More reflections from inside a pandemic
A few weeks ago, just as our societal response to COVID-19 was ramping up, I snagged a few frenzied minutes to note..
More Stories from this Author
COVID-19 and the church
I really want to write a good column for you, because these are important times. But I’m tired. As a leader in..
In God’s hand: A successful pastoral transition from beginning to end
The following is an oral history of a successful pastoral transition at Hampton Presbyterian Church in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. You’ll hear from a..
Mission studies and open eyes
I can feel the mood of the room shift without even looking into the eyes of those gathered there. If I did..
Why talk about transitional ministry?
Recently, a retired pastor explained to me how he secured his first call. There was a catalog of open positions published and..
Ministry hack: Time together
This week we asked the Outlook bloggers to share a “ministry hack” they’ve learned. Here’s what they shared. Given the nature of this..
Maybe still young enough to dream
This week we asked our bloggers what younger pastors are thinking about and what they think the rising generation of Presbyterian leaders..
Occupation? Vocation.
This month we asked our bloggers about how they view the role of pastor, how they understand their pastoral identity, or to..
On being a controversial preacher
In my first call, I was often accused of being a controversial preacher. Mind you, I never thought that about myself and..
Going home: Part two
(Read Going home: Part One) Yesterday, I rejected the premise of Dr. Seuss’ book “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” in favor..
Going home: Part one
Recently, in a backyard near your house, a freshly-graduated high school student opened a present from her mom and dad. In it,..
Ecumenical relations and Evangelicals
In preparing to write this blog, I spent considerable time on the ineffable PC-Biz website for this year’s upcoming General Assembly. If..
What’s in a name?
“Do you know Jesus’ real name?” This was the first question my fellow traveler from Dallas to Columbus asked me on our..
In defense of the back-up-plan prayer
Recently, following worship, a congregant had a seizure before leaving the church. I was still in the sanctuary talking with some folks..
The (minimum) wages of (capitalist) sin is death
If you spend any time in online forums like Reddit or enjoy reading The Atlantic articles, you’ve likely come across the phrase..
The many words of God
To be a born again Christian (I use this phrase primarily to indicate becoming a follower of Jesus in one’s adult years)..
Failure, relapse and other forms of grace
This month we asked our bloggers to share how they are caring for their bodies and souls in the midst of the..
A house divided: My body’s war with itself
While my colleagues are writing about cancer this month, I am opting to share about another physical condition with which I..
Handmaid Christianity – Or: A(nother) needed reminder to the church as we approach Mother’s Day
I just finished reading Margaret Atwood’s contemporary classic, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” in preparation for the miniseries on Hulu. The story takes..
The story of our money
Money is always a story. It is a story of where we’ve come from. It is a story about where we’re..
Learning forgiveness
Guest Outpost blog by Jeffrey A. Schooley “But he didn’t say anything, and neither did she. Not because the words were deliberately..
Searching for home
Guest blog by Jeffrey A. Schooley Editor’s note: This month we invited our bloggers to share their experiences of welcome and hospitality..
In the faces of friends: God at work in 2016
Guest blog by Jeffrey A. Schooley We asked our bloggers to share where they’ve seen God at work in 2016. Here is..