Looking at the Book of Order, Paul Hooker argues that the PC(USA) over-emphasizes written ordination exams. His solution? Localize and personalize the grading.
A poem by J. Barrie Shepherd.
Andrew Taylor-Troutman reflects on a week of learning with poet and essayist Ross Gay.
Maybe the ordinary and divine comingle like coffee with cream, writes Karie Charlton.
Kendall Vanderslice, a professional baker and practical theologian, reflects on how bread can mirror the journey of faith.
When it comes to naming the Sundays between Christmas and Lent, Eliza C. Jaremko will always opt for "Ordinary Time."
Maggie Alsup invites us to remember the moment of now.
The Beauty of Motherhood encourages mothers and caregivers to pause and find the holy in the beautiful, mundane chaos of parenting.
Whether you know it or not, you have a biblical hermeneutic — maybe even more than one.
Can we clap after a beautiful song?
Sara Pantazes, a mother and director of faith formation, shares why churches should talk about justice with kids, and a couple of ideas of where these conversations can start.
For Walter Canter, one tragedy of the Revised Common Lectionary is its compression of the Sermon on the Mount. His invitation: read the whole thing. If Jesus had an album of his greatest hits, this would be it.
To Eric Nolin, there is a difference between an airy, disappearing gratitude and a weighty gratitude that sits with you. In a season of cynicism, Nolin seeks God by exploring the latter.
As the lectionary moves through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Elana Keppel Levy reflects on forgiveness — and “The Princess Bride.”
Katy Shevel briefly explores the historical meaning of Epiphany in the Eastern and Western churches, as well as the use of Star Words in modern Protestant congregations.
The story of the three Magi (magicians) in Matthew 2 reminds Aaron Neff that God is always revealing God's self in unexpected ways.
Andrew Taylor-Troutman, a father of two young boys, wonders if there is something sacred in mischief, even as it is sometimes annoying.
Can hope be a thing with feathers? A determined woman who won't stay down? The application of special face lotion? Karie Charlton says it is all these things and more.
Anna Kendig Flores shares how she picked up mountain biking as a 36-year-old, and what the activity has taught her about herself, the world, and God.
Andrew Taylor-Troutman shares a lesson he learned from a local school board president.
"But hope is not a wish. ... Hope is trusting that no matter what pains or tragedies befall us, no matter what darkness envelopes us, no matter what grief we live with, that God is still here."
Whether in Handel's "Messiah" or Isaiah 9, Advent heralds the coming of the Prince of Peace. What does that mean to a society where religion and war are often interconnected?
Kelle J. Brown shares how her church uses a gold Christ candle instead of a white one. “Our need for [traditional symbols] should never outweigh our pursuit for inclusion,” she writes.
A poem for December 21 by Scott Barton.
A poem on Luke 2:1–20 by Scott Barton.
© Copyright 2026 The Presbyterian Outlook. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Statement. Website by Web Publisher PRO
