A few weeks ago, Robert Webber died after battling cancer for a number of months. Bob was a professor of theology at Wheaton College for over 30 years, and more recently, he taught at Northern Seminary. He was the author of dozens of books.

I had the privilege and blessing of being one of the Bob’s students in his Historical Theology class in the Fall of 1998. At the time, he was finishing up Ancient Future Faith. For that semester, he taught the class directly from his manuscript. I would not be exaggerating to say that if not for that class, my faith would would not be what it is today. Bob Webber forever changed my view of Christianity, the Church, and God. I don’t think it would be a stretch to say that if not for Bob Webber, then there would be no emerging church movement. In many ways, Bob was the godfather of that movement, whether the movement’s leaders even realize it. Bob realized that modern evangelicalism was dead on arrival in the 60’s and 70’s and wouldn’t last until the end of the century. He was right. He envisioned a new work of God taking place in the Church. He was passionate about worship and how to rescue true biblical worship from the depths of self-serving entertainment.

At his core, Bob loved the Church and he loved to worship. He loved tearing down the walls between traditions and dragging his students kicking and screaming through the history of God’s work in the world. He had no problem blending the modern and the ancient. He loved a good argument. He was a wonderful teacher, an incredible scholar, and a true servant.

I remember the time he challenged a student to an arm wrestling match before class one day. Bob, in his mid-60s at the time, nearly defeated the 20-something student. I also remember the time that some students swapped his water bottle for a bottle filled with something a little stronger. Bob took one swig, choked down the mouthful, smiled slyly, and then took another swig. I can also remember walking across campus later that school year, after I’d completed Bob’s class, and having Bob recall my name, stop me, and ask me how I was doing. I was just one of probably thousands of students who had sat in his classroom, but he remembered my name and took a genuine interest in me.

If not for Bob Webber (and his Wheaton colleague Lyle Dorsett), I would not call myself an Anglican. If not for Bob Webber, I would have walked away from evangelicalism a longtime ago. Bob gave — and continues to give — me hope for God’s people. There is more to this journey than what we often think.

At his memorial service, Bob had written a letter to those in attendance:

Dear Friends,

As a Christian I have always believed in Christ as the Victor over sin and death. I believe that Christ was the Second Adam, sent to this earth as God Incarnate, suffered death, was buried and rose from the dead to restore the entire creation. I believe that it is God who narrates the entire world and creation, from start to finish. Consequently, I have no fear of death although I do fear the process.

Today, there are literally hundreds of different styles one can follow and model for a funeral. However, historic Christian funerals were always about God. I was able to think about my own funeral and truly want it to be about God who created this world, defeated Satan at the cross and rose victorious over death and grave.

Today we begin with several eulogies, then when those are done, the real funeral begins and it’s all about God. I want my funeral to be a testimony to the God who raises us from hopelressness and blesses us with new life in Him.

I hope these few words help to explain why my funeral is being done in a more ancient than modern way.

Bob Webber
The Lord be with you!

What a fitting way for Bob to be remembered. The church is poorer and heaven richer with Bob’s departure from this world and his arrival in glory.

Christus Victor!