Outlook Reporting

Sharing the good with all people, all creation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Two scholar-statesmen made the case for Christian witness to all humans – indeed, to all of the creation –..

It’s your call: Healthy Ministries conference participants get first look at special committee’s review of ministry preparation, ordination exams

Big Tent participants attending an Aug. 3 workshop titled “Preparing Leaders for Tomorrow’s Ministry” were given a first opportunity to ask questions and..

Visited by an angel in need of mending

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Throughout this week’s Big Tent event here, participants in the World Mission Conference have considered ways to make a..

The church speaks on race

LOUISVILLE - In light of George Zimmerman’s acquittal last month of the murder of Trayvon Martin, a panel of Presbyterian leaders talked race..

Beliefs shape behavior: Thinking about the faith should lead us into a new way of life, said Cynthia Campbell

LOUISVILLE - Think about someone you know who really lives the Christian faith. What does that look like? This opening exercise sparked lively..

Gradye Parsons: Walking together on the sanctification road

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Ruling elders brought their Saturday morning coffee to a breakout session at the Big Tent Aug. 3 to talk..

Retune, respond, re-present: Haberer cites listening, responding, distinctives needed for PC(USA)

LOUISVILLE - Jack Haberer, editor of The Presbyterian Outlook magazine and a strong advocate for holding together the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), told those gathered for..

One size doesn’t fit all: Educator urges broadening of traditional Christian education approaches

LOUISVILLE - A tough and timely question drew an audience of concerned Christian educators, teaching elders, ruling elders, parents, and others Friday (Aug...

What works – and doesn’t – in ministry to millennials

LOUISVILLE  -- What are the stereotypes about millennials (those born from 1980 to the early 2000s)?             They’re obsessed with technology. Slackers...

Infusing ‘third-place’ ministry with power and meaning

LOUISVILLE,  Ky. – With the home as one’s primary, or “first” place, the workplace as most people’s “second” place, “third” places are..

Speaker declares denominationalism dead, Christian mission resurgent

  LOUISVILLE – Will Willimon, author, professor at Duke Divinity School and former United Methodist bishop, says mainline Protestants have understandably suffered..

Speaker stresses role of multiplicity in culture, faith and worship

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Cláudio Carvalhaes, associate professor of liturgy and worship at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, spoke on “praying the faith..

Big questions: Poverty presentation invites attendees to pose tough queries

LOUISVILLE - On the second day of keynote speaker Bob Lupton’s time with World Mission at Big Tent, attendees were invited to ask questions...

Flexibility proves key to attracting young adult ruling elders

LOUISVILLE – In some Presbyterian congregations, young adult ruling elders are as scarce as bourbon in a Baptist sanctuary. As one who..

Not exactly like herding cats: Volunteers help 1,500 Big Tent participants find their way around

Andrea Trautwein (left) and Sue Lutz are serving as coordinators of volunteers at Big Tent. —Jerry Van Marter LOUISVILLE Gathering more than 1,550..

Yamada invokes Gospel theme in plenary

LOUISVILLE – Frank Yamada, president of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, loves his electronic toys. He loves being connected. And he knows..

123 down, 878 to go: 1001 new worshiping communities are gap-fillers, White says

LOUISVILLE   Vera White, associate for 1001 New Worshiping Communities, touts the movement during her sermon Friday at Big Tent —Danny Bolin Some..

More than 1,400 attend Big Tent kickoff event

  LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Opening worship for Big Tent welcomed more than 1,400 Presbyterians into the Kentucky International Convention Center on Thursday..

Presbyterians urge Wendy’s to join Fair Food Program

Communication from A to Z: PCN Big Tent conference to tell old, old story in many new ways

  The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Office of Communication Ministries, The Presbyterian Outlook, the Presbyterian Writers Guild and the Pittsburgh-based Presbyterian Media Mission are joining forces to sponsor..

Robert Lupton addresses packed house at Big Tent pre-conference on Thursday

LOUISVILLE - Robert Lupton, a community organizer working in urban ministry in Atlanta, has learned from his mistakes. One of his key..