Bob Webber, R.I.P.
The emerging, missional, ancient-future blogosphere is replete with the news that Bob Webber died last Friday. Dr. Webber had been battling pancreatic cancer for quite some time and finally succumbed to its ravages.
I only met Bob Webber once for a few brief moments. But his influence on me has been far greater than those few moments reflect. In the summer of 1987 I came across a book entitled Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail: Why Evangelicals Are Attracted to the Liturgical Church. Well, I was an evangelical who was attracted to the liturgical church, but I thought I was all alone in my interest. I saw the book advertised in Christianity Today, rushed to the book store and put it on order (this was in pre-Amazon.com days).
The book changed my life. This is not an exaggeration. I would not now be the guitarpriest if I had not read Webber's book. I am deeply and profoundly indebted to him.
And so in the words of the Book of Common Prayer, of which I would not know about or use as a priest if it were not for the life and ministry of Robert Webber, I offer this prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother
Robert, who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism.
Grant that his death may recall to us your victory over death,
and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father’s
love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led
the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and
the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen.
4 comments:
Webber had a similar influence on me, even thought I also only met him once. His life and testimony will continue to be an inspiration to us all.
I read that book as I was moving from New Mexico to New Jersey. Rough times. Although the story intrigued me, I wasn't "converted" by any means. In any event, his passing is a great loss.
I met Dr. Webber several times while at Asbury, and we corresponded several times over the past ten years. One conversation we had has stayed with me and encouraged me up to the present. Thanks for this post, may light perpetual shine upon him.
Are you saying he got you into guitar or priesthood...or both?
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