The Battle For Rob Bell’s Image
There has been much written (and vastly more tweeted) lately about the upcoming release of Rob Bell’s doctrinal manifesto Love Wins.
Much of the feedback I’ve seen comes from two perspectives: “Rob Bell can do no wrong” and “Rob Bell is straying from God’s Word”.
While I think these arguments are good, fine, and to a certain degree necessary, I don’t think they have much to do with Rob Bell the person at all. This is a battle for the image of Rob Bell, the one that 99% of us know. Beyond Nooma videos and weekly podcast, the majority of people know very little about Rob Bell. The only things I know of Rob Bell are produced sound bytes that have had hours of meticulous preparation dedicated to the the end product that is released to the masses.
Quite frankly, the Rob Bell the person has no direct impact on the church and Christianity outside of the congregation he pastors and the people he has relationships with. He might be the most admirable or loathsome person on the planet and it really doesn’t matter to any of us who only know of him. What matters then to us is his image.
Images are a particular challenge to manage and navigate as the context of communication is determined by the reader or listener. Without the control over context, the person (or persons) projecting the image have no control of the contextual setting where their message will be viewed. In other words, the communication we receive from an image has no boundaries for interpretation.
While Rob Bell incarnate has no impact on my ministry, his image does. People in my congregation read his books, listen to his podcasts, and rave about the artistry of his videos. His image, for lack of a more sophisticated word, is “cool”. There’s not a “cooler” conference than Catalyst and at least 60% of the men there have shaved heads and “Rob Bell glasses”…speaking of which, he should get a kickback for each of lookalike that enters to arena (I’ll also accept a fee for the idea 
).
Considering the nature of his image (according to my perception, of course) is more closely related to popular culture rather than biblical soundness, the release of his upcoming book is a plunge into new territory. There’s nothing “cool” about biblical foundations and doctrinal convictions no matter how crucial, significant, and elemental they are to the Gospel.
While an image is able to reach more people, it lacks to ability to interact, to respond to questions, and address specific life situations. An image can be far-reaching, but it lacks the transformational power that is only possible through the act of presence. Because of it’s nature, the image of Rob Bell is far less impactful than it seems and your presence is far more impactful.
Here’s some thoughts to consider as the fodder and debates grow in the future…
- Rob Bell’s image is being reshaped with this book…realize there are people that will perpetuate this reshaping because it benefits their likeness.
- There are people you think care about this as much as you do…most of them have no part or personal influence on your leadership team or congregation.
- None of this internet crap matters to the average Christian at your church who picks up this book to read…they will form their own opinion based on the doctrine they have been taught in your congregation.
- Determine if a divisive spirit is driving your feelings and thoughts on this matter…regardless of your viewpoint, it will cause further division to the already fragmented church.
- Even though this is a big deal amongst church workers, it will have minimal impact outside of the profession.
- Before you type, dialogue, or hit record, make sure the law and gospel is boldly proclaimed through and through.
- Understand that next year there will be a new controversial book or figure.
- Know that next year you will have one fewer year of time on this earth to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Tend to the harvest work the Lord has given to you.
- Remember that all Christians are constantly maturing and growing in their faith…there are different messages and teachings that you needed at a specific time that promoted growth…don’t underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome.
A note about the author to guide your contextual perception
I am indifferent to Rob Bell, as I am with the majority of Christian writers, speakers, and pastors who garner headlines, write books, and put butts in the seats at ministry conferences around the world. I know exactly zero of them personally and know of far less of this group of people than your average minister in their late twenties. I don’t read ministry books ad nauseum as I am a recovering graduate student and have been overloaded with books in recent years. I’m an unknown minister without fans and followers I’ve never met and who represents no one other than myself. All I care about is my family and sharing the God I love with everyone I meet and where I find myself.
