A changing benefits structure for a changing church
It has become clear to us at the Board of Pensions that a one-size-fits-all benefits plan may have had a certain appeal..
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The changing times of transitional ministry
Guest commentary by Susan Krummel When I was first trained as an interim minister in the 1990s, there was a clear path..
The in-between time: Interim ministry as sacred space
The tension in the congregation is high after the pastor announces a change in call. Questions abound: Can’t we just elect a..
Forgiveness and reconciliation: A visit to Rwanda
Guest commentary by Sarah Craven As we stood in the midst of a genocide memorial where over 50,000 people were buried and..
Burying White Privilege: Resurrecting a Badass Christianity
Miguel A. De La Torre Eerdmans, 168 pages Reviewed by D. Mark Davis Miguel A. De La Torre’s book, “Burying White Privilege,”..
Nicolas Marang
“Something just collapsed inside me. One of the worst things I’ve ever seen.” – Paris resident Nicolas Marang on seeing Notre Dame..
The National Council of Churches (70 years ago)
70 years ago — May 23, 1949 “The week of November 28 through December 2, 1950, bids fair to stand as one..
The Gospel of Faith and Justice
Antonio Gonzalez Orbis Books, 179 pages A second-generation liberation theology? That is what Antonio Gonzalez portends to write, taking a frank assessment..
Wonder of all wonders: A tribute to Rachel Carson
“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” — Rachel Carson Let’s begin..
What’s right about Church of the Covenant?
Church of the Covenant — Arlington, Virginia What’s right about Church of the Covenant? We’ve got rhythm. The church’s children’s drum ensemble..
Regarding ruling elders: Ruling elders as commissioners
(OGA) The year was 1983 and the setting was a presbytery meeting called to consider the plan for reuniting the two branches of..
Beating Guns: Hope for People Who are Weary of Violence
Shane Claiborne and Michael Martin Brazos Press, 288 pages Reviewed by David Ensign The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church offered its..
Sanctuary
Our coffee table at home was always covered with publications like The Presbyterian Outlook and newsletters from organizations that fought racism and..
Two faiths, one house of worship
Congregation Anshe Poale Zedek gathered for worship on a Saturday in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, as Jews have been gathering for thousands of years...
Speaking the truth in love: Engaging in fearless dialogues
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” Jesus taught the crowds during the Sermon on the Mount...
Assembly names seminary professor moderator (60 years ago)
60 years ago — May 4, 1959 Following the address given by the retiring moderator, Philip F. Howerton, the 99th Presbyterian, U.S...
Ford Hall
“I really believe that being open to being vulnerable in prayer with others helps us then be vulnerable in all of our..
Hadrian’s Wall
According to historians, Hadrian, the Roman emperor who ruled Rome from 117 to 138 A.D., ordered his soldiers to build a wall between Britain and Scotland,..
Access Worship: Truly a place for all
Guest commentary by Ben Keller We know that church hasn’t always been a safe and supportive place for those with special needs..
Building community from the inside out
One child might sit quietly for most of worship, another person might be walking circles around the sanctuary. A third might..
Everybody’s church?
The sign outside many churches reads “All are welcome.” Doesn’t that go without saying? Jesus welcomed all: the stranger, the poor, the..
The Integrity of the Body of Christ: Boundary Keeping as Shared Responsibility
Arden F. Mahlberg and Craig L. Nessan Cascade Books, 236 pages Reviewed by John Wimberly Airplane pilots are taught to ignore their..
Staff spotlight: George Whipple
The Presbyterian Outlook relies on a small, dedicated and gifted staff. If you have ever called the office in need of help..
Finding Holy in the Suburbs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much
Ashley Hales IVP Books, 192 pages Reviewed by KJ Ramsey Hales offers a compelling invitation to live with purpose and meaning in..
Living creatively with diminishments: Lessons learned after a Parkinson’s diagnosis
“At every moment we see diminishments, both in us and around us … premature deaths, stupid accidents, weaknesses affecting the highest reaches..