bobbob does it again

My mate Bob Roberts Jr has gone and published another book. Its called Glocalization and its a great read. His concern is not only that we engaged locally as well as globally at the same time, but that we engage in every sphere of life and not just that of the church. He is one of the most remarkable people I know and this book is unique in its genre. Here is an interview with Bob about the book.

February 8, 2007 | Filed Under reviews |  

Comments

12 Responses to “bobbob does it again”

  1. Barry A on February 8th, 2007 2:29 pm

    what a great article - I resonate totally with his views on mission and discipleship…a great response to those who are constantly on my back to “plant churches”!

  2. Bob Roberts on February 9th, 2007 12:23 am

    Thanks Alan for the plug - I love following your blog - I’m on it most days. Pray for me, lots going on right now, travel, NorthWood, networks. In the middle of my third book right now and one chapter deals with movements. There are 3 books that are hands down the very best on movements - Rodney Stark - The Rise of Christianity (movement history). David Garrison - Church Planting Movements (movement stories and lessons) and yours The Forgotten Ways (movement DNA, philosophy, and technology). For people who want do do “missional” they are not optional reads - I just don’t know of anything else that comes close.
    The Forgotten Ways.

  3. Alan Hirsch on February 9th, 2007 10:03 am

    Thanks bob for the vote of confidence! And be assured of my ongoing prayers for you.

    For those who don’t know Bob, he gets to go to some strage places and meet with some pretty powerful people. god is using him in very exceptional ways. Pray for wisdom for him.

  4. David on February 9th, 2007 1:44 pm

    Well if Christians aren’t just about weekends and Wednesday night prayer meetings, why don’t I see more of them walking the streets in sandwhich boards with a “the end is nigh” message? Or more street preaching or swarms of Christians handing out tracts? Where are the teams of door-to-door Christians sweeping the suburbs? How often do Christians get themselves onto news and current affairs TV and radio to put a view across? Why isn’t there a vocal, powerful and persistent political lobby group of Christians? What about political parties - Family First is a dud.

    So Christians where are you? I’m not playing peek-a-boo, I genuinely can’t see you.

  5. Celtic Son on February 9th, 2007 2:19 pm

    Hey David,

    I agree that it’s contradictory that, in general, people are not more aware of genuine Jesus followers. If we were all genuinely following Jesus, then the fact that our priorities differed from the main self-focussed thrust of our society should be apparent. You are right that too few of us are actively at it… but I might also point out that you are looking for those who are, in all the wrong places…

    As a follower of Jesus wouldn’t you expect that we’d be doing what Jesus does? Jesus might have fed people with fish sandwiches, but I don’t see him wearing the boards afterwards. I don’t recall accounts of him handing out tracts or going door-to-door. He generally preached to crowds of people who were interested in hearing Him rather than going into the streets preaching at those who were not - though he wasn’t averse to giving a serve to the local religious hierarchy - and He resisted the opportunity to have a loud political voice!

    I’d suggest that if you’re genuinely seeking out active Christians, perhaps offer your services to help out where people are distributing food to needy people on the streets, or offer to volunteer at a refuge or rehab. Maybe start actively doing that yourself and see who comes along to help you… I’d be surprised if you didn’t find some Jesus followers there. Instead of playing peek-a-boo, you could play hide-and-go-seek… who knows what you might find… if you’re genuinely seeking.

    Slainte

    A Celtic Son

  6. Peggy Brown on February 9th, 2007 3:20 pm

    Yes, yes, yes!

    Wow…I just left a related comment on the tfwuk thread, and it sounds like I’ve found yet another term that describes my own experience: glocal!

    Thanks Bob, for sharing and being out on the edge. This glocal sister will certainly be in prayer for you as you live kingdom in, kingdom out. May we all join you!

    I guess that makes me a glocal yokel ;)

  7. David on February 9th, 2007 6:04 pm

    “As a follower of Jesus wouldn’t you expect that we’d be doing what Jesus does?”

    Why? Isn’t it Jesus’ teaching and actions that’s important.

    Sure, Jesus didn’t wear sandwhich board advertising, fly in planes, smoke roll-your-owns or drive a mercedes benz.

    Why do the restrictions operating in Jesus’ time need to curtail or define your actions in current times? Does it suggest that you should be giving sight to the blind and raising the dead in order to be an authentic follower of Jesus?

    Jesus associated with drunks, tax-collectors and prostitutes. I also used to work at the Australian Taxation Office - never noticed any Christians there.

  8. Celtic Son on February 9th, 2007 6:25 pm

    You’re right again David, it’s the issue of principle, applied in the appropriate cultural context that’s important - which is one of the points being made by many on this blog. Good to see we can agree on some things.

    I do hope that you find the right places to look to find some Christians, obviously they are not promoting the good things they do - hey didn’t Jesus say something about that? What do you know some people must be acting on Jesus teaching!

    Maybe you’ll find them alongside you when you’re helping out those less fortunate…

    Slainte mhor agus a h-uile beannachd duibh

    A Celtic Son

  9. Cameron on February 10th, 2007 5:58 am

    Wow, excellent interview. It is always so encouraging to see this lived out and bearing fruit. I’m trying to find ways to work this out in our youth group and hopefully transform the church from the inside out.

    David, forgive us. Myself and so many of my brothers and sisters have failed to be in the world; living out Christ’s life and proclaiming His good message. And that is no excuse. We have done wrong and not followed Christ, nor have we loved God with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind, nor our neighbors as ourselves.

    Thank you for your comments and insight. They are good words for us to consider and challenge me to follow Christ with all I have and to not be ashamed of the Gospel. Celtic Son has done a great job of explaining how that actually looks in a given culture.

    I would suggest you consider Jesus in the Gospels as the fullness of what you should see when you see a Christian. But also consider Peter and his failures along the way and how Jesus corrects, but also encourages, and even builds his church upon this flawed character. I hope this helps.

    Press on for Joy!
    Cameron

  10. Alan Hirsch on February 10th, 2007 9:05 am

    A good reply Cameron. Seasoned with grace.

  11. Marshall on February 16th, 2007 9:45 am

    I was honored to do the interview with Bob for Christian Vision Project and LeadershipJournal. It was an eye-opening experience, and among the many eye-opening elements was Bob’s profound appreciation for you, Alan.

    It’s always scary when other people take your ideas and run with them (as someone once said, “Lord, preserve me from my disciples.”)

    But in your case, Alan, Bob seems to be taking your concepts in a good and fruitful direction.

  12. Alan Hirsch on February 16th, 2007 3:11 pm

    Thanks for the feedback Marshall. I can’t tell you how honred I am to even influence a man like Bob. He is greater in the Kingdom than I, and it is a privelage to serve him in any way.

    Great article….really.

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