Memorial Tribute to Robert E. Webber

(1933-2007)

"Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might."--Ecclesiates 9:10 KJV
(Bob's life verse)

This page is for all the friends, family, students, alumni and colleagues of Robert Webber whose lives have been touched by this extraordinary saint. Thank you for your reflections and memories of Bob and we hope that as you see your own stories posted and read the inspirational stories of others that you will glimpse Bob's vision of the fullness of life lived in Christ and his desire for everyone to find their part in God's story.

Bob was a wonderful person and professor who will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his family.  ~Rev. Carlene Appel

I am thankful for the opportunity to have known Dr. Webber.  Robert Webber's commitment to Christ and the church were evident in his personality as well as his teaching.  Dr. Webber had the wonderful ability to connect to his students.  Thanks be to God for his life.  ~Connie Kunze

Through reading his books, Robert Webber wonderfully and wisely influenced my theological understanding and practice of worship.  But when I met my “hero” in person, I was profoundly impacted by a man who shared Christ’s love in ways that I could never have imagined.  When he “passed the peace of Christ” I was met by Christ, warmly inviting me to experience his presence in the community of believers.  Bob encouraged me greatly to follow God’s call into ministry and because of this I am now pursuing ordination.  I am deeply grateful for his spiritual friendship.  ~Cindy Shogren

I had the privilege of studying with Dr. Webber while both at Wheaton and Northern Seminary.  I was always amazed at his capacity to convey a wealth of information related to the history of the Church, and do so passionately.  Robert always reminded me of what Mark Twain would have looked like, if he had stayed with the church.  Both my wife and I have been beneficiary's of Dr. Webber's teaching.  Please convey or condolences and prayers to Dr. Webber's family - thank you for sharing him with us. 

~Rev. David del Valle

How can one summarize in just a few sentences the impact on thought, ministry and worldview I gained from this raw, ragged and eloquent rebel?  As a seeking student in the 70's, Bob Webber doggedly pointed me to God's eternal story, taught me to "think Christianly" and, just when I thought I might have it all figured out, challenged me again.  I took every class I could possibly take with him, and regretted that I had not chosen theology as a major, once I had my first taste.  I can think of no other influence in my life to which I so frequently return, whether explaining the concept of eternal Truth to middle schoolers or challenging women in Bible study to understand the perils of humanistic thought.  Bob Webber was a blessing and gift to a whole generation of searching Wheaties, and how sorely he will be missed.  And how grateful I have felt over the years that he found a new academic home in Lombard.  May God bless your community as you grieve this incredible loss.  ~Meagan Gillan

The work of this man of God and theologian has only just begun to bud in many, many people’s hearts around the world. Last Friday, I had “Ancient Future Faith” in my bag, (as usual for me recently). I had begun to write to a good friend, recommending the book, but had been lost for words (unusual for me at any time). Unknown to me, as I left the keyboard and that unfinished email, Brother Robert was departing on his final journey. Indeed, it was a time to pause for a while and be thankful for God’s gift to His Body here on earth. I am touched by this passing, for the Lord has used Robert’s writings as a part of the jigsaw of my own journey into an ‘ancient-future’ faith in these past two years especially. Bless you. My dear brother Robert, bless you! Amen.  ~John Ruffle

It is with deep sadness that I read of Dr. Webber's passing. Although our paths only crossed for a year or so at Wheaton College during the mid-eighties, his teaching and our personal friendship had a far-reaching impact upon my thinking, life, and ministry. We maintained contact over the years particularly when I needed an academic reference! His passion for the heritage of the Church was contagious in every way. I was caused to reflect seriously for the first time on my own church background and theological perspective. I am grateful to God that I was privileged to be given the  pportunity to be challenged and refreshed by the life of Dr. Robert Webber. He was a valued mentor and friend. I will miss him.  ~Ewen Butler

What a blessing to have known such a godly man!!! God used him and his teaching in historical theology to change my understanding of the church and worship when I attended Wheaton Grad School.  ~James R. Gordon

Robert Webber was a man of great vision and insight. He shared with all of us students what he himself studied and saw in regard to worship and spirituality as he looked back, looked around and looked forward. Now we can all see more clearly those ancient truths that have called us to a more authentic worship for our day and for the days to come. I thank God for his teaching, his counsel and his friendship.  ~Wendell L. Boertje

Dr. Webber’s introductory patristics course at Wheaton College launched me on a spiritual journey that eventually led to Canterbury and finally on to Rome. I am deeply grateful to him for setting me off on this journey that has so enriched my relationship to Christ. By spoken and written word, by his own enthusiasm, Dr. Webber communicated the incarnational and sacramental vision of the ancient Church in a way that made it accessible and showed its relevance to modern Evangelicals. From him I learned to discern the wisdom of the Spirit at work through Church tradition, not obscuring but illuminating the Word. He modeled a Christian outlook that was both Evangelical and Catholic, as well as, in the best sense of the word, Ecumenical. An engaging, spirited and personable teacher, he was the best professor I ever had --- I hope to emulate him in my own work as a Catholic seminary professor.   ~John L. Gresham

I am forever grateful for the ministry Bob has provided for those of us in worship leadership.  His legacy will live on for years to come and will continue to be an influence on the future church.   While in Bob's presence, one could not help but be influenced by his smile and witty sense of humor.  I can only imagine that Bob is in his new home continuing to tell story after story.   I can truly say knowing Bob changed my life.  Thanks Bob.  ~Dr. Laura A. Keefer

Along with his many Wheaton students, I am saddened to hear of the death of Bob Webber.  He challenged me in profound ways to think about and experience worship in ways I never dreamed possible.  As I celebrate Eastertide in the Anglican tradition, I thank God for Bob's influence in my life and the lives of so many.  Grace and peace to the Webber family.  ~John Burtness

Robert had a seminal role, unknown to him, in the initiation of the Institute Of Contemporary & Emerging Worship Studies at St. Stephen's University in New Brunswick, Canada. After years of reading Robert's works, and experiencing the repercussions of his influence around the world in the contemporary worship movements, I was inspired by his model to influence songwriters and worship leaders toward his call for artisan scholars and historically reflective songwriters to begin to take their place in the Church.   A legacy exists when those you have never met have heard your voice, and it has moved them to further your vision. Thank you, Robert, for all you've done for the Church, and the world, in our generation. We will miss your voice at the roundtable, but your wisdom will sound through in many other voices you've shaped - for generations to come.   ~Dan Wilt

I remember Bob giving a lecture on Post Modernism in my first DMin Class and finishing with some applications from the Ancient Church...One of the pastors commented at the end of his lecture, "Professor Webber, I believe the two things you just said about Postmodernism and the Ancient Church contradict each other...." and Bob replied without missing a beat, "Really? well... You can't expect everything from me!"...He was such a good soul, and I will miss the person more than the vision....such a large soul.   ~Rev. Jay Moses

It was in 1979 that I first read the Orthodox Evangelicals by Bob Webber and Donald Bloesch. It was a book that changed  both the projectory of my theological thought and my life.  If I had never read that book, I doubt if I would have gone to Wheaton Grad School,  become ordained as a Deacon in the Anglican Church and employed at Northern Seminary.  I first meet Bob when I was a graduate student at Wheaton back in 1994. Bob was many things to me. He was a professor, employer, mentor and colleague.  But most of all he was my friend. I will miss him calling me a “heretic”. I will miss the way he encouraged all those around him. I will miss his theological insights. I will miss having coffee with him and other students at Starbucks after chapel. I will miss working with him on the AEF Call. I will miss how he strove to embrace the church universal. I will miss reading his newest book.  I count myself as deeply blessed and personally enriched because of having Bob in my life. Bob, of course, would not want us to talk about him. He would direct our attention to the Risen Lord. And so Bob, the Lord has Risen, the Lord has Risen Indeed. Alleluia!  ~Philip Kenyon

A tribute to Dr. Webber, posted at: http://carlmpeters2.blogspot.com/

~Dr. Carl M. Peters II

Through the Institute for Worship Studies, I had the blessing to live, learn, and vision alongside of Dr. Webber for a number of years.  Many IWS alumni have commented on the reality of our "ruined lives" as Bob gifted to us both challenges and confrontations.  As a result, "life as we knew it was ruined," and thankfully so!  Though I rejoice in his having begun that for which he has longed, I do so acknowledging the profound vacancy now left in my life.  Yet, even as I write, that vacancy is being filled with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit --- a presence that invites me to continue that which Bob invited all of us to do: to journey with the victorious Jesus.  ~Dr. Norm Brunelle

I never met Bob Webber. It had been my sincere desire to do so for some time now. I was born and raised in a Pentecostal context. Several years ago, I began to find myself increasingly uncomfortable with my place in the church...  more  ~Daniel Davis

Bob was a great teacher and Christian role model.  He was one of two professors under whom I studied at Northern after my son Dan had already studied under them at different schools - Bob at Wheaton and Dave Scholer at Gordon-Conwell Seminary.  Bob also participated at Dan's wedding.  I'm sure he was welcomed to his heavenly home with those wonderful words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."  ~Harriet Buttry

I join the Church global to celebrate the life of Robert Webber and to mourn his death. If ever the people of God needed focus - for their faith, their kingdom work, and their worship - it has been the last thirty years. It was his undaunted, relentless message of Jesus Christ's saving, sanctifying, all-sufficient work that set Robert Webber apart. Nothing could draw him away from this message...not the gravitational pull of career advancement, cultural relevance, or popularity. We miss you already, Robert. Your gifts to us are only made exponential in your passing.  ~Sally Morgenthaler

Bob Webber was a great man and a good friend to all of his students...especially those of us whom he called "heretics."  I will be forever grateful for his ministry to me, and for his help in the formation of our ecumenical church plant, Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler.  Only Bob would have thought that it would be a good idea to bring Baptist, Episcopal and Evangelical Covenant theologies together in one congregation.  May God continue to bless us with people with such passion and vision.  His was a ministry of love, affection and transformation.  There simply are not enough words.  I will miss Bob.
~Rev. Tripp Hudgins

No one rattled my theological cage like Bob Webber in his Christian Traditions class at Wheaton College. Being a Southern Baptist who married a Roman Catholic, I thought I knew about different traditions. Of course, I also "knew" that my tradition was the "right"one, and it was only a matter of time before my wife came around to my way of thinking. :-)   Bob threw cold water on both those assumptions, and then carefully, thoughtfully started me and my wife on The Canterbury Trail. We are happily involved at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Geneva IL. Both our children were baptized there. And it all started in Christian Traditions, with Bob Webber shaking the bars of my theological cage, and then helping me open the lock and escaping.   That's what Bob did so well. He will always be my favorite "heretic," and I'll miss him greatly.  ~Mark A. White

Among the greatest blessings I have received in this life, I must list knowing Bob Webber. To benefit from his writing was a blessing. To sit at his feet in the classroom was a privilege. But to know the man for how genuine and transparent he was touched my life deeply. He was a great encouragement to me personally, spiritually, and professionally. I trust his family will take great comfort, as I do, in knowing he now thoroughly enjoys the glorious worship and presence with the Lord that he diligently helped us all to glimpse.  ~Yvonne Thigpen

In 1973, Bob and I participated in a faculty exchange. He came to Benedictine University and taught a course on the Reformation, and I went to Wheaton and taught a course on contemporary Catholicism. I admired the breadth of Bob's theological vision, his personal integrity, and the enthusiasm he brought to the classroom. He never tired of reminding his Wheaton students that the Church didn't begin in the 16th century. I am one of many who are richer for having known him.  ~Philip Timko, O.S.B.

It was through the writings of Dr. Webber that I was greatly encouraged to pursue Restoration of Ancient Worship as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. His books and tapes will continue to make  a positive impact in Liturgical Renewal in all denominations for many years to come. I give thanks to God  for the life and work of such a giant of a leader in the Evangelical, Liturgical and Charismatic community at large.  ~The Reverend Terril D. Littrell, Ph.D.

As a graduate of the D.Min program at Northern, I had the wonderful opportunity not only to have had Dr. Webber as a teacher, but as someone to talk to about life in local church ministry. Bob was one of the reasons I chose Northern for my DMin. Two of the greatest things I took from his classes in worship was first, that we don't need to re-invent the wheel. And second, that we need to draw not only from history but cross-denominationally (many streams of worship flowing into one river). He understood, taught and practiced worship that had it's roots in the foundation of the past, looked to the future, but always remembering the present context. My congregation has been blessed by what he taught even though they never met him. I was one of the many who had the privilege of knowing this man of God. I will miss him.  ~Rev. Dr. Robert C. Mills

Dr. Robert Webber was one of my key theological mentors, and a motivating force in my establishing The Institute of Worship at Avondale College, Australia, serving the Adventist church right across the South West Pacific. I conducted a large regional church worship seminar here in Australia this very weekend, and I was quoting his insights at about the very time of his passing, unaware of how close he was to the end of his life. I will miss him enormously. He was a true friend, a true scholar, and a true exponent of the ministry envisaged by Jesus when he prayed “that they all may be one.” Please pass my condolences to his family. Hearts are sad even in far off Australia.  ~Dr Lyell Heise

As Ken Medema and I travel around the country, it would be a rare discussion on worship that did not include the work and writings of Robert Webber.  Several years ago, we sat mesmerized at a conference on worship in which Ken had the honor of responding to Robert's presentation.  I will never forget the "Running to the Eucharist" imagery and I think of it every time I  watch congregations as they come forward to receive the sacrament.  Thank you, Robert, you have run with joy and have arrived!    ~Beverly Vander Molen

I never met Bob when he visited our campus last year. As far as I remember, Bob was an influential scholar and pastor who impacted on International Christian workers as well as North American Christians through his many books, articles, and speaking. I am so sad to lose him.  ~Jonghun Joo

Robert Webber has been a breath of fresh air in the church's struggle of how to worship and live in today's world. I have been enriched by participation in his seminars, reading his books, and leading our church's Worship Committee in a study of the video series on Ancient-Future Worship. Though we only met once and had the opportunity to share a meal at one of his seminars, I feel as if I have lost a good friend. His contribution to my life and the life of the church will continue through his work.  To his family, please accept these inadequate words as a deep expression of my love for your husband and father; and my prayers for you in the days ahead.  ~Jim Holladay

Emergent Village tribute to Bob Webber.  ~Posted by Steve Knight

Claude Mariottini tribute to Bob Webber.

Andrew Jones tribute to Bob Webber.

Michael Spencer tribute to Bob Webber.

While I rejoice that Bob is in Glory, running, dancing, singing: whatever you do there, with no idols to smash or illusions to puncture, but simply the joy of God's presence - I feel with you the heaviness of loss at his passing from our midst.  I am amazed and glad that he was able to finish his book, "Ancient-Future Worship."  We only had a few brief back-and-forths on the Internet, but in those I saw a truly good-hearted, godly friend who took the time to encourage me, a complete stranger, when I had the most puzzling questions. I don't know Joanne at all - but, Joanne, God hold you up, strengthen you and give you peace through this time and to the times - and purposes - which lie ahead. 
~Greg Moore

Bob and I grew up in the Baptist Church pastored by his father outside Philadelphia.  We remained friends and colleagues in ministry despite our theological differences; we were brothers in Christ.  He dined with us several years ago while in Pittsburgh to deliver the Baccalaureate address at the Episcopal School for Ministry.  His openness to Christians of "other persuasions" was very refreshing to this ecumenist.

  ~The Rev. Dr. W. Lee Hicks

Bob Webber was one of only a few faculty at Wheaton College in the late 60's and early 70's who had the integrity to challenge the evangelical support of the Vietnam War and to reject the "lock-step" conservativism found at the college. Because of his openness, honesty, and support of dissident students, I remained a Christian rather than chucking the whole mess. I remember him with deep gratitude.  ~Steve Clemens

I am greatly saddened and shocked at the news of Dr Webber's passing. I have only just recently discovered the wealth of his writings and am continually amazed at how insightful they are. I have only read two of his books so far (The Younger Evangelicals, Ancient-Future Faith), but I'm certain that they will not be the last. His thoughtful understanding of the place of Christianity in today's world was, to say the least, remarkable.   My sympathies go to the all of the family. Be assured of my prayerful support at this time of grieving.   From a fellow traveller on journey of faith seeking understanding.  ~Adam Couchman

I am saddened to hear of the falling asleep in Christ of Dr. Robert Webber. His love for things Christian and ancient was the spark that lit the fire of Orthodoxy in me and I will always be in his debt. May his memory be eternal.  ~Fr. John Chagnon

I graduated from Northern in 2003 as the first student who got the Worship and Spirituality degree with Bob. Because of him, I was interested in studying at Northern at that time. It was a life-changing moment to me to set the goal of teaching worship to my country people after finishing my master’s degree with him. Because of this urgent goal for my life, I finished the doctorate of worship and sacred music and I am planning to enter Ph. D. program for concentrating on worship matters. I could not thank him enough. I just miss him as I did always. I thought that he had a special care in detail for me as an international student. I regretted not to have more of a relationship with him after 2003. God bless his wife and family. ~ Rev. Dr. Dongbok Lee.

I first met Bob at a conference of evangelical culture's big hitters.  One by one they shared their wisdom, and each of them left me so cold.  It had seemed like a huge waste; until, Bob came into Sunday morning worship.  Entering worship in procession, his alb flowed gracefully behind him, his stole showed his reverence for this holy moment, and beneath it all, broke forth the gleam of Bob's WHITE tennis shoes!  That was so Bob.  In same way, he was the shining light of the conference because he had the humility to get out of the way and point others to Jesus.  I cherish the time we spent sitting together at Jesus' feet.  And I miss him. ~ Chris James

NOTE: If you would like to post a comment on this Tribute page, please email Melissa at mpearson@seminary.edu.