If you have talked to me lately (as in the past few months) you would know I've become heavily influenced by the thought and teaching of Rob Bell, Pastor of Mars Hill (link is on this site). Anyway, for anyone interested, he's got a fall speaking tour coming out entitled "The gods aren't angry tour." There's a meeting in Philly and in Pittsburg, if anyone's interested. Here's the link to the site: http://www.thegodsarentangrytour.com/
A consideration, because this guy is in 'high demand'. Rarely do I see speakers selling out their events, but Rob seems to do this. Why? My take is that he's presenting the beauty of the gospel in a rich and meaningful way. He's all about the scriptures. He doesn't shy away from their depth in order not to offend those who are 'seeking', but he probes the depth of them because in them is truth.
This is why he's influenced me so much lately. The whole seeker sensative movement worries me because it does a disservice to both believer and seeker. For the believer it lacks depth and for the true seeker it doesn't give anything of substance. If I'm looking for something to believe in, I'm looking for a religion with depth, not a simple motivation with some verses thrown in to call it a sermon.
I've heard it said in the preaching circles to find someone to emulate...someone who has a style that you can identify with and then learn from. This guy is the closest I can find. He probes the depth of life and God and Scripture unapologetically. He does so without fancying it up. He let's the text do the persuading, because the text speaks and is alive.
So what begins as a plug for Rob and his ministry is really a plug for what his ministry is all about...the depth of faith in Jesus. If you haven't read them yet, check out his books Velvit Elvis and Sex God. The first was amazing and I'm halfway through the second...just as good.
