Historicity: Does it matter?
Editor’s note: Last fall the Outlook published a three-part series of op-ed essays by Erwin C. Barron that elevated the role of experience in Biblical interpretation.
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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Pastor, take a hike!
Kenneth Cooper, the physician who coined the word “aerobics,” and one of the world’s leading experts on physical fitness, has often commented that of all the professionals he sees, pastors are in the worse physical shape.
Students building bridges at Princeton Seminary
The Bridge-makers’ Retreat, sponsored by Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS), is a student initiative geared toward reconciliation at the seminary and beyond.
Hearing what Matters
Listening to members’ questions can take many forms, from surveys to a simple exercise we recommend in the Church Wellness Project: at Sunday services, pass out 3 x 5 cards and ask members what one question they would pose to God.
Foundation, GAMC near agreement on “environment of cooperation”
CHICAGO — Over the years, disagreements between the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation and the General Assembly Mission Council (GAMC) have sometimes made the gulf between the two agencies seem far wider than the one-mile-across Ohio River that separates them.
Board of Pensions expands, simplifies Medical Plan
PHILADELPHIA — After completing a two-year review of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Medical Plan for church workers, the denominations Board of Pensions (BOP) has approved numerous “modifications” designed to make the plan simpler and more understandable.
Memorial service set for Bill Forbes
LOUISVILLE — A memorial service for William Ross Forbes, who was vice-president of church relations and corporate secretary for the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has been scheduled for July 7 at Westfield (N.J.) Church.
Christian leader named Nigeria’s greatest living legend in sms poll
LAGOS — (ENI) Nigeria's foremost Pentecostal Church leader, Enouch Adeboye, has been named the country's greatest living legend based on a public poll by a secular broadcast and print media organization.
Presbyterians asked to send feedback to the special committee on civil union and Christian marriage
LOUISVILLE - What is the place of covenanted same-gender partnerships in the Christian community?
Arrest culprits to restore calm in troubled India state, say Christians
BANGALORE, INDIA — (ENI) Christians in the troubled Kandhamal jungles of India's eastern Orissa state say strong action must be taken against Hindu extremists backing violence against them, in order to restore peace.
Catholic leaders urge G8 nations to protect the poor
TOKYO (ENI) —The presidents of the Roman Catholic bishops' conferences in the Group of Eight main industrial nations have urged their leaders to "protect poor persons and assist developing countries" at the forthcoming G8 Summit in Italy.
Significance of Belhar Confession topic of special committee’s first meeting
At the first meeting of the Special Committee to Consider Amending the Confessional Documents of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to Include the Belhar Confession in The Book of Confessions one thing was clear: there is more work to be done.
Bill Forbes, General Assembly mainstay, succumbs to pancreatic cancer
LOUISVILLE — William Ross Forbes, who served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in a variety of capacities for 37 years — including leadership at every PC(USA) General Assembly during that time — died June 30 at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore. He was 62.
On losing a dear colleague and friend
Five years ago in November our beloved colleague William Ross Forbes was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Fahed Abu-Akel elected moderator of Middle East Caucus
Fahed Abu-Akel, moderator of the 214th General Assembly 2002-2003, was elected moderator of the National Middle Eastern Presbyterian Caucus (NMEPC) for 2009-2011 June 11 in Atlanta, Ga., during the Big Tent event.
World church body names Korean, Norwegian candidates for top post
GENEVA — (ENI) The World Council of Churches says it has identified two candidates ˆ one a Korean Presbyterian and the other a Norwegian Lutheran ˆ for the post of general secretary, which becomes vacant on January 1.
Dean Thompson to retire in 2010
The president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Dean Thompson, has announced he will retire in 2010.
Musician and minister turn passion for supporting clergy into collection of meditations and songs
ATLANTA — Musician David Bailey and minister/author Stephen McCutchan have combined their talents to record A Deep Well for the Pastor, a CD of spiritual meditations and music designed for pastors.
Midway ‘tween GA’s
Midway – adv.: in the middle of the way or distance; halfway.
A church/synod effort brings clean water, and the gospel to Mayan village
It’s something many folks take for granted in this country: pouring a clean glass of water.
Actuary angles for water in Appalachia
When Bill Bowman of Louisville wanted to show his congregation, Bardstown Road Presbyterian church, what the ministry of Living Waters for the World means to him, he stood at the front of the sanctuary, lifted a glass of water, and drank.
Union – PSCE planning a new name: Union Presbyterian Seminary
The board of directors of Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education has announced that it will change the school’s name to Union Presbyterian Seminary in the near future.
Impact of the other approved amendments to the Constitution
The impact of the narrow defeat of Amendment B, which would have altered the ordination standards of the church, has been discussed at length in these pages in recent weeks.
Keeping college students connected
One casualty of the General Assembly Mission Council’s recent budget reduction was the Office of Collegiate Ministries.
Between Assemblies: Where are we now?
Some may think of the summers between Presbyterian General Assemblies – the off years – as a quiet, sultry, relaxing time. Best not to say that out loud.