Weekly Outlook - Harmful theology hiding in plain sight

Dear readers, May you find God in the ordinary and grace in the imperfect. May there be laughter around your table, courage for tough moments, and enough quiet to hear whispers from God. When the world feels heavy, may you remember that God's love covers you. Peace, Dartinia Hull Managing Editor Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. Have you started your Advent plans? We've got daily devotionals and a plethora of liturgies to make your life easier. Learn more.

No other God: Voting, faith, and state intimidation by Rev. Dr. Serene Jones Harmful theology hiding in plain sight by Teri McDowell Ott Polity matters: Faithful governance and the Book of Order by Kyle Walker Faith leaders on the ballot: 11 races to watch by Religion News Service

In case you missed it... At This Time: Dialogues in Theological Education What does theological education look like beyond enrollment and budgets? — Amy Pagliarella Workshop unpacks post-pandemic finances and attendance data for churches Insights include church growth patterns, online trends and the impact of technology on giving. When a Presbyterian elder is taken by ICE After Pedro Garcia Luna was detained and deported to Mexico, his North Carolina congregation was left grieving his absence and navigating fear — while finding the faith to carry on. — Harriet Riley ‘The Shack’ author Paul Young returns with a sequel set on Death Row Two decades after his first novel became a runaway hit, William Paul Young returns to the world of ‘The Shack’ in a story where a grieving father meets the man who killed his daughter. “God loves them and so do we”: How a church became sanctuary following a school shooting When a school shooting brought hundreds of children and anxious families to Westminster Presbyterian Church, a congregation became a place of refuge, offering comfort, care and a tangible reminder of God’s love.  — April H. Cranford Presbyterian Association of Musicians director leaves for a new opportunity Kelly Abraham, PAM executive director for nine years, will be the new president of the Texas Presbyterian Foundation. Hope amid uncertainty Presbyterian seminary classes are shrinking, but Naomi McQuiller says theological education offers something nothing else can. — Naomi McQuiller

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

Weekly Outlook - Can you spot dangerous theology hiding in plain sight?

Dear readers, October 8 is DAF Day, a national day of giving that encourages people with donor-advised funds to put their charitable dollars to work for the causes they care about most. If you have a donor-advised fund, please consider the Presbyterian Outlook in your DAF giving. Your gift directly supports our nonprofit ministry of independent journalism, thoughtful theological reflection, practical resources for ministry, and courageous conversations that equip and empower the church to engage today’s pressing issues. By directing a gift to the Presbyterian Outlook Foundation, Inc., EIN 54-1186581, you help ensure that the church continues to have a trusted, independent voice serving the church today and into the future. Peace, Teri McDowell Ott Editor/Publisher Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. Thinking about Advent? We've got daily devotionals ready to order in addition to a whole list of resources: liturgies for Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve, an at-home Christmas and more! See all our Advent resources here.

Communion, eating disorders and the possibility of healing by Julia Burkley    You have youth. They just aren’t in your pews. by Phillip Blackburn Who is the Presbyterian pastor who won on ‘Jeopardy!’? by — Rich Copley When ruling elders preside at Communion by Joel Moody

In case you missed it... Columbia launches redesigned MDiv program for fall 2027 The redesigned curriculum reduces the degree requirement from 90 to 77 credit hours while creating a more intentional, integrated learning experience. — CTS What is theological education in the future?  What if theological education isn’t just for pastors, but for every Christian, asks Beth McCaw? What young adults are teaching the church about belonging  Campus minister Mathew Frease has watched students build community across differences. What he’s seen challenges churches to rethink how people become seen, known and loved. Here’s what to know about Pete Hegseth’s new Office of Religious Affairs A memo announcing the establishment of the Office of Religious Affairs said it would ‘oversee research, technology, and analytical tools to support and assess spiritual fitness, spiritual readiness, and spiritual resilience’ of soldiers. — Yonat Shimron and Jack Jenkins Harmful theology hiding in plain sight  Religion shapes our shared life. Theological education helps Christians discern when faith leads toward love and justice — and when it is used to justify exclusion and power, writes Teri McDowell Ott. Board of Pensions launches resources and support for Post-Retirement Medical Plan transition Engagement opportunities are being offered over the next few weeks. — BOP The church needs to meet young adults at their table Maggie Alsup learns from students that ministry with young adults begins not with perfect programs or invitations, but with consistent presence at the tables where they already gather.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

Weekly Outlook - You have youth. They just aren't in your pews.

Dear readers, Failure is rarely the end of the story. Sometimes the plan falls apart. The opportunity disappears. The thing we worked toward simply doesn’t work. And sometimes, what comes next surprises us: a second chance, an unexpected discovery, a little humor, a lot of grace. For our February issue, the Presbyterian Outlook is inviting readers to tell us about those moments — and the faith that carries us forward when things don’t go according to plan. We’re looking for short, creative narratives of 250 words or less. Tell us about disappointment, resilience, failure, discovery, grace or the unexpected gift you found in starting again. Submit your story by November 1, 2026. We can’t wait to read what you share. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. Join Outlook Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella on Monday at 1 p.m. ET for an overview of the best Advent resources to consider. Learn more and register.  Explore our digital, daily Advent devotional along with a long list of easy-to-use liturgies.

You have youth. They just aren’t in your pews. by Phillip Blackburn When ruling elders preside at Communion by Joel Moody What are our worship songs teaching us? by Shea Watts  Join us Monday for a tour of Advent resources with Amy Pagliarella

In case you missed it... Board of Pensions launches resources and support for Post-Retirement Medical Plan transition Engagement opportunities are being offered over the next few weeks. — By Board of Pensions Communing without bread For Christians with eating disorders, communion can bring anxiety alongside grace. Rachel Sutphin asks how churches can make Christ’s welcome tangible for everyone at the table. A new season at UPSem: Entering class grows 45% Union Presbyterian Seminary is welcoming a growing student body this fall as students begin a new academic year across its Richmond and Charlotte campuses. — UPS Collaborative youth ministry: One model in Oregon  Sean P. Williams and Kate Satterstrom share how four churches built a collaborative youth ministry that has thrived for nine years. Leadership spaces for young Presbyterians Six ways young Presbyterians are finding leadership roles beyond their church. — Mary Mabry A church worthy of Gen Z Teri McDowell Ott argues that instead of trying to "figure out" Gen Z, churches should ask what kind of church is worthy of their trust. Meryl Streep as Narnia’s Aslan: Why some evangelicals call it blasphemy News that Streep will play Aslan in "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew" has sparked casting debates similar to those over "The Odyssey." But for evangelicals, the concerns go deeper than culture wars. — Bob Smietana

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.