Culture is changing rapidly. Being and doing church cannot remain static while everything around us evolves. Nonetheless, our loyalty is to Jesus Christ alone. How, then, do we discern what is essential and what should be jettisoned? How do we experiment with mission and ministry in a way consistent with the gospel? This issue wrestles with these questions, shares stories of out-of-the-box thinking and offers an example of a major change navigated with grace. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Social entrepreneurship and mission The Epiphany project of First Presbyterian Church in Atlanta awards grants to help local people serve the community. Leslie Scanlon reports. Turning the Holy Spirit loose in our polityPresbyterian polity offers freedom and flexibility, open to the innovative winds of the Holy Spirit. Stronger together Two Presbyterian agencies worked together to negotiate a healthy merger. … [Read more...]
Presbyterians & race — July 29, 2019
The Presbyterian Outlook marks a significant milestone this year. For 200 years the Presbyterian Outlook and its ancestor publications have been covering news of the church, commenting on contemporary issues and shaping conversations of faith. As we look back, we are sometimes chastened and sometimes heartened. In this issue we offer glimpses into how we and our ancestor publications covered issues of race. While far from exhaustive, we hope this offering is honest and, in turn, inspires other honest accounts and conversations on this critical topic in our current life together. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Slavery and the genealogy of The Presbyterian Outlook Erskine Clarke examines the Outlook’s predecessor publications and their role in the discussion of slavery and racism. “Late we come” Louis Weeks reviewsThe Presbyterian Outlook and Southern Presbyterians’ witness on racial justice. Call me by name Larry Palmer, a ruling elder in Virginia, … [Read more...]
Summer books — July 8, 2019
What’s on your summer reading list? This issue explores titles new and old, offering reviews and recommendations to keep you engaged throughout the summer. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Recommended reading We invited a variety of Presbyterians to share books that that have made an impression on them. Books in review Five in-depth book reviews will help you plan your summer reading. Books briefly noted Outlook book editor Roy Howard offers a glimpse of new books to add to your reading list. Krislund Camp and Conference Center Linda Vance shares the story of a Pennsylvania camp’s rejuvenation process. Apophasis Poetry by Paul Hooker … [Read more...]
Ministry, mission & money — June 10, 2019
Ministry and mission take on endless forms depending on the needs of the context and the gifts of those called upon to respond. While the content and context of ministry may vary widely, Christians are always commissioned and sent to serve. This issue of the Outlook tells the stories of Presbyterians working in the world in ways that share the Good News of Jesus Christ and support the abundant life God wills for all people. In addition, Leslie Scanlon reports on the role of per capita in paying for that which the church is called to do around the corner and around the globe. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Recovery Café This Seattle community offers a compassionate, faith-based response to homelessness in their community. Leslie Scanlon reports. Hands and Feet Midway to GA, here’s a look at the Hands and Feet initiative offering service partnerships in St. Louis and Baltimore. Partners in mission World Mission leaders are holding consultations asking: … [Read more...]
Ministry in transition — May 20, 2019
Change comes to congregations in many forms. Inevitably, pastors come and go and the congregation must navigate how best to make the transition from one leader to another. This issue of the Outlook offers insights from a variety of perspectives on how to learn and grow through changes in church leadership. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. The in-between time Interim ministry can be sacred space for congregations — a time to reflect, correct, protect and resurrect. Mission studies A quality mission study complements the prayers of the congregation and the working of the Holy Spirit, helping serve the pastoral call process. A changing benefits structure for a changing church Frank Spencer, president of the Board of Pensions, explains new programs to serve all churches – including those in transition. In God’s hand A church in Pennsylvania shares their story of the call process from beginning to end. … [Read more...]
Keeping the unity of the Spirit — May 6, 2019
In a time of great division and few nuanced conversations, people of faith have an increased responsibility to work toward reconciliation. Such unity comes only by way of the Spirit — and yet we have a role to play in speaking the truth in love, staying at the table and refusing to give up on the promise that Jesus Christ brings together every tribe and nation. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Preparing ministers for global reach International Theological Seminary is on the cutting edge for training church leaders from the global south and building innovative partnerships. Leslie Scanlon reports. Fearless dialogues Peacemaking often means engaging in difficult conversations. Two faiths, one house of worship A Jewish congregation takes up residence in a Wisconsin Presbyterian church. Wonder of all wonders Reflecting on the need for Christians to dialogue about climate change, Charlotte Matthews draws from the inspiration she’s gained from Rachel … [Read more...]
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