The in-between time: Interim ministry as sacred space
The tension in the congregation is high after the pastor announces a change in call. Questions abound: Can’t we just elect a..
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Why talk about transitional ministry?
Recently, a retired pastor explained to me how he secured his first call. There was a catalog of open positions published and..
U.S. Supreme Court denies petition to hear Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) case
The United States Supreme Court has denied a petition for a stay in a defamation case involving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which..
At her funeral, Rachel Held Evans is memorialized with quotes from her own writings
(RNS) — After her unexpected death at age 37 at the beginning of May, Rachel Held Evans’ loved ones gathered Saturday (June..
José Luis Casal announces his retirement from World Mission
LOUISVILLE (PNS) — After nearly a half-century of service to the Church, the Rev. José Luis Casal, director of Presbyterian World Mission,..
Navigating changes in church leadership
We pastor-types do not look for a job, we seek a call. Churches do not hire a minister, they extend a call...
Laboring transitions
I prefer “transition” to “change,” for a transition implies intention. Change is our only constant. But “transition” means to go or cross..
Prayer for Virginia Beach
Loving God, we defy your goodness and deny your character of kindness in the violent acts we inflict upon each other. Why,..
Presbyterian Historical Society executive director to leave
(OGA) The Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS) will be losing its executive director. The Reverend Dr. Beth Hessel, who has served in the..
Forgiveness and reconciliation: A visit to Rwanda
Guest commentary by Sarah Craven As we stood in the midst of a genocide memorial where over 50,000 people were buried and..
7th Sunday of Easter — June 2, 2019
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 Easter 7C This week, we are grateful to guest contributor John Wurster for writing this week's lectionary reflection...
Lutheran student pastor deported amid protests
CHICAGO (RNS) — Despite prayer vigils, a letter-writing campaign from her church and her denomination and a petition for a stay of..
Ecumenical and church partners gather in Louisville to celebrate life of Robina Winbush
(OGA) They’ve traveled from across the country. Ministers and ecumenical partners are in Louisville this week to pay tribute to the Reverend..
PDA is sending teams and resources in wake of severe weather outbreak
(PNS) Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has deployed national response teams in Ohio and Missouri and is processing several initial support requests following..
Vanier is gone, but his Christian model for living alongside the disabled takes root
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (RNS) — At the evening prayer service at a new residential complex here, a dozen young people took turns reading..
Thoughts on reflecting God’s image and holding pieces of God
My church recently lost a great man. Actually, I can confidently say that not just our church, but our community lost a..
Burying White Privilege: Resurrecting a Badass Christianity
Miguel A. De La Torre Eerdmans, 168 pages Reviewed by D. Mark Davis Miguel A. De La Torre’s book, “Burying White Privilege,”..
Cindy Kohlmann balances ministry at home and across the church
(OGA) For the Co-Moderators of the 223rd General Assembly (2018) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), it has been an eventful year. The..
Evangelical financial watchdog faces scrutiny over backing of errant megachurch
(RNS) — About five years ago, the Village Church of Barrington, a congregation northwest of Chicago with a $1.8 million annual budget..
Citing inclusion of LGBT clerics, Anglican bishops in Africa to shun Lambeth Conference
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — As disputes over homosexuality continue to stir within the worldwide Anglican Communion, conservative African bishops say they will..
Prayer for those beset by tornadoes and floods
Lord, when tornadoes touch down and flood waters rise, we are reminded of how quickly our lives can change, how fragile the..
The Practice of Finding
Holly W. Whitcomb Eerdmans, 160 pages Seekers get a lot of attention these days. Religious surveys track their movements and motivations. Churches..
Staff spotlight: Leslie Scanlon
Leslie Scanlon has been the Presbyterian Outlook’s national reporter since 2000. She has covered countless Presbyterian meetings, written a myriad of feature..
Hospital chaplains stick to the heart of the job amid health care industry changes
(RNS) — Hospitalized with a serious illness, a 55-year-old lawyer found himself taking stock. He’d gone to Ivy League schools, supported a..
Horizons preview: “Love Carved in Stone: A Fresh Look at the Ten Commandments” (2019-2020)
Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study 2019-2020 During Sunday school, children were asked to name the Ten Commandments. Here are two of the responses:..
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