Charles Aden Wiley, III, offers a provocative proposal: shorten the Book of Confessions to make it more accessible, usable and formational for the whole church.
In this episode, Chris Burton explores how Rapsody pairs uncompromising lyricism with a lived commitment to community, mentoring young artists, and investing in others as an act of faithful formation.
What do we do when Jesus feels absent — and the work feels impossible? Kate Murphy offers a reflection and some hope.
Rural churches are not just “small.” They are profoundly local, relational and vital to the PC(USA)’s witness, writes Phillip Blackburn.
On a winter morning, seeds are scattered, tea is poured, and patience becomes prayer. Barbara Chaapel offers a poem about the quiet truth that giving sustenance sustains us.
Tim Hart-Andersen argues that church vitality is not about relentless growth but about long-term sustainability and Spirit-filled adaptation.
Amid PC(USA) decline, a new church growth network reframes growth as faithful, sustainable mission rooted in vitality, not gimmicks, writes Josh Erickson.
Chris Burton explores how Hill’s music wrestles with faith, integrity and fame — and why refusing to “lose your soul” may be her greatest legacy.
In the “Stranger Things” finale, scars remain, grief lingers, and life goes on. Timothy Wotring explores a hope shaped by choice, community and resurrection faith.
A tiny church faced COVID with an unexpected choice: save itself or give itself away. What happened next reshaped an entire town — and reached across the globe, writes Robert Barrett.
Small churches aren’t inadequate, writes Teri McDowell Ott. When congregations trust their God-given gifts, they rediscover confidence and shine as Christ’s light.
Daniel Heath remembers Richard Smallwood, whose music taught the church how to pray, lament and hope.
Can we love our country and still tell the truth about its power? Greg Allen-Pickett reflects on U.S. involvement in Latin America — holding gratitude and grief, critique and hope, under the call of Christian discipleship.
‘Marty Supreme’ is an excellent film about a despicable confidence man. It perfectly reflects our historical moment, writes Jana Riess.
Church decline doesn’t mean faith is disappearing. It means congregations must rethink metrics, mission and community impact, writes Mark Elsdon.
From “U.N.I.T.Y.” to “Ladies First,” Queen Latifah refuses disrespect and insists on dignity. In this episode of “Theology of Hip-Hop," Chris Burton reflects on Black womanhood and the image of God.
Can a Reformed Christian affirm universalism? Drawing on Calvin, Barth and Scripture, Lucus Levy Keppel argues that God’s grace ultimately reconciles all.
In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation.
50 years later, A Declaration of Faith remains clear, poetic, relevant, writes John Williams.
Brendan McLean argues that "The Tree of Life" is a theologically rich, liturgical meditation that explores God’s mysterious presence in both the vast cosmos and the intimate struggles of human life.
Maggie Alsup reflects on what her plant, Peter Parker, taught her about living in abundance and embracing slow growth in a fast-paced world.
Here’s what carried the Outlook staff through 2025 — culture, prayer, public faith, and small joys.
Palestinian Christians have developed one of the most important liberation theologies of our time — and most American churches have never encountered it, writes Christopher Tweel.
A priest. A murder. A question at the heart of faith. “Wake Up Dead Man” isn’t just a locked-room mystery — it’s a theological reflection, writes Brendan McLean.
What Presbyterians were thinking — and wrestling with — in 2025.
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