Art Ayris, CEO of Kingstone Comics, has transformed his passion for ministry into a global mission of spreading the Bible’s message through visually stunning comic books.

Ayris, who previously served as a children’s pastor, founded Kingstone Comics after realizing comics could be an instrumental evangelism tool in reaching not only children but also countless others for the gospel.

“I used to run a large children’s ministry with hundreds of unchurched kids who had no biblical background,” Ayris told ChurchLeaders. “I started from ground zero with many of them, and I was always looking for ways to connect.”

“That’s when I saw the booming market for comics and thought we could do something meaningful,” he continued. “We started with the Bible because I knew it, and after seven years, we completed the Kingstone Bible, the most complete graphic adaptation of Scripture.”

The Kingstone Bible stands apart due to its contributions from artists who have worked for Marvel, DC, and other leading comic publishers.

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Kingstone Comics has impacted communities worldwide. From prisons to remote villages, the comics have opened doors for evangelism.

“Our comics resonate with people who might not pick up a traditional Bible,” Ayris said. “In prison ministries, where many inmates read at a third-grade level, our comics make the Bible accessible.”

“I’ve seen fathers in tough neighborhoods drawn to the comic materials, and missionaries have used them in places like Papua New Guinea, where entire villages read them together,” Ayris said.

Kingstone’s reach extends further through collaborations with organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, which translates and distributes the comics in multiple languages, including in Muslim-majority countries.

“What I’ve seen as a pastor and an evangelist is that there’s a lot of people that, while they won’t pick up a text Bible, they will pick up a comic Bible,” Ayris shared.

As his football team prepares for the Fiesta Bowl tonight (Dec. 31), Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson is again using his time in the spotlight to share his faith. The outspoken Christian regularly uses interviews and press conferences to glorify God and discuss his relationship with Jesus.

During a Fiesta Bowl media event this week, Danielson was asked what God had taught him this year and what Bible verses the coach has leaned on this season.

He began his reply by citing his motto: “Love Jesus, work hard, treat people right.” Although Danielson admitted he sometimes falls short of those goals, he said, “My relationship with Jesus is the only way I can be everything I need to be for this team.”

“Love Jesus, work hard, treat people right.”

LOVE THIS from Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson as he prepares for his big Fiesta Bowl matchup against Penn State pic.twitter.com/DVOV95UJoa

— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) December 31, 2024

Danielson, 36, is in his first full year as head coach of the 12-1 Broncos, the Mountain West Conference champions.

No. 8 Boise State, which earned a bye week in the College Football Playoffs (CFP), faces off tonight against No. 6 Penn State in Glendale, Arizona. The Fiesta Bowl winner advances to the CFP semifinals.

Boise State Coach Shares Scripture With Players

Speaking to a reporter on Dec. 30, Danielson said he treasures many Bible verses. “Revelation [3:8] talks about doors God opens, no man can shut,” he said. “And I believe that, because there’s so many things that can create anxiety in your heart, like, ‘Oh no, is this gonna happen…?’ If God wants it to happen, doors God opens, no man can shut.”

The coach also pointed to Ephesians 3:20, saying, “God will do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask for, or we wouldn’t be the Mountain West Conference championship. We get a bye in the College Football Playoff and play in the Fiesta Bowl.”

“So many times for me and my faith, you look at stories in the Bible that directly correlate to what we are going through in our daily lives, and that’s what I lean on,” he continued. “Not on my own thoughts or my own things that I want to do. I lean on those things, and that’s what is my rock. That is what my faith is put on.”

Danielson said he shares many biblical concepts with his players:

I talk to our team about David. I talk to our team about Joshua…It even says in [Esther 4:14], have you been called to this kingdom for such a time as this? I believe I’ve been called to Boise State football for such a time as this. I believe our team has too. That does not mean that everything’s gonna be perfect. It doesn’t mean that everything’s gonna go the way you want. But I do believe we’ve all been called, so don’t miss that moment. Don’t miss the impact you’re gonna have.

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Spencer Danielson Impacts Young Lives

Though Boise State’s football program is no stranger to success, it has often been overlooked. That changed this year under Danielson’s leadership—and with the strong performance of running back Ashton Jeanty, the 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up. In August, Danielson helped baptize Jeanty, who’s likely to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

A man has been arrested and charged for allegedly sexually assaulting a small child during a church prayer meeting held at a home in Trenton, New Jersey. Jose Agustin-Hernandez, 51, was identified by investigators after fleeing the scene. 

Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of child sex abuse that some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing.

The incident allegedly occurred on Dec. 23, when Agustin-Hernandez attended a prayer meeting held at someone’s home. 

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During the meeting, Agustin-Hernandez allegedly entered the room of a 6-year-old girl who lives at the residence and sexually assaulted her while she was sleeping. 

According to prosecutors, the girl escaped from the room and told a family member what had happened. Agustin-Hernandez then reportedly ran out of the home and was pursued by other individuals who were present at the meeting, but they soon lost sight of him. 

After the family contacted authorities, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit conducted an investigation in which they interviewed several witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage from the area. 

Agustin-Hernandez was arrested on Sunday (Dec. 29) and faces charges of first degree aggravated sexual assault, second degree criminal sexual contact, and third degree endangering the welfare of a child.

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Prosecutors have requested that Agustin-Hernandez remain in custody as he awaits trial.

History and faith intersect at Pullman Yards in Atlanta, where “Discovering the World of Jesus: Ancient Treasures from the Holy Land” invites visitors to journey 2,000 years back in time. The exhibit, which showcases over 350 authentic artifacts from the time of Jesus Christ, runs from Dec. 3 to Feb. 28, 2025, in its first stop on a nationwide tour.

Israeli entrepreneur and antiquities collector Oded Golan, the mind behind the renowned Golan Collection, curated this extraordinary display. It features items like the James Ossuary, believed to have belonged to Jesus’ brother, and the Zechariah Ossuary, believed to belong to the priest who was the father of John the Baptist.

An ossuary, also known as a bone box, is used to hold the skeletal remains of someone who has died.

The exhibit melds cutting-edge technology with ancient treasures to bring the New Testament to life.

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“This exhibition lets people step into the lives of those who walked with Christ,” Golan told ChurchLeaders. “We use artifacts, explanations, and interactive displays to give a new perspective on the stories from that era.”

Inscribed on James’ Bone Box are the Words ‘Brother of Yeshua’

One of Golan’s most prized artifacts is the James Ossuary, a bone box inscribed with the words, “Yaakov, son of Yosef, brother of Yeshua.” This artifact, Golan explained, is a key link to Jesus’ immediate family and offers insight into early Christian history.

Equally captivating is the Zechariah Ossuary, adorned with depictions of the Jerusalem Temple and angelic wings.

“From the decoration, we can infer that Zechariah was a priest in the temple, possibly the father of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testament,” Golan said.

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Other artifacts include stone cups like the one used at the Last Supper, a manger made of stone, and nails from crucifixions, all of which offer visitors a realistic glimpse into life and death during the time of Christ.

Matt Chandler, lead pastor of The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, is asking for prayers for his wife, Lauren. According to Matt’s social media posts, Lauren has been hospitalized with a “super high fever and other symptoms” for several days. So far, tests have been inconclusive.

On Sunday (Dec. 29), Matt Chandler wrote, “Day 3 in the hospital with the fierce @laurenchandler. Super high fever and other symptoms. Still can’t quite figure out what’s causing it all.”

“She has been poked, prodded and scanned up and down and the fever persists,” he continued. “Prayers appreciated. Thank you to all our family and friends who have filled in the gaps.”

Lauren Chandler Has a ‘Persistent Fever’

In the comments, the pastor’s social media followers are lifting up Lauren Chandler to God, asking for healing. People are also suggesting possible causes of the high fever, including meningitis and pneumonia.

In an update, Matt Chandler wrote, “The tests have all come back negative and she’s been tested on everything you guys are mentioning in the comments. The doctors are convinced it’s viral and [she] will start turning the corner soon.”

He added:

The fever has become more manageable and isn’t hitting near as high and her blood pressure is normal again. They were hoping the fever would break and we could wait out the tests that take longer for results at home. Unfortunately the fever has been persistent. Thanks for the prayers. She is finally getting good sleep and besides a terrible headache due to the spinal tap she’s feeling a smidge better!

Lauren Chandler, 44, is an author and worship leader. She and Matt, 50, have been married for 25 years and have three children.

In her Instagram bio, Lauren Chandler describes herself as an artist, writer, worship leader, speaker, dreamer, brand ambassador, and podcast co-host. Her books include “Steadfast Love,” “With Us in the Wilderness,” and two children’s titles.

The Chandlers Have Faced Adversity Before

In December 2023, Matt Chandler appeared on “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to discuss parenting and family discipleship. The previous month, he appeared on the podcast to discuss his temporary removal from the pulpit in 2022.

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Elders at The Village Church determined that the pastor had violated the church’s social media policies by engaging in inappropriate—though not sexual or romantic—direct Instagram messages with an unnamed woman.

While spending the day spearfishing with his family, school chaplain and youth pastor Luke Walford (40) suffered a shark attack that quickly took his life. Walford was an experienced fisherman who regularly spent time perfecting his hobby off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

“I’ve had the privilege of watching Luke grow from a child to a remarkable young man,” shared Walford’s pastor.

Australian Youth Pastor Who ‘Truly Loved God and Loved People’ Killed in Shark Attack

Walford’s father passed down the love of spearfishing—a hobby that invoked passion for decades. Walford, along with his family, set off for a popular tourist spot—Humpy Island, near Great Keppel Island and Great Barrier Reef’s Keppel Bay Islands National Park.

Local authorities said Walford was bitten by a shark in the afternoon. Paramedics arrived and worked quickly. But, he “sustained life-threatening injuries” that took his life less than two hours later, according to Newsweek.

Pastor Claude Fingleton announced Walford’s death and gave a tribute to his life on the church’s Facebook page. Fingleton has led the Cathedral of Praise Church in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, alongside his wife, Elva, for 50 years. Fingleton dedicated Walford as a baby and had “witnessed incredible contributions as part of our church staff.”

“It’s with deep sorrow that we share the tragic news of Pastor Luke Walford’s passing,” the post read. “Last night, we learned that he was attacked by a shark while doing something he loved—spearfishing, a passion that was passed down to him by his father.”

Walford had been on staff at the church for 10 years and was close to those in his church and his community. “I’ve had the privilege of watching Luke grow from a child to a remarkable young man,” shared Fingleton.

“Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in the promises of God. We know that Luke is now with the Lord, resting in His presence because of God’s exceedingly great and precious promises,” Fingleton continued. “Luke was a man who truly loved God and loved people. Today, we rejoice that he is in the arms of his Saviour.”

Walford was described as a “God honouring man whose enthusiasm and energy to serve the body is infectious,” on the church’s website. “He has a genuine love for children and young people and desires to help them grow in all that God has created them to be,” the church added.

Walford is survived by his wife, Kayelene. She also works at Cathedral of Praise Church, where she is surrounded by a church community.

“Our prayers are with Luke’s family, especially his wife, his mother, and all his relatives,” the church’s social media post said. “We ask God to strengthen them, provide them with peace, and bring them through this unimaginable time. Please continue to lift them up in prayer as they navigate the days ahead.”

(RNS) — Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday (Dec. 29) at age 100, was known most as the 39th president of the United States. But he also will be remembered as the world’s most famous Sunday school teacher.

Carter, who spoke openly about his Baptist faith while campaigning for the White House in 1976, earned the votes of many evangelical Christians when he called himself “born again.”

Carter died at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family, according to a statement on The Carter Center website.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said his son Chip Carter in the statement. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs.”

After leaving the White House in 1981, Carter spent decades as a humanitarian and advocate for peace — building houses with Habitat for Humanity, monitoring elections in dozens of countries, helping fight against Guinea worm disease.

Still, more Sundays than not, the former president had a regular appointment: teaching Sunday school in his rural Georgia Baptist church.

Maranatha Baptist Church posted his schedule on its website, listing dates he would be there to teach. It included frequently asked questions about the do’s and don’ts of a visit to the church in Plains. (Yes, pictures could be taken at the end of the worship service with Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. No, the Carters do not give autographs at the church.)

Rosalynn Carter died at the age of 96 on Nov. 19, 2023.

More recently, the church added a “Carter Challenge” page where people could “tell your Jimmy Carter story,” after hearing him encourage Sunday school attendees to “do one good thing for one other person.”

“Jimmy Carter’s identity is inseparable from his almost lifelong vocation — 60, 70 years — as a Sunday school teacher,” said historian Bill Leonard, professor of divinity emeritus at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. “He has lived every week of his adult life in the study and teaching of the Scriptures.”

Carter was the only U.S. president to have taught Sunday school while in office, according to the White House Historical Association. William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt taught Sunday school before entering the White House, and Benjamin Harrison led a Bible study class after his presidency at First Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis.

Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, spoke matter-of-factly about his long-term Bible teaching in a 2014 appearance at the LBJ Presidential Library.

As another year draws to a close, readers reviewing the top news articles from ChurchLeaders for 2024 will notice a theme: Scandal has rocked the church this year. The majority of headlines that make up our most-read stories tell a sobering tale.

Nevertheless, there are bright spots in our Top 20 List, which includes articles that show how God’s love triumphs over darkness.

Top News Articles on ChurchLeaders in 2024

20. Daystar Christian TV Empire Rocked by Allegations of Abuse, Cover-Ups, and Smear Campaign

Allegations of cover-ups, threats, and a smear campaign began flying this fall among the family behind Daystar Television Network, founded in 1993 by Marcus and Joni Lamb.

Jonathan Lamb and his wife, Suzy, spoke out, alleging that Joni Lamb has tried to cover up the sexual abuse of their daughter—her granddaughter—by an unnamed family member.

In response, Joni Lamb, Daystar’s president, said her son is waging a “failed power struggle” because he wasn’t named president after his father’s 2021 death.

19. Pastor Greg Locke’s Home Hit With Automatic Gunfire—‘God Protected Us in Unimaginable and Supernatural Ways’

Greg Locke, pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Tennessee, was the victim of a drive-by shooting the night of Sept. 3. While his home was riddled with bullets, no one was injured.

According to a social media post that Locke shared, the shooting took place moments before he and his family pulled into the driveway.

18. WATCH: Megachurch Pastor Responds to Profanity Shouted During Service

Ed Newton, lead pastor of Community Bible Church (CBC) in San Antonio, interrupted a service to address a churchgoer shouting profanity. In doing so, Newton took an opportunity to, in his own words, “be a church that embraces the tension of grace and truth.”

17. Pastor John MacArthur Says Martin Luther King Jr. ‘Wasn’t a Christian at All,’ His ‘Life Was Immoral’

In February, popular author and pastor-teacher John MacArthur claimed that civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr. “wasn’t a Christian at all” and that his “life was immoral.”

MacArthur, who for more than five decades has pastored Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, made these comments while criticizing The Gospel Coalition (TGC) and Together for the Gospel (T4G) during a Q&A session at his church.

16. Mark Driscoll Kicked Off Stage for Calling Out ‘Strip Club’-Like Performance at Stronger Men’s Conference

Controversial pastor Mark Driscoll was kicked off stage during his sermon at James River Church’s Stronger Men’s Conference in Springfield, Missouri, in April after publicly disagreeing with the conference’s opening performance.

Driscoll said the performance was something that could have been seen in a “strip club for women.”