How two small Kansas churches serve their towns
Churches in two small Kansas towns wondered what was missing. Now, a library, an after-school program and a daycare center are making their communities stronger. — Catherine Neelly Burton
How a small New Jersey church connects with migrant workers
Hammonton Presbyterians join with local partners to put their faith in action.
A new chapter for small churches
Churches that focus on mission more than maintenance, on abundance more than scarcity, can find new ways to thrive, writes Mark DeVries.
For a small Charlotte church, selling some land has meant finding its soul
Newell Presbyterian is part of a growing trend of declining congregations with underutilized space, excess land or deteriorating buildings that are selling or leasing some of their land for affordable housing.
Aligning money with mission: The future of church space
As church buildings empty, congregations are finding new ways to align mission with property, transforming sacred space into community-serving hubs.
Supporting your congregation’s caregivers
Small churches rely on a few faithful caregivers. Phillip Blackburn calls us to see the weight they carry and offer them support.
“I thank God every time I remember you”
Phillip Blackburn offers a reflection on joy, memory, and the enduring gift of spiritual relationships within the church, even amid burnout, conflict, and change.
The surprising power of small churches
Phillip Blackburn shares how a small rural church in Arkansas is making a big impact — and why challenging our assumptions about church size and leadership matters.
It’s time to ditch standing committees
What if we structured congregations on members’ time and talents instead of organizational needs, asks Philip Blackburn?
GA considers the needs of the small church
The needs of small congregations took central stage in several conversations, including decisions about ordination, curriculum development and shared ministry.
Flexibility sought for small congregations
Blake Brinegar updates on new General Assembly proposals impacting small congregations.
How can we best serve small and rural congregations?
The majority of PC(USA) congregations are small. Phil Blackburn, Daniel Lee and Caroline Dennis talk about important denominational issues from this perspective.
Across the miles: A tale in one photo
"The missing never ends, nor does that love that reached from my dad to me to my daughter and back," Mary Bird Lanzavecchia.
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
Being a mustard-seed church
"Nothing is wrong with smallness if that smallness is chock-full of faithfulness," writes Whitney Wilkinson Arreche.
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.
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 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?”
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.
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.
Small is beautiful: Readers write
We asked you to write about small, beautiful moments in 250 words or less. Here are some of our favorite submissions.
Black Presbyterian leadership and churches
The whole church is in decline, but more than 80% of Black Presbyterian churches are without installed pastors. Warren Lesane Jr., Shavon Starling-Louis, Stephen Scott and Teri McDowell Ott discuss vital Black leadership.
Doing more with less: Smaller PC(USA) congregations face new leadership realities
What are small churches to do? Gregg Brekke explores the challenges facing shrinking congregations and how some pastors and presbyteries are addressing the issue.
Small is beautiful
"Church vitality is more about spirit than size, and small churches across the country often serve as hubs of connection for small towns and rural areas." — Teri McDowell Ott
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