Guest commentary by Laura Viau “So… how many churches have you served?” I can understand why I get this question. If I’d..
The following is an oral history of a successful pastoral transition at Hampton Presbyterian Church in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. You’ll hear from a..
I have found myself complaining far too often lately, so I am pausing to notice the bright spots in ministry. It is..
Guest commentary by Nicole Farley In 2017 the Presbytery of Milwaukee received a grant, which made possible new ways of attending to..
Guest commentary by Jihyun Oh Transitional ministry can happen at any time. It can happen in a 10-year pastoral call when key..
Jana Blazek joined the Presbyterian Outlook staff in 2011 and continues to bring passion, commitment and excellence to everything she does. And..
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..
Another mass shooting. This time in a municipal office building in Virginia Beach. The news reported that this was the most..
After the rushing wind and the fiery tongues, after the amazement of the crowds and the preaching of Peter, I read that..
Guest commentary by Susan Krummel When I was first trained as an interim minister in the 1990s, there was a clear path..
We are living in a time of constant transition in the church. I see this at the denominational level and the local..
I can feel the mood of the room shift without even looking into the eyes of those gathered there. If I did..
The tension in the congregation is high after the pastor announces a change in call. Questions abound: Can’t we just elect a..
Recently, a retired pastor explained to me how he secured his first call. There was a catalog of open positions published and..
We pastor-types do not look for a job, we seek a call. Churches do not hire a minister, they extend a call...
I prefer “transition” to “change,” for a transition implies intention. Change is our only constant. But “transition” means to go or cross..
Guest commentary by Sarah Craven As we stood in the midst of a genocide memorial where over 50,000 people were buried and..
My church recently lost a great man. Actually, I can confidently say that not just our church, but our community lost a..
Leslie Scanlon has been the Presbyterian Outlook’s national reporter since 2000. She has covered countless Presbyterian meetings, written a myriad of feature..
The most fraught time in a congregation’s life is transition. A new pastor arrives, a new cohort of leaders emerges, the world..
I made a passing remark during a class about Karl Barth meeting with Billy Graham. My students were all over it. “Karl..
We asked our bloggers to share their biggest dreams for the church. Here’s what they imagine. We can put a..
“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” — Rachel Carson Let’s begin..
We asked our bloggers to share their biggest dreams for the church. Here’s what they imagine. The 5-year-old exclaims, “There’s my friend!”..
EL MONTE, California – With only about 70 students, International Theological Seminary in suburban Los Angeles doesn’t have an impressive campus, a..
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