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Rob Bell was born on 23 August 1970. His full name is Robert Bell. He is the son of US District Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell.
When Rob went to Wheaton College, he still did not know what he wanted to do with his life. This is where he met his wife Kristen. He also started a band with some friends while at Wheaton College, called _ton bundle. In 1992 he received a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton.
Bell claims he was called by God to preach the Word while at the Wheaton College's Honey Rock Camp. This prompted him to complete his Masters in Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Rob Bell currently serves as the pastor of the Mars Hill Bible Church in Granville, Michigan. He founded this church in February 1999, and at the date of this article, more than 11,000 people attend the church weekly.
Something that came as a pleasant surprise to me (a South African) is that Rob is an avid fan of Nelson Mandela, and often wears the those shirts we have come to associate with Madiba. Nelson Mandela is a great inspiration to all of us, and I am proud to be from his country.
To find out more about Rob’s church, please visit the Mars Hill Bible Church website.
Bell’s critics associate him with the emergent church movement. He is being taken apart by some people and while I do not want to get involved in the argument, I will say that Jesus has warned us about sheep and goats in the church.
Is it possible that someone who tries to destroy Rob’s career and stop all the good work he is clearly doing, can be labelled a goat? Just asking a question... Maybe now they will try taking a swing or two at me!?
The following is from a Chicago Sun Times article entitled The Next Billy Graham? Just listen to how this guy responds to criticism...
centrality of Jesus is in question, actually it's their social,
economic and political system that has been built in the name
of Jesus that's being threatened. Generally lurking below some
of the more venomous, vitriolic criticism is somebody who's
created a facade that's not working... But I love everybody
and you're next!" he says, giggling. "That's how I respond
to criticism."
Rob is the brain behind, and the actor in, all the NOOMA videos. These videos are labelled the first series of spiritual short films. It is remarkable work, but definitely aimed at the X-generation and younger. All the baby boomers out there might not be too interested in them and prefer good old-fashioned bible study.
But hey, I will not decide for you. Why don’t you give it a try? I could be completely mistaken.
Me? If you are looking for me, I will be over there watching the NOOMA’s with my wife and friends. Good controversial teaching for en excellent discussion afterwards. Beautiful!
Unfortunately, Rob Bell has only written two books to date (at the date of this review – 13 August 2007). Rob, we do not want to see you outside! Go sit down and write, write, write. His books are controversial to say the least, and take some thinking out of the box to digest. They come highly recommended. The current (regrettably short!) list is: Velvet Elvis, and Sex God.
Rob is a speaker, author and pastor, and as far as my discernment goes, he might just be the next Billy Graham. You can safely invest in his books, watch his NOOMA’s and go to his church.
In the January 2007 issue of TheChurchReport.com Rob was ranked as the tenth most influential Christian in America (out of 50). Hopefully we will see this man of God move up and up still.
Rob Bell is married to Kristen as I ‘said’ earlier, and as far as I know, he has two sons.
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