From our top book reviews of 2025: “Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence about Neurodiversity” Sarah Griffith Lund’s theology of neurodiversity is that neurodiverse individuals are whole and loved in their neurodiverse experience, not a problem to be solved. — Jo Wiersema #Repost

Why church choirs matter more than we realize Hunter Steinitz remembers the day her church's choir sang carols with a beloved member in hospice — and how music became family, worship, and farewell all at once. Music binds the church together, she writes. #Advent #Christmas

Silver anniversary 50 years later, A Declaration of Faith remains clear, poetic, relevant, writes John Williams.

Discussion Guide for December 2025 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.

From our most popular news stories of 2025: “Stated Clerk Jihyun Oh on leadership, cuts, and accountability” Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott sat down with Stated Clerk Jihyun Oh to discuss public statements, program cuts, and leadership decisions.

Up Against A Crooked Gospel: Black Women’s Bodies and the Politics of Redemption In "Up Against a Crooked Gospel," Melanie Jones Quarles names how Black women’s bodies have been exploited by theology — and reclaims embodiment as healing. Heather Russell von Marko offers a review.

The insightful reporting, analysis and commentary you enjoy in every issue of the Presbyterian Outlook needs your investment. Because of generous gifts from readers like you, the Outlook is able to continue fulfilling its mission as an independent and informative voice of the PC(USA).

The mystery and perfect love of God Brendan McLean argues that "The Tree of Life" is a theologically rich, liturgical meditation that explores God’s mysterious presence in both the vast cosmos and the intimate struggles of human life.

How do we follow Jesus when the world feels fractured? Discipleship in a Divided Age, The Presbyterian Outlook’s Lenten devotional, journeys through Matthew with daily reflection, prayer & visio divina—grounding us in courage, compassion & hope. Pre-order now and receive your download on Jan. 8.

Why ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ may be the most Christian film of the year A priest. A murder. A question at the heart of faith. “Wake Up Dead Man” isn’t just a locked-room mystery — it’s a theological reflection, writes Brendan McLean.

The top Outlook book recommendations of 2025 Discover the titles that most engaged Presbyterian Outlook readers, from theology and memoir to devotionals and cultural commentary.

‘Pickleball Church’ finds financial stability through innovative building use Presbyterian congregation on Long Island rents out social hall as pickleball court. @Pcusa.bsky.social #Vitality

Growing deep roots in a fast-paced world Maggie Alsup reflects on what her plant, Peter Parker, taught her about living in abundance and embracing slow growth in a fast-paced world. @chaplainmags.bsky.social

And the winner is.... February! Thanks to everyone who voted and for your continued support of the Presbyterian Outlook! We can't wait to see what 2026 will bring 🎉

New books on justice: Racial healing, climate action and courageous faith What does faithful resistance look like today? These latest roundup highlights powerful books on race, climate, courage and liberation. @dukepress.bsky.social @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social @broadleafbooks.bsky.social

2025 book recommendations: New fiction and poetry Explore 2025 book releases in fiction and poetry, including Wally Lamb’s latest novel and uplifting collections from David Gate and Victoria Hutchins. @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social

Our most-read opinions of 2025 What Presbyterians were thinking — and wrestling with — in 2025.

Faith for turbulent times: Four new books on Scripture and spiritual formation Seeking grounding in turbulent times? These new releases on Isaiah, resilience and Presbyterian identity offer wisdom, comfort and challenge. @wjkbooks.com @brazospress.bsky.social

Today is the last day to vote for the best cover of 2025! The winner will be revealed tomorrow!

Coming in at number seven from our top ten news articles of 2025, we are revisiting this reported story from Gregg Brekke. “Holy dissent: Presbyterians speak out about the Trump administration’s policies” Faith-based opposition to government actions and legislation mounts.

Number nine on our top news stories from 2025: “D.C. churches respond to federal show of force” D.C. churches unite against heightened federal policing, defending vulnerable neighbors and calling for justice over fear-based governance. #pcusa @askforshani.bsky.social @davidensign.bsky.social

Top 10 Presbyterian news stories of 2025 Here are the top 10 Presbyterian news stories from 2025 highlighting the questions and concerns shaping the church's future. #Top10Lists

First Sunday after the Epiphany — January 11, 2026 From Isaiah’s servant to Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, this week’s lectionary invites the church to see vulnerability as the pivot of salvation, writes Roger Gench.

The championship round has begun! You have 2 days to vote! February vs. December What is the best cover of 2025?

Got an empty church lawn? Why not turn it into a dog park? For some churches, starting a dog park turns underused church property into a place for community. #Repost

This is our time There will be better times, but this is our time, writes Tim Hart-Andersen. #Repost

The last round of the semi-finals is here! Can you decide between October and December? Let us know your choice in the comments!

Big churches sound alike. Little churches are the ‘Wild West’ of music, study finds. Worship professor Will Bishop said that focusing on the most popular worship songs can miss what churches are actually singing. #Repost #ChurchMusic

How do we follow Jesus when the world feels fractured? Discipleship in a Divided Age, The Presbyterian Outlook’s Lenten devotional, journeys through Matthew with daily reflection, prayer & visio divina—grounding us in courage, compassion & hope. Pre-order now and receive your download on Jan. 8.

There were some tight races in that opening round! Thank you to all who voted. The semi-finals have begun! Today's battle: February vs. July/August! Let us know your choice in the comments!

What carried us through 2025: Outlook staff favorites Here’s what carried the Outlook staff through 2025 — culture, prayer, public faith, and small joys.

Decline of religion remains stalled, says new Pew report. But there’s no revival yet. For the past five years, the decline of religion in America has stalled, after years of decline.

Meet Jimmy Stewart American actor, military aviator, and Pennsylvania native James Stewart was a born-and-raised Presbyterian. @Pcusa.bsky.social

Born out of national division, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ is a balm for Christmas A century and a half after Phillips Brooks wrote this haunting carol, there is much once again to lament, fear and grieve, writes Karen Swallow Prior.

This is the last round of the initial match-ups! Who is it going to be: November or December? 🤔 Put your vote in the comments

Christmas Beatitudes Christian Iosso writes: "Blessed are those who have no 'home for the holidays,' without jobs or funds to buy gifts, who have outlived their friends..." #Repost #Christmas

No Christmas in Bethlehem: A litany "How can we celebrate Christmas when there is no Christmas in Bethlehem?" writes Bruce Reyes-Chow. #Repost #Christmas

The insightful reporting, analysis and commentary you enjoy in every issue of the Presbyterian Outlook needs your investment. Because of generous gifts from readers like you, the Outlook is able to continue fulfilling its mission as an independent and informative voice of the PC(USA).

Dad, will you be in “The Nutcracker”? In an unexpected casting of Drosselmeyer, Matt Rich finds – in life and in ministry – the role you think you are going to play might not be the role you get. #Christmas #Repost

Come alive, O Christ: A Christmas Eve prayer Come alive, O Christ in every broken place so that love fills every gap, writes Jeremy Wilhelmi. #ChristmasEve #Repost

Drawn Again — A poem-prayer for Christmas Eve Come, Lord Jesus — in the retelling of the familiar story, in the souls that gather to listen, writes Andrew Taylor-Troutman. #Repost #ChristmasEve

What Japanese Gardens taught me about letting go Sometimes, you have to say goodbye to something full of potential, writes Karie Charlton. #periodpastor #KarieCharlton #Repost

Day 3 of voting! Today's match-up is between September and October covers! Which one is your favorite?🤔 Vote in the comments!

Practicing Christ’s patterns Christ not only illuminates our common bonds as humans but shows what we can accomplish when we work together toward the good, writes Teri McDowell Ott. #Repost @terimott.bsky.social #Advent

Day 2 of voting! Today's match-up is between May and our July/August editions! Which one is your favorite?🤔 Vote in the comments

Evangelism in an Age of Despair: Hope Beyond the Failed Promise of Happiness Aaron Pratt Shepherd praises Andrew Root’s "Evangelism in an Age of Despair" as a timely, theologically rich call for the church to reclaim evangelism.

As we sing "O Little Town of Bethlehem," Palestinian Christians face walls, checkpoints, and erasure. Christopher Tweel asks a hard Christmas question: What does it mean to celebrate Christ’s birth while remaining silent about his birthplace?

Why ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ may be the most Christian film of the year A priest. A murder. A question at the heart of faith. “Wake Up Dead Man” isn’t just a locked-room mystery — it’s a theological reflection, writes Brendan McLean.

In Minneapolis, clergy mobilize to manage ICE raids targeting Somali immigrants Preparing for ICE agents' presence in the city, an interfaith coalition shared best practices for dealing with law enforcement at houses of worship.

Reading God’s Love: Three new children’s books for growing faith Discover three new children’s books that nurture faith, justice, and belonging.