Johnson University Tennessee joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics effective July 1. The NAIA is a governing body of small athletics programs dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. About two-thirds of the NAIA’s member schools are faith-based institutions, Johnson shared, including “sister schools” Point University, Kentucky Christian University, and Milligan University.
The JUTN Royals are currently part of the National Christian College Athletics Association (NCCAA). The addition of NAIA membership will offer Johnson partnerships with like-minded institutions with the benefits of a larger athletic division, opportunities to compete in a greater number of sports, and the leadership of a conference.
“Our Johnson culture of excellence in athletics emphasizes that all of our athletes are mission-aligned (dedicated to the Great Commission), academically prepared (athletes are students first), and competitive in their specific sport,” said JU president Tommy Smith.
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News Briefs
After a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Traders Point Christian Church of Whitestown, Ind., is moving forward with plans to convert a former supermarket into its new Midtown Indianapolis location, the church shared recently. The multisite church purchased the building and land in 2019 for $7.6 million, but was forced to delay its plans, the Indianapolis Business Journal reported. In the TPCC video, lead pastor Aaron Brockett said the Midtown campus should open in early 2022. Alex Diaz will serve as campus pastor.
Plans to relaunch a site in Northeast Indianapolis—near Fishers, Ind.—are still being discussed.
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James “Jim” Allison, professor emeritus of worship ministry with Lincoln (Ill.) Christian University, who announced his retirement effective May 31, was honored by LCU president Silas McCormick with the 2021 President’s Distinguished Service Award. Allison arrived on campus in 1965 and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Sacred Music Degree with a double major in voice and piano. Over the next five years, he married Glenda Appel, served with the U.S. Army, studied and trained more, and performed with the Illinois Opera Theater. He returned to Lincoln’s campus in 1975 where he taught and served faithfully for 46 years.
“It has been said that a congregation is just as responsible to sing the gospel as the preachers are to preach it,” LCU’s Restorer alumni magazine said. “Thanks to this powerful gift of voice, given to this man of humility and faith, hundreds of students have left this place with the conviction that the greatest story ever told deserves a voice worthy of the task.”
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The Michigan Christian Convention will take place Saturday, Aug. 14, at Rock Lake Christian Assembly in Vestaburg. The theme of the 65th anniversary gathering is “In Pursuit of Unity.” Featured speakers will include Bruce Wilson and Devin Robertson. Learn more at MCC’s website.
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Joshua Huckabay, who has served the past decade as creative arts minister with College Heights Christian Church in Joplin, Mo., recently was hired as professor of music arts with St. Louis Christian College.
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The Voice of the Martyrs’ interactive online global prayer guide offers direction in praying for Christians being persecuted around the world.
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Ozark Christian College academic dean and professor Chad Ragsdale’s new book—Christian Convictions: Discerning the Essential, Important, and Personal Elements—is written especially for young believers and those who are discipling young believers. The book is a Renew.org resource, part of its Real Life and Theology series. Ragsdale introduced the book via YouTube. Ragsdale also discussed the book via a video Q&A with Renew’s Bobby Harrington (available at Renew.org and via Ozark’s Facebook page). The book is available via Amazon.
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Central Christian College of the Bible shared photos via Facebook of storm damage, including two toppled trees, that occurred over the weekend on the school’s campus in Moberly, Mo.
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