The Strategically Small Church
Brandon J. O’Brien reframes small-church ministry as a gift, urging leaders to move beyond numerical growth metrics toward community-rooted, sustainable measures of faithfulness, writes Jo Wiersema.
More Stories from this Author
Trans Biblical: New Approaches to Interpretation and Embodiment in Scripture
In "Trans Biblical," editors Joseph Marchal, Melissa Sellew and Katy Valentine invite readers to see familiar biblical figures – like Jael, Jacob and Mordecai – in new and life-giving ways. Jo Wiersema offers a review.
Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence about Neurodiversity
Sarah Griffith Lund’s theology of neurodiversity is that neurodiverse individuals are whole and loved in their neurodiverse experience, not a problem to be solved. — Jo Wiersema
The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids
"Each of the 42 stories references themes of belonging, being beloved and delight. Clark frames these stories through this lens, tying them together with the thread of God’s love and delight in humanity." — Jo Wiersema
When God Became White: Dismantling Whiteness for a More Just Christianity
"The pervasive images of a White Jesus and language that presents a White male God, further emphasize the assimilationist attitude that was and is prevalent in Western culture." — Jo Wiersema on "When God Became White"
Redeeming Violent Verses: A Guide for Using Troublesome Texts in Church and Ministry
"Seibert offers a path toward healing wounds found in the death and destruction of long-ignored Scripture," writes Jo Wiersema.
The theology of bartending
Jo Wiersema, a University of Dubuque Theological Seminary alum and bartender, shares their ministry behind the bar. Sometimes, they write, you can find the love of God next to a pint of beer.
What story Bible should I buy?
Based on a recent Outlook survey, Jo Wiersema shares the top children’s Bibles for early and pre-readers — and what you should consider when purchasing a story Bible.
Growing in God’s Love
In Outlook's 2023 survey about children's Bibles, Growing in God's Love by Elizabeth F. Caldwell and Carol A. Wehrheim was the favorite choice. Jo Wiersema and Amy Pagliarella review it here.
Spark Story Bible
Jo Wiersema and Amy Pagliarella talk about Spark Story Bible by Patti Thisted Arthur. Is it the right Bible to read with your kids? Is it a good choice for Sunday school?
Children of God Storybook Bible
Jo Wiersema and Amy Pagliarella review Desmond Tutu's Children of God Storybook Bible. Read the pros and the cons.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost — July 30, 2023
The kingdom of heaven allows us to see our ordinary lives in extraordinary ways, Jo Wiersema writes, reflecting on Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52.
Order of worship — July 30, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Practicing Christians, Practical Atheists: How Cultural Liturgies and Everyday Social Practices Shape the Christian Life
"Davignon offers a blanket critique … (h)e views the modern world so negatively that he even critiques congregations that utilize secular tools such as social media to promote their ministries." — Jo Wiersema
A humble, victorious king (July 2, 2023)
How do we hold the contradictions present in Zechariah 9:9-17?
Children’s Bible survey
The Presbyterian Outlook is building a comprehensive list of children's Bible recommendations — and we want to hear from you! What Bible do you use? Fill out the survey by June 30, 2023, to add your voice to the conversation, and stay tuned for the results.
The Peace Table
Jo Wiersema and Amy Pagliarella share the top three children's Bibles, as ranked by Outlook readers. They also review the new children's Bible: The Peace Table.
Finding Phoebe: What New Testament Women Were Really Like
Dispelling long-held myths about the experiences and expectations of ancient women, Hylen provides ample evidence that women were impactful, vocal and a powerful social force in the time of Jesus.
How to Inhabit Time: Understanding the Past, Facing the Future, Living Faithfully Now
"When we remember where we came from, we are obligated to live outside of our schedules and forget our impatience. In an American world full of rush and calendars, Smith offers an alternative: we are to rest."