Weekly Outlook - Gen Z's complicated return to faith

Dear readers, This past week has felt like walking into a large room where everyone is talking at once. Following the murder of Charlie Kirk, it seems everyone has something to say — and strong reactions to what other people have said. Add on top of that continued genocide, war, school shootings, debates over public health, debates over free press and and and ... it leaves me overstimulated and speechless.  This is a difficult place to be when your career is an online ministry of words. While listening to the "Faith Adjacent" podcast, I was struck by what host Erin Hicks Moon said about internet culture in the wake of Kirk's murder, "I feel like we're all sort of tripping over ourselves to have the perfect response. ... [but] there's no right way to think about this because all of this is wrong. The whole setup is wrong. I'm going to feel differently about this than a Black woman is going to feel about this ... [than] someone who is gay... I just don't think there is a perfect take. And I think we want there to be because that would help us process our own feelings about it." Our editorial team had multiple, serious conversations about when and how to address Kirk's murder. We ultimately decided not to publish immediately and to publish multiple pieces at once. We felt the Spirit calling us to sit with it, to let our interested writers sit with it. The result was two op-eds we published yesterday.  I still agree with Moon that this is all so wrong, that there is no perfect reaction. But we also feel that there is wisdom in the words we are offering, that there is wisdom in considering multiple perspectives.  I'll also add that there is wisdom in knowing when to close the internet tab, to put the phone down, to shut the TV off. Lord, God, I pray that I can find the right balance — I pray the same for you, too. Today, I pray that you are able to see the Spirit at work all around you — in community, in creation, in the work of the church. Know that God goes with you into all of the unknowns of this time and Christ's grace covers you. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. Looking for an Advent devotion that will help you slow down and center? Consider Presbyterian Outlook's offering, Draw Near, by Teri McDowell Ott.

A new chapter for small churches by Mark DeVries Charlie Kirk and the language that divides us by Patrice Gaines Gen Z’s complicated return to faith — and what Presbyterians are seeing by Gregg Brekke For churches, simply surviving is not enough by Phillip Blackburn The way of Jesus in a violent age by Shea Watts From church closures to growth: Lessons from 133 presbyteries by David Bonnema In case you missed it... The ministry of small words Maggie Alsup reflects on how God’s wisdom can appear in everyday conversations. Presbyterian Outlook webinar focuses on a ministry of presence going on in the nation’s capital Commuters and others appreciate Presbyterians praying and listening to folks at Metro stations. Presbytery of Baltimore approves groundbreaking reparative justice fund The Reparative Justice Fund will provide direct support to African American congregations and communities in central Maryland. — PNS One year after Helene: A prayer for healing, hope and remembrance Esta Jarrett pens a prayer to mark the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, offering hope, healing, and remembrance. Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church — Topsham, Maine  A small church in Maine found unexpected help from Presbyterians in New Jersey, a pallet supplier, and strangers. — Shirley and Richard Reese A daily Advent devotional by Presbyterian Outlook Each Advent, we are invited to slow down and pay attention — not just to Christmas on the horizon, but to Christ’s presence with us here and now. This daily devotional by Teri McDowell Ott helps you do just that.

Former Nike executive John Olinger will offer practical advice to help church leaders reach and engage their communities. Join us on October 1!