The Presbyterian Outlook

News and Articles from the The Presbyterian Outlook

Top Search/Contact Area

A snapshot of bivocational ministry

by Leave a Comment

When caring for ministers, we stand to gain if we better understand the service and needs of bivocational pastors.  I use the definition of “bivocation” developed by Kris Bentley from Lexington Seminary: “individuals who are licensed, commissioned or ordained ministers serving in a congregation who also receive income through employment outside the congregation.” Background I have found that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) generally does not ask people about their experiences of bivocationality. Do people feel forced to work bivocationality? Do they see both ministry and their outside work as callings? Does outside work feel like a job to make ends meet? These were some of the questions that initially shaped my research. Survey When I did a survey at a Mission Presbytery meeting, I found that 34% of my respondents (n=38) were bivocational. While this is a small sample, this finding is worth attention and further study. I asked whether my definition of bivocational ministry … [Read more...]

Tagged With: \ • bivocational ministry

Rozella Haydee White

by Leave a Comment

“This is a glaring sign of privilege — turning away from that which you don’t want to hear and only taking up arms for that which impacts you immediately.” – Author Rozella Haydee White in response to reactions John MacArthur’s comments on women in ministry, including telling Beth Moore to “go home” (in an opinion piece published by Religion News Service) … [Read more...]

Immigration forum (10 years ago)

by Leave a Comment

10 years ago — November 30, 2009 “It is estimated that approximately 12 million undocumented people reside in the United States and another estimated 300,000 come each year, according to materials from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Office of Immigration Issues. “By the end of 2009, more than 440,00 immigrants will be incarcerated at a network of county jails and for-profit prisons at a cost of approximately $2 billion annually, according to the Office of Immigration’s website. … “As compelling as the statistics are, Candie Blankman, pastor of First Church in Downey, California, began to research issues of immigration and undocumented workers for a different reason. Her own congregation included folks for whom the ‘issue’ – debated, in sound bites, the media and in government – were real and personal.” A two-day forum on immigration was held at her church. “What we are really hoping is to make it possible for people to have reasonable conversations. … It was designed not … [Read more...]

The Whole Church:  Congregational Leadership Guided by Systems Theory

by Leave a Comment

Kenneth Reeves Rowman & Littlefield, 280 pages Reviewed by Erin Keys There are a number of books on congregational life that claim to “think systems,” but not all of them actually do. Systems theory, or, more specifically, Family Systems Theory – the theory developed by Murray Bowen, a psychiatrist interested in developing a science of human behavior – is inherently complex and difficult to explain outside the behemoth of Bowen’s own textbook on the subject. Often one needs to study the theory for a number of years to truly begin to understand how to apply it to life and work. For this reason, many of the “systems” books available to ministers are not representative of a true systems approach to congregational leadership because they do not take the time to unpack the theory in its entirety. Thankfully, Reeves’ book does not fall into this category. Reeves clearly states that he is offering insight into congregational leadership that is only guided by systems theory, and … [Read more...]

Winter books – December 9, 2019

by Leave a Comment

Outlook’s book editor has compiled books of leadership and theology, grief and anxiety, racism and justice, prayer and worship. Feature articles consider how fiction informs the spiritual life and how intentional reading can become a spiritual practice. We trust this issue will help you add titles to your winter reading list! Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Fiction in faith formation Author and pastor Henry Brinton considers how stories at as mirrors to see life more clearly. Reading as spiritual practice Reading can be more than a practical skill; slowing down to read can become a spiritual practice. Briefly noted Outlook book editor Roy Howard gives a glimpse at a variety of new titles Presbyterians will want to read this winter. Books in review In-depth reviews of books on preaching, justice, earth care and more. Late tidings  Poetry for Advent by J. Barrie Shepherd … [Read more...]

Tagged With: reading

Giving for my own hard times

by Leave a Comment

Guest commentary by Pam Parker Thanksgiving time and stewardship time are linked in many church calendars. If pledges come in by mid-November, budget plans can be made for the following year. With the stewardship push happening during the Thanksgiving season, many folks can comfortably connect their reasons for giving with gratitude. At the church I attend, Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church in suburban Milwaukee, we have a few minutes during worship services for several weeks before pledges are due where a member gets up to share their stewardship story. As I thought about what I might share, I considered something a little different, but just as personal. We had heard about the many wonderful reasons members give and do what they can to support the church. And they’ve were great reasons — because the church provides a loving, inviting environment, because it works to be a vehicle for sharing God’s love in our community and the world, because of Bible studies, or Sunday school, … [Read more...]

Tagged With: stewardship

CONTACT US: