazareth Church of Christ, email [email protected]. 

Link to donate to support Sandro and other Israeli Christian tour guides who are out of work because of the conflict in Israel

Segment Two: The past, present, and future of The Gospel Advocate and The Spiritual Sword (Dr. John Young)

Link to Calvin Cockrell’s Christian Chronicle report on the status of The Gospel Advocate and The Spiritual Sword

Link to The Gospel Advocate

Link to The Spiritual Sword

Link to Dr. John Young’s blog and website

Link to B-Team Consulting Podcast

Segment Three: Remembering Howard and Jane Norton (Dr. Laurie Diles)

The clip at the top of this segment comes from a sermon that Howard Norton preached at the Memorial Church of Christ in Edmond, Oklahoma, in 2017. 

Link to Christian Chronicle CEO Erik Tryggestad’s report on the passing of Howard and Jane Norton in October 2023

Link to The Christian Chronicle’s announcement of Howard Norton’s death in October 2023

Link to Howard and Jane Norton memo

Learn more about the new book, Why Aren't Christians More Like Jesus by Michael Clemens at whyarentchristiansmorelikejesus.com

52nd Annual Caribbean Lectureship in Barbados this July 13 - 16, 2025. Learn more and register at caribbeanlectureship.com.

Freed-Hardeman University graduate degrees in New Testament or Old Testament at fhu.edu/chronicle.