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Faith & technology — June 1, 2020

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How do we use technology to help form our faith? This question is not new, but with the reality of social distancing that came with COVID-19, its urgency cannot be denied. Given the tools at our disposal from livestreaming worship to teaching Bible studies via Zoom, what are best practices for harnessing them to teach the tenets of faith, cultivate community and shape us for service? This issue invites us to wrestle with these questions in real time as we continue to seek ways to be and do church in the 21st century. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader A theological approach to using technology in faith formation It is the responsibility of the church to consider which tools can provide the greatest potential for reaching out and growing disciples. Youth faith formation in a digital age The goal of good resources isn’t to make church look flashy, but they can help build relationships with God and one another. What do we do when we “do this”?  Joseph Small … [Read more...]

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Binding up the brokenhearted — May 18, 2020

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As churches continue to navigate the repercussions of this pandemic, grief and trauma are inescapable. Everyone is impacted one way or another by a crisis of this magnitude. Well before the virus made its painful presence known, we planned an issue dedicated to ministering with those experiencing grief and trauma. You hold that issue in your hands. We pray it will be helpful to you and to those you serve — especially now. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Ministering after trauma When a community faces a disaster, the church has the opportunity to be a resurrection presence during the long healing process. Grief support ministries The church is increasingly called upon minister to those facing traumatic grief. Naming trauma Trauma can be a matter of life and death for the people of God — and it needs to be part of our dialogues. General Assembly goes virtual For the first time, GA will convene online with an abbreviated agenda. Leslie Scanlon … [Read more...]

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What do we have to do with each other? — April 27, 2020

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The Outlook continues its four-part series on basic questions of faith, asking in this issue: What do we have to do with each other? This question feels especially relevant as we navigate the impact of the global pandemic. This season makes undeniable the reality that we need each other and are created to be in community. Read these articles, use the discussion questions and explore with your community what you have to do with one another. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Witness to the common good The love of God gives hope for community and communion that can cross barriers. Where we put the emphasis Humanity struggles with interconnectedness, but God created people to belong to each other. Discussion questions This guide will help you discuss the articles in this issue as a congregation or small group. Overtures coming to GA Steve Salyards offers an overview of proposed constitutional changes. Pondering in the pandemic Christians can look to the … [Read more...]

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What does God have to do with us? — April 13, 2020

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The Outlook continues its four-part series on basic questions of faith, asking in this issue: What does God have to do with us? God refuses to leave us alone. God goes to great lengths to be in relationship with us. God meets us in worship. Read these articles and then dig deeper into your understanding of what God has to do with you and with us, using the discussion questions as a start to that exploration. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader God is with us  God remains ever near and nothing can separate us from God. God refuses to be without us We may choose to live without God, but God never chooses to live without us. God has everything to do with everything and everybody Because God’s claim upon all of creation is total, constant and everlasting, there is no arena of life that’s beyond the relentless reach of divine providence. Won’t Jesus miss us? The church at worship draws un into the presence of Jesus Christ. Discussion questions This guide … [Read more...]

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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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