Faith Thrives in Surprising Ways From Alabama Tent Revivals to Modern Worship Tech

Faith Facts

• Twelve Alabama Churches of Christ united to host a traditional tent revival on historic grounds where noted Restoration Movement preacher T.B. Larimore once founded Mars Hill Academy in 1871
• The Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis celebrated its 50th graduating class, continuing a legacy of preparing students grounded in faith and service to God and community
• A new worship app created by a Texas church member now serves thousands with free access to hundreds of worship songs, devotional materials, and ministry resources

Christians across America are finding innovative ways to honor timeless traditions while embracing modern tools for ministry. From old-fashioned tent revivals to cutting-edge technology, believers are demonstrating their commitment to spreading the Gospel and strengthening faith communities.

ALABAMA

FLORENCE — In a powerful return to traditional evangelism, hundreds of faithful souls gathered at Mars Hill Bible School for an old-fashioned tent revival that brought the community together in worship. Twelve local Churches of Christ organized the five-evening event on the historic Larimore Lawn, the former site of noted Restoration Movement preacher T.B. Larimore’s home and the Mars Hill Academy he founded in 1871.

Larimore later renamed the institution Mars Hill College and led it until 1887. The current K-12 school opened in 1947, continuing the Christian educational legacy.

Attendees packed in and around a large white tent — with standing-room only Wednesday night — demonstrating the hunger for Biblical preaching and fellowship. Guest preachers including area ministers and Bible School teachers Matt Heupel, Brad Adcock, Frank Mills, Harrison Chastain, and Dewayne Tapscott delivered messages on the authority of Christ, Christ and his church, the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son and the Great Commission.

The revival also exemplified Christian generosity, with nightly contributions supporting several ministries: Isaiah’s Call, North Alabama Christian Children’s Home, the University of North Alabama Christian Student Center, Heritage Christian University and World Evangelism Missions.

MISSOURI

ST. LOUIS — The Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis celebrated its 50th graduating class, aptly named the “Golden Graduation,” marking five decades of faith-centered education. The small K-12 school was founded in 1976 and is associated with Churches of Christ.

The academy hosted celebratory events honoring founders, donors and leaders who helped shape the school’s mission of “preparing students to live a life of value and meaning to God, society, and self.” At commencement, nine graduating seniors stood alongside alumni from the academy’s first graduating class and founding board member Bob McGuire.

“The Class of 2026 joins a legacy of alumni who have gone on to serve in ministry, medicine, education and the military, with most of CA graduates pursuing higher education, military service and the trades,” the school stated.

The academy also celebrated the retirement of longtime administrator and former student Carla J. Payne, who served as head of school for 35 years. Payne was an inaugural student, attending from 1976 to 1980, embodying the school’s lasting impact on successive generations.

TEXAS

FRITCH — Ministry League, a free app offering lyrics to hundreds of worship and devotional songs for more than a decade, has launched a major update. Developed by Tyler Brassfield, a member of the Fritch Church of Christ in Texas, the app has been rebranded as The Ministry Network.

Beyond Ministry League’s songbook and podcasts and teaching materials by members of Churches of Christ, the refreshed app introduces Anchor Studio — a collection of devotional and study books with podcasts by the book authors. This innovative tool demonstrates how technology can serve traditional Christian values and enhance spiritual growth.

The app also serves as a resource for participants of Exposure Youth Camp — an annual youth event in Huntsville, Alabama, where attendees can register and access the schedule, news, keynotes and more.

“The app’s intent is to help provide materials, opportunities (and) knowledge for those in ministry both professionally and vocationally to spread the Word,” Brassfield said.

The new app rolled out alongside the Ministry Summit at the Piedmont Road Church of Christ in Marietta, Georgia.

NEWSMAKERS

AWARDED — JOANNA ESTES, the Girl Scout Silver Award for her project, “Brighten Up the Blahs.” Joanna made flowers and butterflies from pipe cleaners to add color to hospital rooms where she stayed during her treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma. She and her parents worship with the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City.

ALLEN WAI JANG, Master status from the American Tai Chi & Qigong Association. Jang is a member of the Sierra Madre Church of Christ in California.

MELVIN L. OTEY, the Student Organization Faculty Advisor of the Year award from Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama.

HONORED — MALIK BEAUFORD and DESTINY CALDERON as Mr. and Miss Falcon Athletics by Florida College in Temple Terrace, Florida.

JASON and ERICA NOBLE for 20 years of service to the Friendly Avenue Church of Christ in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Jason is preaching minister.

NAMED — JEREMY ASHLIN, JENNA GOVE and KATIE WAMPLER to the theatre department at Harding University.

BETTY BRUSH and GARRY STEINBACH to the board of directors of Program for Humanitarian Aid, a Texas-based nonprofit that serves vulnerable Ukrainians and is supported by Churches of Christ.

GRANT BURNS, head men’s basketball coach for Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. The FHU Lions are defending NAIA National Champions.

KENNETH HAWLEY, dean of the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation Honors College and KREGG FEHR, Dean of the J.E. and Eileen Hancock College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Lubbock Christian University in Texas.

ANDY MITCHELL, evangelist for the Wellsburg Church of Christ in West Virginia.

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