Haberer is currently pastor of Clear Lake Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas. The announcement of his new position was made to the congregation at worship services October 16.
“Building on the work of the strong editors who have gone before him, Jack Haberer brings the same sense of wisdom about the church, a keen analytical interest, and a contagious enthusiasm for the mission of The Presbyterian Outlook,” says Foundation board president Richard A. Ray of North Carolina. “Deeply rooted in the doctrinal heritage of the Presbyterian Church, Jack’s commitment to the church’s mission of evangelism, social witness, and compassionate service has prepared him well for this task.”
O. Benjamin Sparks, fulltime pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Va., will conclude his time as Outlook interim editor when Jack Haberer assumes his new duties. Sparks has been an Outlook foundation director for years and has been interim editor since March 2004. “I am pleased with the Foundation’s unanimous choice. Jack Haberer brings energy and a strong Reformed fidelity to the Outlook. Most important, his imaginative and genuine kindness toward a church that is often difficult to love, is what the PC(USA) most needs now,” says Sparks.
Robert P. Baskin, Outlook publisher and CEO, is also welcoming Haberer: “I am thrilled Jack is joining the Outlook family. Over his years of ministry, he has shown real ardor for the Presbyterian Church and an ability to reach out and connect with people from all over the denomination. I anticipate that he will bring a very compelling editorial voice to the Outlook.”
The new OUTLOOK editor-in-chief grew up in New Jersey and followed a faith journey that led from the Jesus Movement through evangelical and inter-denominational affiliations to a commitment to the Reformed tradition and the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. He received an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass., and a D.Min. from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga.
He is the author of numerous journal and magazine articles, and two books: “Godviews: The Convictions that Drive Us and Divide Us,” and “Living the Presence of the Spirit.”
Haberer has served the Clear Lake congregation since 1994 and previously was pastor of Trinity Church in Satellite Beach, Fla. 1984-94. He has been active in various Presbyterian-oriented organizations, including Presbyterians for Renewal (1999 to 2005), and The Presbyterian Coalition (1995-98.)
Since 2001, he has served as a member of the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity, and Purity of Church, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) By agreement with the Outlook Foundation, he will complete his obligation to the task force, including several speaking engagements into 2006. However, according to Ray, Haberer’s meeting of this obligation will not affect the Outlook’s ongoing editorial policies of independent news analysis and commentary on various issues within the PC(USA), including the work of the task force.
