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Who are we, honestly? — March 16, 2020

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The Outlook’s four-part series on basic questions of faith continues with this issue addressing the question: Who are we, honestly? Sinner or saint? Beloved child of God, but finite and frail. Redeemed and reconciled, but still totally depraved. Join the conversation and expand it in your context using the discussion questions provided. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader God’s, yet… We belong to God. Yet, when we consider our full humanity, we realize that though we may deserve God’s condemnation, we are not condemned. Sinners redeemed by God Naming who we are honestly is an essential Reformed practice. Sinful bearers of divinity Seeing ourselves with radical honesty is the first step in reconciliation — with God and with others. Discussion questions This guide will help you discuss the articles in this issue as a congregation or small group. Climate change and divestment MRTI voted to divest from three companies not making sufficient progress on … [Read more...]

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Who is God, really? — Feb. 24, 2020

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Who is God, really? This issue is the first of four that explore basic theological questions from a Reformed perspective. We begin with this question of God’s identity and character. Next we will ask: Who are we, honestly? Followed by: What does God have to do with us? And finally: What do we have to do with each other? Each issue will include a section with discussion questions in the hope that you will continue these conversations in your congregation. We welcome hearing how you wrestle with these important tenets of our faith. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. God is a (somewhat) knowable mystery The mystery, as it turns out, is not that “who God is, really” lies beyond our comprehension; the mystery is that we can know the God who is always greater than our best understandings. God is triune Three in one, One in three. The church has maintained since the third century that that Trinity is who God is, really. God is the Incarnate God, in Christ, not … [Read more...]

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Sing to the Lord a new song — February 3, 2020

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There is power in music. Singing, especially together, transports us beyond the cerebral and analytical to a place of praise, joy and wonder. This issue of the Presbyterian Outlook examines the importance of the hymns we use for worship. Words and melodies shape our theology, forge a sense of belonging and remind us of the truth that everyone is a singer. We hope you will join the song through these pages. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Spirituals as faith formation At home and at church, Phillip Morgan learned songs that taught him of the faithful people of God and what it means to be claimed and loved by God. Do we mean what we sing? Mel Bringle considers how the church can enhance the meaningfulness of song to take better advantage of this tool for faith formation. Every body can sing The gift of singing is available to all people. Introducing organ music to kids A church day camp engaged youth with organ and church music. … [Read more...]

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Wholeness & faith — Jan. 13, 2020

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How do we maintain health and wellness? What makes for good relationships? Where do we find purpose throughout the span of our lives? This issue of the Outlook invites you to delve into these questions and consider how our faith impacts our well-being and the lives of others. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Presbyterian churches promise to help families experiencing homelessness Family Promise partners with churches across the country to help low-income families and families experiencing homelessness. Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations This Board of Pensions program combines financial education with pastor grants. The difference between triangles and triangulation David Lee Jones offers family systems theory for church leaders. … [Read more...]

200 years of shaping the church — Dec. 23, 2019

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For 200 years, the Presbyterian Outlook and our ancestor publications sought to share news and shape the life of the Presbyterian Church. We spent this year looking back and learning from our past, marveling at the courage of some of our predecessors and lamenting the too many times our pages propagated theology that sought to justify the evil of slavery and discrimination. This issue is the culmination of events, lectures, prayers and reflection. We still have much to learn and we pray that these words and the ones yet to come glorify God and build up the Body of Christ. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Being the best church we can be in an ever-changing world Health Rada reflects on the legacy of the Outlook in the life of the Presbyterian Church. Navigating between “Amen” and “No” Theodore Wardlaw commemorates the first 200 years of the Presbyterian Outlook by reflecting on its witness. Flesh in the world At our 200th anniversary celebration, Brian … [Read more...]

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Winter books – December 9, 2019

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Outlook’s book editor has compiled books of leadership and theology, grief and anxiety, racism and justice, prayer and worship. Feature articles consider how fiction informs the spiritual life and how intentional reading can become a spiritual practice. We trust this issue will help you add titles to your winter reading list! Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Fiction in faith formation Author and pastor Henry Brinton considers how stories at as mirrors to see life more clearly. Reading as spiritual practice Reading can be more than a practical skill; slowing down to read can become a spiritual practice. Briefly noted Outlook book editor Roy Howard gives a glimpse at a variety of new titles Presbyterians will want to read this winter. Books in review In-depth reviews of books on preaching, justice, earth care and more. Late tidings  Poetry for Advent by J. Barrie Shepherd … [Read more...]

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