Cleveland, TN–Church leaders gathered in the Prayer Plaza of the Church of God International Offices today to dedicate a historic marker which commemorates the life and ministry of Edmond and Rebecca Barr, the first Church of God ministers to take the gospel outside the United States.

In our increasingly secular, celebrity-obsessed, connected world, it’s no surprise that Facebook is read far more than the Bible, which a study highlighted this week as the giant of social media celebrated its 10th birthday. But it’s also true that millions of people who may not encounter the Bible in any other way are doing so through Facebook-based Bible ministries.

Christianity Today (CT) and Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company have released findings of a joint research project — Youth Ministry in America. The study, based on responses from more than 800 youth ministry leaders across the United States, highlights key findings on the demographics, activities, and practices of youth ministries.

As the Church of God prepares for the 75th International General Assembly, which begins July 29, 2014, previous-notice notification is required for motions to amend, alter, or repeal the bylaws as is set forth in the Minutes of the 74th International General Assembly.

Seated at a table with other chaplains who have comforted grieving military families, retired Army Chaplain John Schumacher held the red rose in his hands before he passed it along, pausing to remember those who had died on the battlefield.

Apologist and legendary Christian author Josh McDowell decided against giving a speech at Liberty University’s convocation on Wednesday, instead opting to share his own story, which included tales of a traumatic childhood and of coming to know Christ as a college student on the search for truth.

President Barack Obama pressed for greater religious freedom in China and offered prayers for U.S. prisoners in North Korea and Iran on Thursday during remarks at an annual prayer breakfast that highlighted his Christian faith.

In the first move of its kind, the Church of God International Executive Committee, meeting in January 2014, approved a proposal to create the designation of “USA Missionary” for persons commissioned for or engaged in unique missionary ministries within the United States of America. The Church of God USA Missions Board, in its December 2013 meeting, had earlier approved the recommendation, which came from the executive director and administrative coordinator.

Today’s Christian Woman (TCW), a Christianity Today publication, announced today its release of a free issue during the month of February. Available as an iPad edition or online at Today’s Christian Woman.com, February’s free issue, Holy Sexuality: Beyond Straight or Gay, is designed to engage readers in conversations about topics important to women, their families, faith, and culture.