A sound economic strategy? A battle plan for defeating a society’s enemies? A moral vision? Are you looking for someone who manifests intelligence? Compassion? Honesty? Humility? Do you want to hear promises of a better life? Less crime? Lower taxes? A chicken in every pot?

What boxes must a candidate check to win your support?

This fall, on the eve of another contentious presidential election, Fifth Avenue
Presbyterian Church is going to think together about the nature of civic leadership. Our companion in this quest will be First Samuel.

In a gripping fashion, First Samuel describes the transformation of the Hebrew people from a loose collection of independent tribes to a unified nation governed by a monarch. As the story unfolds, 1 Samuel poses all sorts of relevant questions.

What expectations do people have of their civic leaders? What characteristics make for a good leader? How do leaders go wrong? What happens when people grow tired of a leader? Is God “a leader”? In what sense?

Along the way, these questions will help us assess our own leadership skills. They can also provide perspective on what faithful living looks like—no matter who sits on the throne (or in the White House).

Amidst all the anxious chatter, won’t you join us to consider (calmly and prayerfully) what our faith has to say about public leadership and communal life?

Her Song
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Sunday, September 8 - Homecoming Sunday
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, preaching.

Changing of the Guard
1 Samuel 3:1-21
Sunday, September 15
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, preaching.

Ichabod & Ebenezer
1 Samuel 4:1-22 & 1 Samuel 7:7-17
Sunday, September 22
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, preaching.

Bend the Knee
1 Samuel 8:1-22
Sunday, September 29
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, preaching.

Shall the Religious Nationalists Win?
1 Samuel 13:2-15
Sunday, October 6
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, preaching.

The Price of Power
1 Samuel 14:24-36
Sunday, October 13
The Rev. Natalie Owens-Pike, preaching.

King Breaker
1 Samuel 15
Sunday, October 20
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, preaching.

Five Smooth Stones
1 Samuel 17:1-11, 32-49
Sunday, October 27
The Rev. Chris Palmer, preaching.

Trouble in the Palace
Psalm 59 & 1 Samuel 18:1-16
Sunday, Nov. 3 • All Saints Sunday
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, preaching.

Abigail’s Peace
1 Samuel 25:2-38
Sunday, November 10
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, preaching.

The Witch, the Ghost, and the King
1 Samuel 28:3-22
Sunday, November 17
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, preaching.

Milestones
Psalm 62
Sunday, November 24 • Pledge Sunday
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, preaching.