On returning to our places of worship
“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion.” Oddly, perhaps, in the church..
More Stories from this Author
A view from a pandemic sabbatical
After 28 years of ministry (including 20 in my current context), I asked for and received permission from the session to take..
COVID-19 and the Latinx church
A CNN report in May pointed out a significant but sad statistic: “In California, Latinos represent 70% of all coronavirus related deaths..
Mandela greets U.S. faith community (30 years ago)
30 years ago — July 16-30, 1990 Religious “leaders from the United States gathered in the chapel of Riverside Church in New..
A vital congregation — A system centered on Christ
Pastors typically experience tensions between what they see as their biblical role and the role imposed on them as leader of a..
not/me
I. Two by two they walked from the ends of the earth strung together like beads destined for the..
Charlie Dates
“To name racism as merely individual sin somehow absolves white people who feel like they are not racist. They do not understand..
Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians
Austen Hartke Westminster John Knox Press, 214 pages Reviewed by Brenda Walker Austen Hartke’s passion for inviting others to find themselves reflected..
Holy Imagination + Race: How the Church Can Be a Healing Force in America’s Racial Divide
September 15 90-minute Presbyterian Outlook webinar Presented by Kerry Connelly Sponsored by Presbyterian Publishing — Free of charge to participants View the..
From changing lives to preaching at iPads: How clergy are coping with the new normal
(RNS) — They can’t shake hands. They can’t sing robustly. And, in most cases, they can’t worship in person with people they’ve..
What’s right about Northridge Presbyterian Church?
Northridge Presbyterian Church — Dallas Northridge Presbyterian Church members and friends have “Packed the Pews” over the past 12 weeks! Collecting non-perishable..
What is essential? A commissioner’s thoughts on the 224th General Assembly
Guest commentary by Brad Clayton I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to serve as a commissioner to the 224th..
Ministry with the Forgotten: Dementia through a Spiritual Lens
Kenneth L. Carder Abingdon Press, 192 pages Reviewed by Linda Dickerson I’ve been a pastor for 32 years, and during that time,..
Transformative and redemptive ministry? A YAAD’s perspective on the 224th General Assembly
Guest commentary by Christopher Morgan On the early evening of June 27, co-moderator Gregory Bentley gave the closing benediction and walked off,..
What books make you who you are?
For the last few months, my extended family and I have been getting together on twice-weekly Zoom calls. Every Wednesday and Saturday,..
What’s right about Louisville Seminary?
Louisville Seminary — Louisville, Kentucky After classes at Louisville Seminary went online in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear..
In every story, our life
A pandemic changed things. It changed the way we worship, work, move about in our cities and sometimes even within our homes...
Diane Moffett
“It is the person of Jesus, unjustly tried and murdered by the state, that makes me understand we are not alone. It..
20 years ago — July 10, 2000
Syngman Rhee became the first Asian-American to be elected moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) during the first day of the 212th..
Showing: What Pregnancy Tells Us about Being Human
Agnes R. Howard Eerdmans, 216 pages Reviewed by Nicole Childress Ball A few months ago, I was waddling after my toddler in..
Could the “Second Sunday” series save Sunday school?
Guest commentary by Sheryle Dixon Like many churches of all stripes, the First Presbyterian Church of Alma in Michigan has been facing..
Paul the Progressive? The Compassionate Christian’s Guide to Reclaiming the Apostle Paul as an Ally
Eric C. Smith Chalice Press, 160 pages Reviewed by Jo Forrest “Never say anything from your pulpit that would cause harm to..
Testimonies during trials: Videos convey hope and lament at General Assembly
Cries, calls and challenges of the church Lament was engraved across the 224th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as it..
Grieve with hope: General Assembly concludes with worship
Immediately following the end of its business on Saturday, June 27, 2020, the 224th General Assembly moved into a time of worship to..
What’s right about Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church?
Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church — York, South Carolina When the Presbyterian Women of Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church were inspired to donate a..