How a bold choice can reach beyond the pulpit
Small preaching choices can spark big impact. Jenny McDevitt’s sermons on Christian nationalism show how words ripple far beyond the pulpit.
In this issue, we celebrate the quiet courage and faithful creativity of small ministries making a big difference. From churches launching daycares to meet urgent community needs to presbyteries planting New Worshiping Communities with funds from closed church properties, these stories show what God can do with seemingly limited resources. We also explore the sacred persistence of preaching and the ways that weekly sermons, even when their impact feels unseen, are seeds the Spirit faithfully sows and grows. This issue of the Presbyterian Outlook is a reminder: impact isn’t always loud or large — but by God’s grace, it is always possible.
Small preaching choices can spark big impact. Jenny McDevitt’s sermons on Christian nationalism show how words ripple far beyond the pulpit.
Ambition or grace? Miroslav Volf challenges America’s competitive spirit, offering a countercultural vision of worth rooted in Christ, writes Aram Feinberg.
Andrew and Kara K. Root challenge us to let go of our need for control and discover a more trusting, faithful relationship with God. Philip J. Reed reviews their latest book.
"Vuong’s richly imagined characters push back against the material and spiritual scarcity of their surroundings, recognizing collective strength in shared rejection." — Ross Fogg
Discover the best Advent devotionals for 2025. From contemplative guides to churchwide studies, Amy Pagliarella offers resources for faith, reflection, and growth.
Churches in two small Kansas towns wondered what was missing. Now, a library, an after-school program and a daycare center are making their communities stronger. — Catherine Neelly Burton
We are called to open our eyes to Palestinian suffering, global injustice, and Christ’s call to see with love, writes Hunter Farrell.
We are preaching an era when the Gospel of Jesus Christ is radically counter to society. This is not a bad thing, writes Thomas Long.
Churches that focus on mission more than maintenance, on abundance more than scarcity, can find new ways to thrive, writes Mark DeVries.
Focusing on the creation of New Worshiping Communities turns our eyes toward new life for the denomination. — David Bonnema
In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation.
Ministry isn’t about perfection but planting small seeds of care, faith, and presence, writes Teri McDowell Ott. God will bring unexpected growth over time.
Fostering a small, thriving church begins with single steps, faithful action, and championing change, writes Phillip Blackburn.
Rosalind Banbury's second reflection on the 2025-2026 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study.
A small church in Maine found unexpected help from Presbyterians in New Jersey, a pallet supplier, and strangers.
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