The Presbyterian Outlook

News and Articles from the The Presbyterian Outlook

Top Search/Contact Area

The GA marathon: Tips for commissioners

by

  Are you going to St. Louis for the 223rd General Assembly? Congratulations are in order, especially if you have been elected to the awesome opportunity to serve as a commissioner or an advisory delegate. After a recent General Assembly, a commissioner from Presbytery of the James in Virginia observed, “GA is a marathon, not a sprint!” How true! Many voices of experience have offered proven strategies so you can both prepare effectively and have energy and enthusiasm to spare at the end of the week. Before you leave for St. Louis Pray. Pray for yourself. Pray for the church, family, friends who will stay at home. Pray for all those who will travel to St. Louis. Pray for the leaders who are planning General Assembly, for staff in Louisville who coordinate arrangements, for volunteers, for the Committee on Local Arrangements, and for the generously welcoming host presbytery, Giddings-Lovejoy. Pray for those with whom you will agree and for those with whom you may find … [Read more...]

Tagged With: GA223

What’s right about Primera Iglesia?

by

Primera Iglesia — Brownsville, Texas We are united by the same faith and love to the same Lord. Our diversity has enabled us to build a strong identity: We are a fellowship in Christ serving our community. We visit a nursing home on weekly basis and minister to homeless people living in transitional shelters.  Our congregation is also involved with children in the neighborhood. Our vacation Bible school attendance has surpassed 100 kids for the past two years and several families have joined our congregation.  Besides the presbytery’s support, we also have partnerships with local hospitals, businesses and Texas A&M University.  They provide the trainers and we provide the resources.  Currently we offer classes on diabetes, nutrition, horticulture and sewing.  As Stephen Covey says, “If they win, we also win.” What’s right with my church?  Our mission is set on relevant goals and based on strong partnerships.   — Leticia G. Martinez Share your 150-word story of … [Read more...]

Presbyterians: We’re big on sin, come join us!

by

As I have traveled to churches, presbyteries and conferences since the last General Assembly, I have shared news of the denomination, telling about the various groups meeting to discern our structure and vision. I have quipped that my suggestion to the 2020 Vision Team for a tagline for our denomination is: “Presbyterians: We’re big on sin, come join us!” That usually gets a laugh, and I mean it to be lighthearted. Yet I also believe it to be a rock-bottom truth for us. While not as aspirational as one of the Great Ends of the Church, it gets to the heart of a doctrine to which we hold fast. I understand that the word “sin” rings antiquated and judgmental. However, I’m bringing sin back, so to speak. We Presbyterians are big on sin. We understand that not one of us is righteous — no, not one. We understand that we do the very things we hate, even when we desperately try to do better. We understand that nothing we do is pure, untainted by selfishness, self-interest … sin. We … [Read more...]

Tagged With: GA223

Collaborative worship planning

by

Worship is the core of the life of the church. It is the center of congregational life: nourishing, inspiring, comforting, challenging. The elements of worship – preaching, individual and corporate prayer, celebration of the sacraments, joining voices in song – are the acts that reflect and shape our faith. I cannot imagine anything more important for church leaders than prayerful, thoughtful and creative planning of worship. And I would add one more word to that list: collaborative. I believe collaborative worship planning is essential, whether in a large church with many staff members and multiple pastors, or in a much smaller church where the staff is either part-time or non-existent and the solo pastor does everything but mow the lawn! Worship that brings our congregations into a deep awareness of the presence of God requires careful and intentional planning. It takes time and energy and commitment, and calls on a variety of gifts, talents and experiences that are unlikely to be … [Read more...]

Tagged With: music • worship

Through the church the song goes on

by

  Not all churches have choirs. Why say this in an article about choirs? I think it’s an important truth to name because those of us who love choirs often assume it to be a norm in a church. While this article is mainly about choirs, the same assumptions might apply to praise teams or technology. If we are used to ensembles and equipment in worship, we may come to expect them as norms, like sermons or candles or air conditioning (not all churches have air conditioning either). So it is important to remember that some churches worship without choirs. A larger church may have a choir that, unlike thriving former years, is now shrinking; this may be a lamented “problem” that a tiny church would be grateful for. Church choir redux Pause a moment and note the music, images, associations or assumptions that may already be in mind at the mention of the word “choir.” If every reader sent a description of “choir” to the Presbyterian Outlook, there would be as many descriptions as … [Read more...]

Tagged With: music

Life together – May 7, 2018

by

Living in community is a gift, a responsibility, a challenge. What does it meant to love one’s enemies? To deal gracefully with those whose default mode is "no"? To do your part, but not do more than is healthy for yourself or the system? This issue looks through various angles at how to have a healthy, faithful life together. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. What does Jesus mean by “love your enemies”? Thomas Currie digs deep into one of Jesus’ toughest commandments. Dealing lovingly with the roadblockers Christian leaders are called to cultivate and practice empathy, even with those who say “no” to everything. Over- or under-function? Family systems theory offers resources for ministry leaders seeking a healthy life balance. GA overturesHere’s a round-up of overtures going to the 223rdGeneral Assembly. Inferno Poetry by Paul Hooker … [Read more...]

CONTACT US: