The photosynthesis of transformation
Kris Brammer on the bittersweet joy of watching youth group seniors graduate and trusting God with the growth.
This special issue of the Outlook explores youth ministry by listening to, learning from and celebrating young people and those who accompany them in the church.
Developed in partnership with the Presbyterian Youth Worker’s Association, this issue will help readers better understand today’s youth – their unique characteristics, gifts, questions, pressures and needs – and consider how the church can welcome and walk alongside them with humility, honesty and care. Rather than speaking only about youth or treating them as the church’s future project, this issue recognizes young people as vital members of the church now, whose wisdom, witness and creativity have much to teach the whole church.
Kris Brammer on the bittersweet joy of watching youth group seniors graduate and trusting God with the growth.
"Cripping Youth Ministry" is a bold, honest call to dismantle ableism and build inclusive faith communities, writes Amy Pagliarella.
Cara Meredith reviews Ben Daniel’s "Grace Over Guns," a compelling call to embrace the gospel of grace, challenge cultures of violence, and pursue peace in a militarized world.
What happens to the church when it starts to feel like an obsolete technology? Caroline Barnett reviews Thomas Mullaney's "How We Disappear" and finds unexpected hope in a book about impermanence.
Jo Wiersema reviews Will Brown's "No Longer Male and Female," a father's journey with his gender-expansive child turned into a biblical case for affirmation.
Sean P. Williams and Kate Satterstrom share how four churches built a collaborative youth ministry that has thrived for nine years.
Six ways young Presbyterians are finding leadership roles beyond their church.
Queer and trans youth are gifts to the church. Here are five ways congregations can turn affirmation into meaningful practices of belonging, advocacy and celebration, writes Cody J. Sanders.
Moving toward programs that affirm Black children’s full humanity is crucial for justice, writes Chris Burton.
Prevention is not only a clinical task. It is a human task, a family task, a church task and a community task, write Michelle Snyder and Christopher Epperson.
Maintaining the status quo can be antithetical to connection and needs, writes Jason Tucker.
Chris Dela Cruz explores how listening can be an act of faith formation, challenging churches to create spaces where young people feel noticed, known, valued and empowered to shape their communities.
Christy Williams and Brittany Porch reflect on the shrinking path for nonordained Christian educators and youth workers — and what the PC(USA) risks when it fails to invest in those called to faith formation.
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.
Teri McDowell Ott argues that instead of trying to "figure out" Gen Z, churches should ask what kind of church is worthy of their trust.
Three young Presbyterians speak with clarity and hope about belonging, authenticity, faith, doubt, community and the future of the church.
Rosalind Banbury's second reflection on the 2026-2027 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study.
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