The church S.O.B.
We had just begun to unload the U-haul in the manse driveway — in anticipation of beginning our first ministerial call — when an older gentleman rolled up in his car.
The Presbyterian Outlook
Creating and curating trustworthy resources for the church, the Presbyterian Outlook connects disciples of Jesus Christ through compelling and committed conversation for the proclamation of the Gospel.
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Presbyterians for Earth Care: New name, renewed vision
They gathered under the banner of Presbyterians for Restoring Creation (PRC) and the Eco Justice Network, but they left carrying the banner, Presbyterians for Earth Care.
Madagascar ministries continue in uncertain circumstances
As the Indian Ocean island nation of Madagascar continues to work through the consequences of a government takeover in March 2009, its citizens, including many Christian believers, are trying to carry on through difficult circumstances.
Elders urged to re-think role, take risks, be “dangerous”
ATLANTA — “The office of elder is not just some job in the church. It is a distinct call and the key to the renewal of the Presbyterian Church.”
Officer training as a way to transform your church
Years ago, I was invited to participate in a small group of leaders in town.
I do and I will
As the officers gathered around the baptismal font to be ordained and installed they felt varying degrees of nervousness.
Officer training on the other side of the pond
October 2006 was a great time for the European Ryder Cup team. Do you remember?
From silence to service
The room became quiet. A newly-elected group of elders and deacons had gathered with me to talk about the training process ahead.
Yes, we elders are ordained, too
If someone asked you to give a brief picture and description of an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church, what would you say? Where would you begin?
Five things we have unlearned in five years
Mark Twain wrote in his Notebook in 1898, “Education consists mainly in what we have unlearned.” (www.twainquotes.com). So, what have we “unlearned” in training officers over the years?
Still dangerous elders
One of the hopes I have as stated clerk of the General Assembly is to help bring about a renewal of the office of elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), moving us to think about them — and for them to think about themselves — as the spiritual leaders of their congregations.
Helping healthy pastors makes for healthy congregations
At the point of new business, Roger Miller raised his hand at the session meeting of the Four Point Presbyterian Church, “In three months we will welcome our fourth pastor in the last twelve years.
Church officer development: An annotated bibliography
First of all, check with your presbytery’s resource center. It will have a listing of other available officer development resources as well as samples for you to preview.
On spiritual leadership: A word to pastors (for elders to overhear)
John Calvin believed that lay people could be spiritual leaders.
Metrics vs. Emotions
If you want a lively argument, ask a group to name a “top ten” list of players in a sport, top ten movies, top ten songs.
Conventional wisdom
After reading reports from the Episcopal Church’s recent General Convention in Anaheim, Calif., I was reminded that church conventions aren’t “the church,” any more than Congress is “the nation.”
Film in review: “The Time-Traveler’s Wife”
OK, first of all, you can’t do time travel in the movies without suffering from the illogical.
Reforming health care system can’t wait, says Gradye Parsons
LOUISVILLE — Gradye Parsons, stated clerk of the General Assembly, has issued the following statement in light of the national attention on health care reform:
Catholic sisters meet amid Vatican probes
NEW ORLEANS — The nation's largest umbrella group for Roman Catholic sisters opened its annual meeting here Aug. 11, marking the first formal gathering of members since the Vatican launched two unprecedented inquiries into their communities.
Church group urges truth commission on Zimbabwe violence
(ENI) — A grouping of church organizations and Christian leaders in Zimbabwe has called for the creation of a commission to hear cases of political violence and determine punishment for perpetrators, and compensation for victims.
Heirs apparent
“What did the Calvinist say after falling down the stairs?”
Wonders among you: Women stand up for change
Editor’s Note: As the Outlook goes to press, the Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Louisville, Ky., is at its midpoint.
Presbyterian Women vote to go it alone
LOUISVILLE – Presbyterian Women has voted to incorporate as a non-profit corporation, which would have a “covenant relationship” with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) but would be a separate organization with control over its own finances and affairs.
Hope for Re-Forming the ministry
Fold together 50 Presbyterian pastors, seminary professors and governing body leaders.
Pondering and partying with Calvin
Sentimentality for a bygone era may have helped draw some of the participants. The promise of birthday cake – “Happy 500th!” – started the salivating.