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Music — April 16, 2018

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The psalmist instructs: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Music and singing are a crucial aspect of not only worship, but life. Hymns shape worshippers’ theology from an early age. Congregational singing forms and strengthens community. Music moves believers in unique and powerful ways. This issue explores a sampling of the many roles music plays in the life of faith. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Music with a mission A congregation asked: Is there a way we can celebrate God’s gifts of music to achieve mission goals?  This concert series was born. Through the church the song goes on As contexts change, church choirs are reimagined. Collaborative worship planning How does prayerful, thoughtful, creative and collaborative worship take shape? The GA marathon Advice for commissioners and delegates before, during and after attending General Assembly. 2020 Vision Team The team has approved its draft guiding statement and report … [Read more...]

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Spring books — March 26, 2018

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Presbyterians have long appreciated the process of learning. As “people of the book,” church leaders are reliant on the Word revealed in Scripture first, and committed to learning about the Triune God through education and practice. This issue explores the significance books have in lives of faith and offers many titles that may make their way onto spring reading lists. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Books briefly noted Prayer, poetry, biography, theology. Roy Howard offers glimpses of a wide array of new titles. Books in review Five full-length book reviews focus on issues and questions facing the church and her leaders. Book recommendations What are younger Presbyterian leaders reading? Here, they share which books have been transformative and recently captured their attention. What’s on your bookshelf? Elizabeth N.H. Link reflects on the personal impact of the written word in her life and faith. NEXT Church The annual gathering encouraged … [Read more...]

Worship — March 5, 2018

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“We are gathered in worship to glorify the God who is present and active among us— particularly through the gifts of Word and Sacrament” (W-1.0101). This issue of the Outlook digs deep into the Reformed understanding of worship – particularly the sacraments and prayer. In these pages, articles consider the theology of Reformed worship and some approaches to practice the faith. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. In this issue: What about the sacraments? Ronald Byars explores the sacraments throughout the history of the Reformed tradition and enacted in churches today. Sacraments in the revised Directory for Worship David Gambrell lifts up some key features of the revision in relation to Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. A Reformed view of prayer There is not a single Reformed understanding of prayer, but David W. Johnson shares how the varied understandings converge in thankfulness. The practice of prayer with children Traci Smith offers a number of … [Read more...]

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Partners in service — Feb. 12, 2018

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Presbyterian leaders, congregations and Young Adult Volunteers are building strong interfaith relationships. Just as Jesus who crossed religious and cultural boundaries, faith communities are finding new pathways to service and relationship in increasingly diverse communities. Here are just a few stories of how Presbyterians are demonstrating the love of Christ with interfaith partners. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. In this issue: Interfaith service Jonathan Freeman reflects on his YAV year in Indianapolis and what that taught him about embodying Christ’s teaching. Interfaith hospitality Julie Bird shares the story of a Presbyterian congregation in South Carolina who sponsored a Syrian refugee family. Reorient, reform, reconcile A “language event” could be a tool for the denomination to clarify words used in worship and articulate faith. BiG partnership creates community An interfaith group in Vermont shares the 500th anniversary of the … [Read more...]

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Church leadership — January 29, 2018

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Leadership in Presbyterian churches involves pastors, elders and deacons — and also Christian educators, youth directors, Bible study teachers and all members of the congregation. This issue explores how churches and presbyteries are following the Spirit as they mentor and rise up leaders to serve Christ’s kingdom. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. In this issue: Church leadership amid a cultural storm Gary Charles and Jill Duffield reflect on leadership development after seminary and the importance of mentoring. Revitalizing church leadership PneuMatrix partners with congregations for the Spirit-led work on discernment. Leadership and power and prayer A stated clerk envisions the calling of the church in unsettling times. Going after the one Karen Rohrer offers leadership lessons for church planters. Leadership of saints and sages George C. Anderson describes two kinds of leaders needed in the church today. Who will you disappoint? Victoria … [Read more...]

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Prayer — January 8, 2018

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This issue marks the Outlook’s 200th year of ministry! What better way to start volume 200 than a close exploration at the spiritual discipline of prayer that has marked Presbyterianism. This issue explores different models of prayer – from that of Luther, to lectio divina, to embodied prayer. Two articles explore the disciplines and practices that support the faith of aging members of the family of faith. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Pray like a Reformer Martin Luther and John Calvin offer models of prayer for modern Presbyterians. Learning to accept the gift of prayer It can be difficult to grasp the fullness of prayer. Here are a few prayer practices to develop a regular spiritual discipline. Movement as prayer Embodied prayer can enliven an incarnational faith in which bodies are meant to be holy offerings to God. Welcome to the Memory Café Churches support their communities by hosting individuals with memory loss and their care … [Read more...]

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