October 20, 2023
Denise Beck is executive director of Velvet Ashes, a support organization for women in missions. Josh Beck in July took over as executive director of Barnabas International, a group that provides resources and encouragement to missionaries globally. Donna Cole, global partners counselor at College Heights Christian Church, calls the Becks an “amazing servant couple.” . . .
August 30, 2022
The Christian Church of Carl Junction has launched a new campus at the former home of Ozark Christian College, which now is the site of Joplin's Neighborhood Life House, a Christ-centered nonprofit.
— UPDATED WITH TRIBUTE VIDEO INFORMATION — Dwayne Good, 85, who performed in the gospel duet The Good Twins with his identical twin brother, Dwight, for more than 55 years, died on April 10, 2022. The brothers graduated from Lincoln Bible Institute together in 1958, and ministered through music to churches around the world as The Good Twins for more than 55 years. We interviewed The Good Twins for this 2008 feature article.
Briefs about the 10-year anniversary of the deadly Joplin tornado, Passion for Planting, Mid-Atlantic Christian University, Holley Christian Church's 150th anniversary, and more.
August 22, 2018
A fire likely started by lightning destroyed Guthrie (Okla.) Christian Church last week. The blaze started just before midnight on Aug. 14. No one was hurt. “We lost 49 years of books, pictures, sermons, memories and even my college books,” pastor Don Riepe told the Guthrie News Leader. Riepe is an alum of Ozark Christian College. Guthrie Fire Chief Eric Harlow said the building was a “total loss.” The church was still smoldering the next morning—last Wednesday. Later that day, there was a special prayer meeting near the site, with many people offering support. “We want to thank everyone for
June 10, 2018
By Josh Quade After completing her internship interview process, a college student wanted to discuss her options. She’s pursuing both a Bible college and regular university degree for a career in media and graphics arts, ideally in a church’s creative arts department. On the surface, her description of potential internships lined up well with what our church could offer—some elements amazingly so. We had brought her in, introduced her to the team over several get-togethers, conducted personality profiles and orientations, and discussed logistics. All quite helpful and good. But I found the team’s questions for her the most encouraging: What are
March 21, 2016
By Jennifer Johnson For more than 125 years, the house at 516 N. Wall Ave. in Joplin, MO, has reached local residents for Christ””as a private home, as the first campus of Ozark Christian College, and later as the home of North Joplin Christian Church. Today, this historic building continues to facilitate ministry as the Neighborhood Life House, a nonprofit organization that builds relationships with community members and shares the love of Jesus through a variety of programs for children and families. “A group of us at College Heights Christian Church had been working with a ministry to an apartment
April 24, 2014
By Paul Boatman Shortly after 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2013, an EF-4 tornado, with winds nearing 200 mph, cut a devastating quarter-mile wide swath through Washington, Illinois. Jeff Browning, lead pastor, and Jon Pittman, worship/youth minister, were leading services at Washington Christian Church as the storm roared through the city, narrowly missing the church building. This interview took place two weeks later. Tell about your experience. Jeff Browning: When we heard tornado sirens after Sunday school, we got people into tornado shelter areas, but when an ominous dark cloud blew past and the sky appeared to be
August 9, 2013
Why do some married couples grow deeper in love, while others experience more pain with each passing season of life? What can we do to keep a new love young until we”re old? By Randy Gariss As the old couple held hands and slowly rose to their feet, so did the audience. The congregation”s ovation was sweet and deafening. We were recognizing a couple in our congregation for their 71 years of marriage. And everyone could see not only that John and Phyllis”s love survived the tests of time, but they had the marriage all young couples long for. There is something winsome
December 6, 2012
On Nov. 19, College Heights Christian Church (Joplin, MO) hosted the premiere of Steadfast, a full-length documentary about the May 2011 Joplin tornado and the response of local churches. Gregory Fish, an Ozark Christian College graduate, directed the film, and 50 percent of the profits go to rebuilding efforts in Joplin. Watch the trailer and learn more at www.steadfastdocumentary.com.
August 2, 2012
Why does worship music provoke such strong reactions? Randy Gariss explores heart language, group identity, personal preference, and the call to Christian maturity and unity when churches gather to worship.
July 13, 2012
After the devastating Joplin tornado, 21 small Illinois communities joined forces to build a widow's family a new home—and discovered how serving together could strengthen churches, relationships, and faith.
July 11, 2012
Church leaders explore how community service becomes more than another program when outreach is relational, rooted in everyday life, and intentionally focused on making disciples.
Christian Standard leaders discuss how churches can unite evangelism and community service, building credibility through consistent outreach while keeping disciple-making and gospel proclamation at the heart of their mission.
September 30, 2011
Chris DeWelt, Ozark Christian College, College Heights Christian Church, John 4, Sychar, Durres Albania, evangelism,
September 28, 2011
Time columnist Joe Klein reflects on worshipping and serving with College Heights Christian Church as members spread throughout Joplin to help tornado survivors and others in need.
By Victor Knowles It was a searing scene straight from of the book of Revelation. Thunder crashing, lightning flashing, wind howling in excess of 200 mph, hail hammering everything in its path like a merciless Hun invasion, and “ball lightning”—big balls of red fire bouncing across the ground like bizarre basketballs from Hell. “It was like a nuclear bomb was dropped,” exclaimed a stunned Errol Bolt, who has survived several hurricanes in his native Jamaica. And when the EF-5 tornado had spent its fury, one-third of the city of Joplin, Missouri, lay in ruins. The Weather Channel’s Al Roker initially
Author Dave Pelzer volunteers with College Heights Christian Church in Joplin, Missouri, helping foster families and supporting recovery efforts while praising the church’s organized response to community needs.
May 25, 2011
Churches, ministries, and Ozark Christian College respond after the Joplin tornado, sharing relief updates, volunteer needs, housing options, and ways to help storm victims.
August 16, 2009
Randy Gariss reflects on 27 years at College Heights Christian Church and explains why long-term ministry can strengthen leaders, deepen shepherding, and shape spiritual wholeness.
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