Purple church possibilities
Whether you desire a new building or a new interpretation of Scripture, progress cannot be made if leaders are conflict-averse, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
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Politics and grief
Is your church mostly blue, largely red or solidly purple? Whatever the case, pastoral theologian Eileen Campbell-Reed wants you to prioritize and ritualize your congregation’s grief to help you find your way in this new era of ministry.
Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition
"This book may help congregations that are far, far away from the sale of their church property avoid this seemingly inevitable fate." — Beth Guzman
Navigating conflicts in congregations
Moving forward in the spirit of agape love can help allay dissonance and build the Beloved Community, Lesley Anne Earles and Debra J. Mumford write.
‘No one wants to rock the lifeboat’
Is the church stuck in a lifeboat? Presbytery leader Sue Krummel thinks we should be asking "Why?" instead of seeking appeasement.
Being a mustard-seed church
"Nothing is wrong with smallness if that smallness is chock-full of faithfulness," writes Whitney Wilkinson Arreche.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Fred Rogers Institute offer fellowship in theology and ministry
A new fellowship honors the theological and educational areas of Fred Rogers’ legacy providing tools for parents, caregivers, congregations, and non-profit organizations.
Lil Nas X marks comeback in controversial fashion with ‘J Christ’
Famous musician Lil Nas X is making his “comeback” to music by paying homage to Jesus. The single, “J Christ,” and its music video are saturated with over-the-top, “scandalous” religious images, generating a controversy.
Board of Pensions president elected vice chair of Church Benefits Association Board of Directors
Spencer’s election reaffirms the Board of Pensions’ strategic partnership with other religious denominations to better serve leaders across faith communities.
Order of worship — February 4, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany — February 4, 2024
The pressures of our lives can leave us withered and exhausted. But when we remember our story, we will find the wind that helps us take flight, bringing us home, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
A helping hand — Weekly Christian ed lesson
In this lesson, children will explore one of the healing stories in the Gospel of Mark noticing how a helping hand can bring a measure of wellness to someone who is unwell.
Let the mystery be (February 4, 2024)
There is so much we will never know. Isaiah asks us to embrace the mystery and trust God anyway, writes Brendan McLean.
I was made for this
"It feels like resurrection." Small church member Beth Bradshaw reflects on the ups and downs of attending a church in a small town.
Discussion guide for January 2024 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.
Chicago pastors help the city grapple with flood of migrants
‘There’s already plenty of need present in this community,’ said one faith leader. The challenge is to make the situation work for both longtime residents and migrants arriving from the border.
Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better
Myisha Cherry argues that it is more fruitful to view forgiveness as a journey, not a single decision, writes Paul Dornan.
The Book of Clarence
Film critic Joseph Holmes finds writer-director Jeymes Samuel's "The Book Of Clarence" to be a satisfying remix of familiar biblical movies like "The Life of Brian" and "Ben Hur."
The Gospel According to James Baldwin: What America’s Prophet Can Teach Us about Life, Love, and Identity
Greg Garrett agrees with Baldwin on the questions that lead from bad faith to one based on wisdom and truth: “Who is God, who am I, what is sacred community, how are we supposed to live, why exercise faith?”
The SBC will sell insurance, retirement to women pastors — if they aren’t Southern Baptists
In 2004, Southern Baptists voted to allow their insurance and retirement agency to work with other churches. The latest denomination to sign up is the Global Methodist Church, made up of former United Methodists.
Reviving Goodwill
The school in Mayesville, South Carolina, once had a prominent space in the community’s heart. A group of alumni are working hard to renew its mission.
Epiphany traditions awaken sense of wonder across the PC(USA)
From computer-generated ‘Star Words’ in the Presbytery of the Western Reserve to traditional coloring sheets for all ages, Presbyterians delight in celebrating the ancient festival day in new ways and spaces.
Church Leadership Connection set to launch additional updates for presbyteries and call-seekers
Ongoing feedback from users is encouraged to inform future updates.
Ode to the vulture
Andrew Taylor-Troutman invites readers to transcend an ominous image.
A Different Kind of Fast: Feeding Our True Hungers in Lent
"While the reflection questions and content could be tailored to suit a small group, this is a particularly rich choice for individual reading for Lent this year," writes Amy Pagliarella.
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