Jack Haberer To Edit OUTLOOK

by Evan Silverstein

LOUISVILLE - The Rev. John H. "Jack" Haberer Jr., a Houston pastor and a member of the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has been chosen as the new editor of The Presbyterian Outlook.

The Presbyterian Outlook Foundation announced that Haberer, the pastor of Houston's Clear Lake Presbyterian Church, will take the helm of the denominational magazine as of December 12.

"Building on the work of the strong editors who have gone before him, Jack Haberer brings the same sense of wisdom about the church, a keen analytical interest, and a contagious enthusiasm for the mission of The Presbyterian Outlook," said Richard A. Ray, the North Carolinian who serves as the foundation's board president. "... Jack's commitment to the church's mission of evangelism, social witness, and compassionate service has prepared him well for this task."

O. Benjamin Sparks, the pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA, has been serving as interim editor since March 2004. Sparks is a longtime member of the Outlook Foundation.

Haberer's faith journey led him from his youth in New Jersey to the Jesus Movement and through evangelical and inter-denominational affiliations to a commitment to the Reformed tradition and the PC(USA). He earned an M.Div. degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA, and a D.Min. from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. Haberer is the author of numerous journal and magazine articles, as well as two books: Godviews: The Convictions that Drive Us and Divide Us, and Living the Presence of the Spirit.

Haberer, who has served the Clear Lake congregation since 1994, also was pastor of Trinity Church in Satellite Beach, FL, for 10 years. He has been active in various Presbyterian-related organizations, including Presbyterians for Renewal and The Presbyterian Coalition. He was named a member of the theological task force in 2001.

Haberer will fulfill his obligations to the task force, including several speaking engagements this year and next. Ray said that will not affect the editorial policies of The Outlook.