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Apologetics is a part of theology that defends religious doctrines, not apologizing for them as one might think. But Scott Bessenecker’s new book is an apology. And also a defense of the Christian church. The book is called Bad Religion Good News, An Honest Guide for the Spiritually Disappointed (Herald Press). Bessenecker is a 40-year Madison resident and employee of Madison-based InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where he currently serves as director of global engagement and justice. “The book is me working through my repulsion, my complicity in the sins of the church,” he told a group of about 50 who gathered…

By Nicole Pollack – Wisconsin State Journal – At Madison’s largest Black church, finding space for all the programming requires some finesse. In one room with rows of narrow tables and a fireplace mantel covered in artwork, the weekly rotation includes tutoring for elementary-aged kids, computer help for older adults, painting and yoga classes and a drop-in behavioral health clinic. Mount Zion Baptist Church has about 600 members, said the Rev. Marcus Allen, Mount Zion’s senior pastor. Most of those served by its community programs are not members of the church, he said, and in 2021 the church spun off…

Awkward times at Brat Fest. Someone drops their brat in the dirt. Just keep walking. A young couple has a loud argument. Just keep walking. Somebody’s child loses it. Just keep walking. Heartland church pastor Jon McNary said that Jesus told a story about such an awkward event when he was asked how to get to heaven. Once again, McNary’s Sun Prairie church hosted the Sunday morning community worship service at Brat Fest, Madison’s annual Memorial Day weekend celebration at Alliant Energy Center’s Willow Island. Only this year they shared hosting with Madison’s Lighthouse Church. It was a bilingual service,…

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Crystal Apple recipient Christina Clardy has given the gift of her unwavering presence after her school endured an unthinkable tragedy. Mrs. Clardy teaches middle school Bible classes at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. Almost every day, her students start off with a song. “I’m getting emotional,” Clardy said of her students. “I think they have an eagerness for the things of the Lord. They’re not too cool yet, And I think also just like very curious minds still at this age.” Read more of this story.

It is a competition. People actually vote to decide which organizations get the top grant awards. But many of the organizations represented cooperate and work together to serve the needs of people in the Madison area. That was clear as United Madison Christian Givers (UMCG) held another of its regular Award Events on April 27, 2026, at the InterVarsity building. “We’re all Christians come together to do God’s work,” said UMCG CEO Diane Hanson. These quarterly gatherings draw together Christians from various local denominations and church communities who share a desire to find out how God is moving in the…

By Robert Chappell – Madison 365 – Mt. Zion Baptist Church began in 1911 above a harness shop on East Washington Avenue, organized as a mission by a handful of pastors from Chicago and Milwaukee. The rent was $10 a month. A minister traveled from Chicago to preach on Sundays for $10 plus room and board. Next month, the South Madison congregation, now the second-oldest and largest predominantly Black church in Madison, will celebrate 115 years with a month of themed Sunday worship services, a new building design reveal, and a grand community worship service to close it out. Read…

Channel 3000.com – DEERFIELD, Wis. — St. Paul’s Liberty Lutheran Church is celebrating a major milestone this year, marking 175 years as one of the nation’s oldest Norwegian Lutheran congregations still worshipping in its original building. Founded in the mid-19th century, the church continues to hold services in its 1851 structure, a distinction leaders say sets it apart from many other historic congregations whose original buildings no longer stand. The anniversary will be commemorated with a series of events throughout the year that highlight the church’s history and Norwegian heritage. Read more of this story.

By Juliana Tornabene – MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The 2024-25 Abundant Life Christian School’s boys basketball team was honored Friday with the Spirit of Sport award, to recognize their resilience and faith in the wake of tragedy. The National Federation of State High School Associations created the award and it is given to teams or individuals who embody qualities of resilience, sportsmanship and education-based athletics values. Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) and the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin presented the award to the team, who was represented by head coach and athletic director Mike Thies. Read more of this story.

By Barry Adams – Wisconsin State Journal – The $33 million transformation of St. Bernard Catholic Church into a cathedral for the Diocese of Madison has just encountered a $2 million cost overrun. Only this one is covered by insurance. Almost six months after a clay-tile roof was installed on the 99-year-old Atwood Avenue building, the scaffolding is going back up after last week’s hailstorm shattered many of the tiles, dented adjacent copper roofs and trim and even damaged some of the wood sheathing under the tile. Read more of this story.

By Phoebe Murray – JANESVILLE, Wis. (WMTV) -Floodwaters crashed through the doors of First Lutheran Church on Friday night, trapping musicians inside as severe storms hammered Rock County. “We started to hear popping, and we ran to the front railing of the upstairs,” Biswabic said. “And all of sudden this big huge door with that thick glass exploded. It sounded like a bomb going off and everybody just about jumped out of their skin.” Biswabic and a handful of musicians had driven in from across the Midwest for a festival scheduled that night. Read more of this story.