The vital congregation of tomorrow
Church decline doesn’t mean faith is disappearing. It means congregations must rethink metrics, mission and community impact, writes Mark Elsdon.
Latest Posts
Queen Latifah: The theology of dignity
From “U.N.I.T.Y.” to “Ladies First,” Queen Latifah refuses disrespect and insists on dignity. In this episode of “Theology of Hip-Hop," Chris Burton reflects on Black womanhood and the image of God.
Reforming toward hope: Why universalism belongs in the Reformed tradition
Can a Reformed Christian affirm universalism? Drawing on Calvin, Barth and Scripture, Lucus Levy Keppel argues that God’s grace ultimately reconciles all.
Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Condemns U.S. Military Attack on Venezuela
The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship calls upon our fellow Presbyterians to join the World Council of Churches and people of faith and goodwill around the world in condemning the military attack on Venezuela.
The Rev. Jihyun Oh speaks out concerning US military action taken against Venezuela
Oh cites numerous General Assembly policies calling instead for nonmilitary and collaborative international approaches.
“We’re in relationship, therefore we do ministry”: Inside the PC(USA)’s mission shift
The Outlook sits down with Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and Executive Director of the Interim Unified Agency Jihyun Oh to discuss changes at the denomination.
A turning point in the church’s search for a new confession
After two years of work, a PC(USA) committee says a new confession is taking shape amid prayer, debate and hope for renewal.
Two pastors will stand for election as co-moderators of the 227th General Assembly
The Rev. Dr. Kristopher D. Schondelmeyer and the Rev. Marta Pumroy-Cordero were endorsed by their presbyteries in their call to stand as co-moderators of the 227th General Assembly.
Presbyterian Hispanic Latino leaders call for de-escalation after U.S. strike on Venezuela
The National Hispanic Latino Presbyterian Caucus denounces the U.S. strike on Venezuela, citing biblical principles, history and calls for peace.
Second Sunday after the Epiphany — January 18, 2026
Stephanie Sorge explores curiosity, presence and the quiet call to discipleship in John 1 — an invitation not to have the answers, but to come and see where God is already at work.
Order of worship — January 18, 2026
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Discussion Guide for December 2025 Issue
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.
Why a 50-year-old Presbyterian confession still matters
50 years later, A Declaration of Faith remains clear, poetic, relevant, writes John Williams.
Up Against A Crooked Gospel: Black Women’s Bodies and the Politics of Redemption
In "Up Against a Crooked Gospel," Melanie Jones Quarles names how Black women’s bodies have been exploited by theology — and reclaims embodiment as healing. Heather Russell von Marko offers a review.
The mystery and perfect love of God
Brendan McLean argues that "The Tree of Life" is a theologically rich, liturgical meditation that explores God’s mysterious presence in both the vast cosmos and the intimate struggles of human life.
‘Pickleball Church’ finds financial stability through innovative building use
Presbyterian congregation on Long Island rents out social hall as pickleball court.
Growing deep roots in a fast-paced world
Maggie Alsup reflects on what her plant, Peter Parker, taught her about living in abundance and embracing slow growth in a fast-paced world.
2025 book recommendations: New fiction and poetry
Explore 2025 book releases in fiction and poetry, including Wally Lamb’s latest novel and uplifting collections from David Gate and Victoria Hutchins.
New books on justice: Racial healing, climate action and courageous faith
What does faithful resistance look like today? Amy Pagliarella’s latest roundup highlights powerful books on race, climate, courage and liberation.
Faith for turbulent times: Four new books on Scripture and spiritual formation
Seeking grounding in turbulent times? These new releases on Isaiah, resilience and Presbyterian identity offer wisdom, comfort and challenge.
Order of worship — January 11, 2026
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
First Sunday after the Epiphany — January 11, 2026
From Isaiah’s servant to Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, this week’s lectionary invites the church to see vulnerability as the pivot of salvation, writes Roger Gench.
What we loved in 2025 — and what can carry you into 2026
Here’s what carried the Outlook staff through 2025 — culture, prayer, public faith, and small joys.
Decline of religion remains stalled, says new Pew report. But there’s no revival yet.
For the past five years, the decline of religion in America has stalled, after years of decline.
Meet Jimmy Stewart
American actor, military aviator, and Pennsylvania native James Stewart was a born-and-raised Presbyterian.
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