Giving is up at churches and people are back, but clergy still thinking about quitting
While life at local congregations has returned mostly to normal, the future remains uncertain.
Latest Posts
We must hope well of all
The Bible offers a key to how to live faithfully and lovingly in a world full of diverse opinions, writes John Williams.
Faithful cooperation across differences
Teri McDowell Ott, Editor of the Presbyterian Outlook, sat down with author, speaker, educator and interfaith leader Eboo Patel for a faithful conversation about his recent book, "We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy."
Come Forth: The Promise of Jesus’s Greatest Miracle
James Martin, SJ HarperOne, 384 pages | Published Sep. 5, 2023 It’s easy to accept Come Forth’s assertion that the raising of..
Hospitality with a moral punch
“Not everyone understands God in the way I understand God” is an important lesson, writes Teri McDowell Ott. Even more important: we can honor, welcome and respect those who understand God differently.
Right judgment: love, humility and restoration (September 17, 2023)
So often we determine who’s worthy of our time and concern based on who they know, how they act, or what benefit we might receive from them. Jesus shows us a different way, the way of “right judgment,” writes Daniel Frayer-Griggs.
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost — September 17, 2023
The writer of Psalm 103 sings for joy not only because he is gifted with steadfast love, but also because he is freed by it — free to shelter during life’s storms, free to flourish and grow as a child of God, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Order of worship — September 17, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
A reading recommendation for overthinkers
Maggie Alsup shares a resource she has found helpful in addressing her anxiety and ministering to college students as they wrestle with their own mental health.
Central Presbyterian Church creates space for inclusivity in Arkansas
Thanks to grants from 1001 New Worshiping Communities and the Presbytery of Arkansas, Central Presbyterian converted an unused daycare into a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
When Church Stops Working: A Future for Your Congregation Beyond More Money, Programs, and Innovation
What are church leaders to do when church stops working? Philip J. Reed reviews Andrew Root and Blair D. Bertrand's new book.
The theology of bartending
Jo Wiersema, a University of Dubuque Theological Seminary alum and bartender, shares their ministry behind the bar. Sometimes, they write, you can find the love of God next to a pint of beer.
Our Work is Loving the World
A poem for those affected by Monday's shooting at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Back to school for churches
Phillip Blackburn encourages rural churches to embrace the start of the school year. Can we learn something new, too?
Book recommendation: When you need help forgiving
K. Marie Mainard O’Connell recommends "The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and the World" by Desmond and Mpho Tutu. "It is time to start forgiving the church — and ourselves," writes the pastor.
A litany for Disability Inclusion Sunday
Disability Inclusion Sunday is on September 10, 2023. Churches across the country will be celebrating the gifts that people with disabilities bring to our congregations.
Wishing for the flood: Providing grace when none can be found
God meets us when we are at our lowest, shares Colin Farmer in a personal essay.
Working out conflicts — Weekly Christian ed lesson
In this lesson, children will explore the pathways to reconciliation that Jesus presents to his disciples in Matthew’s Gospel, considering where and how they might address conflicts in their own lives.
Order of worship — September 10, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
How do we keep the Sabbath holy? (September 10, 2023)
When we lack clarity about how best to interpret a text or how we ought to live our lives, Jesus always asks us to consider how our actions impact others, writes Daniel Frayer-Griggs.
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost — September 10, 2023
Church is a team sport, writes John Wurster reflecting on Matthew 18:15-20.
Living sanctuary: Charlotte church manse becomes temporary home for Afghan refugees
David Bonnema, pastor of Unity Presbyterian Church, shares the mutual learning and growth they found while partnering with a family of Afghan refugees.
We don’t create — We reclaim
After a season of upheaval, Katy Shevel reflects on what it means to reclaim something.
Finding hope in family letters from World War II
Andrew Taylor-Troutman learns about his great-uncle's experience as a soldier in WWII and reflects on the habitual nature of hardship — and grace.
Interim pastors are called to take out the garbage
The work of interim pastors is not often appreciated, but it is necessary.
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