"Where in the Bible does it say we’re supposed to organize new churches according to the franchise model?” The question, uttered in a presbytery meeting nearly 30 years ago, stung like a bee — as intended.

When stresses weigh us down, one of the best paths of escape is to curl up with a book. If this spring book issue of the Outlook prompts you to take such a plunge, it will have accomplished a good end. If it draws you to the “Glory to God” hymnal website to read and hum through the “compact theology” contained there (see p. 11), it may even lift the weight making your shoulders droop.

Late adopters are gradually shifting from calling their preachers “Minister of Word and Sacrament” to “Teaching Elder,” as guided by that shift in language in the recently revised Book of Order section of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s constitution. But before the ink dries, we really ought to reclaim another label: pastor.

If I had a nickel for every time a fellow Presbyterian has said, “God is calling me to such and such …