Brian McLaren Remembers Stan Grenz

Stanley J. Grenz
January 7, 1950 – March 12, 2005
Reflections, by Brian McLaren

Stan Grenz has been a mentor and friend to me and to many of my closest friends for several years.  It is with poignant gratitude for the privilege of knowing him - mixed with profound sadness and heartbreak at his untimely passing - that I wish to offer these few reflections.

I originally met Stan through his books.  In particular, A Primer on Postmodernism, Theology for the Community of God, Renewing the Center, and Beyond Foundationalism (co-written with John Franke) enriched and instructed me – both through their thoughtful reflection on Bible, history, and contemporary culture and through their generous, winsome style.  I heard him speak a few times back in the 90’s, briefly meeting him and becoming acquainted, before getting to know him better when we were invited on several occasions to teach together at conferences or events.

At one event several years back, Stan, my friend Robert Kang, and I snuck away for the afternoon.  We drove high up into the mountains east of LA, enjoying the magnificent scenery and talking theology – two endeavors that belong together.  That afternoon I learned more of Stan’s story, and of his heart.  Whenever we met after that, it was as friends.

One topic of conversation I especially remember from that afternoon – Stan’s love for his wife.  At that point, I hadn’t met Edna yet, but Stan talked with enthusiasm about how gifted she was, and how much he wanted to support her in her own ministry and leadership in the years ahead.  When I met Edna a year or two later, I was immediately impressed by her gentleness, depth, class, and courage, and I could see why Stan didn’t see her as his gracious companion only, but also as his colleague and partner in ministry.

One of the rumors I had heard about Stan before meeting him was that he was the only theologian anyone knew of who sang and played guitar (and sometimes trumpet) in the worship band at his home church.  When I had the opportunity to visit Stan’s home and home church, I could see how deeply engaged he was both with his beloved city of Vancouver and with First Baptist, where Edna serves on staff.  This involvement is less surprising in light of the fact that he was a youth director, assistant pastor, and pastor before becoming a theologian.  Even as a professor of theology, Stan would frequently bring his guitar to class and lead his students in songs of worship, his pastoral heart integrating scholarly theology with heartfelt doxology.  Many of us will remember this unique integration – something that is too rare, sadly, and now even rarer with Stan’s passing.

Stan was also extraordinary in his integration of theology and popular culture.  Many of us will long remember his use of clips from Star Trek and other pop culture artifacts, skillfully incorporated to make some theological or philosophical distinction not only clear, but also poignant and memorable – and accessible to non-scholars.  Stan was a first-rate scholar – among his other achievements, he studied under the great Wolfhart Panneberg – but he never lost the ability to speak to “normal” people; he never forgot that theology is for all the community of God.

Not only did Stan integrate his theological work with local church ministry, theology with doxology, and scholarly endeavor with popular culture, he also integrated what we might call Biblical orthodoxy with Christ-like orthopraxy.  I saw that orthopraxy strongly exhibited in a recent phone conversation.  Stan’s theological work has always been bold and creative, and sometimes, he boldly broke with convention; for example, he was one of the very first to see in the postmodern turn in philosophy and culture great opportunities for the gospel.  Many other theologians only saw dangers, and their critiques of his work struck me as harsh, reactionary, uncharitable, and often grossly unfair.  Just a few weeks ago, when I realized I was facing some harsh critique of my own – no doubt more justly deserved than Stan’s - I asked Stan for advice on how he handled criticism.  He spoke with love and compassion for his critics, and urged me to not let the bitter words of others tempt me to become bitter myself.  I had no idea that this would be the last advice I ever would receive from him: a call to gentleness and kindness even when others were not gentle or kind.

I have sought his advice on many other occasions as well.  He inspired the title for my last book, and I have another book coming out in a few weeks about which Stan gave me helpful feedback, and even though he disagreed with some of my conclusions, he still encouraged me, believing that diverse opinions need to be heard to enrich the theological conversation.  Many of us would agree: whatever good we are able to do has been made possible in no small part by Stanley’s encouragement and enrichment of us.

I was sitting in a restaurant about eighteen months ago eating dinner with some friends, taking a break from being at the hospital, where my father was very sick.  I kept my cell phone on just in case there was a call to rush back.  During the meal, I got a call – from Stanley.  He was calling to ask if I would be willing to receive an honorary doctorate from Carey Theological College, as he had just recommended me for this honor.  As he spoke these words, my “call waiting” tone sounded, and I saw on the screen that it was my mother calling from the hospital.  I hastily and awkwardly said, “Yes, Stan. Thanks. I have to go!”  Thankfully, it was good news from the hospital, and I later was able to apologize to Stan for my brevity and awkwardness.  “I didn’t even notice,” he said, another sign of his gracious way.  My wife and I will never forget the marvelous weekend we had in Vancouver when I received the honorary degree – a weekend sweetened by gracious hospitality and a guided tour of the area courtesy of Stan and Edna.  What warm hosts they were!  Stan loved his city (Vancouver), his country (Canada), his denominational heritage (Baptist) and his ancestry (German) - and honored each by his passionate spiritual vigor, his scholarly energy and intellectual integrity, and his personal graciousness. 

He authored or co-authored twenty-five books, over twenty chapters in other volumes, over one hundred periodical and journal articles, and eighty-some book reviews, and he was working on another book in the days before his death.  His writing ministry will only grow in significance in the years ahead, as people realize the extraordinary treasure we had among us.  What we will never have is the books Stanley would yet have written, nor will we have the great joy and example of his presence among us.  But at least we will have his words.

The great South African missiologist David Bosch is hardly ever mentioned without an allusion to his untimely death.  The same, no doubt, will be the case with Stanley, both personally and professionally. Personally, Stan was so happy in his new residence in Vancouver, so happy with Edna’s blossoming ministry, so happy with his married children and grandchild.  He was at such a good place in life. All of us who love him would have wished for more years of this joy for him.  Professionally, Stanley loved his colleagues and students at Carey Theological College and Mars Hill Graduate School.  His greatest work, many of us believed, was still ahead of him.

Now, that work will need to be taken up by those of us who enjoyed the blessing of his teaching and example.  He was a man of small physical stature, but the space he leaves – in our hearts, and in our Christian community - cannot be filled by a dozen others.  A Christian scholar, a theological leader and author, a gifted professor with a great legacy of grateful students, a family man and churchman, a mentor and friend, and a true Christian gentleman has walked among us, and his days with us here are over.  But, as Jesus said (Luke 20:38), “To God, all are alive,” and we know that Stan lived in this hope, and now lives in this reality.

Comments

[Wes Roberts]

Brian..thank you! You speak for our own hearts. ...Wes and Judy

[Mike]

A wonderful tribute, Brian. Thanks for sharing your memories of your friend with the rest of us.

[Paul Soupiset]

thank you, brian.

each intersection i had with Stan was warm: a kind and passionate follower of Christ.

[Steve]

A fitting tribute - thank you for posting it.

[Tim Horman]

Thank you Brian, bless you for these kind words. Though Stan did not know this, he was my inspiration for beginning theological studies. I read "A Primer" back in 1998 during my second year at University. I was in a class studying poststructural literary theory, and his little book became an anchor for my faith as I was thrown headlong into Derrida, Barthes and Foucault. I later moved from Australia to Vancouver, after Stan recommended Regent to me in a brief email. Stan helped to shape a major turning point in my life, and has had a large part in the fact that I am still a follower of Jesus.

[andrew jones]

thanks brian

[Rogier Bos]

I had an interesting interaction with Stan Grenz a few years ago. Although I am European, I was living in the US for a few years, when my friend Charlie Wear asked me to start an internet publication with him called NEXT WAVE. A few issues in I was reading a book by Millard Erickson, called "Postmodernizing the Faith: Evangelical Responses to the Challenge of Postmodernism". In the book Erickson reviews a number of authors, including Stan Grenz. His "primer on postmodernism' was at the time the best introduction to the subject of postmodernism. In the course of his review of Grenz's work, Erickson quoted D.A. Carson as saying that Grenz's view on the inspiration of scripture could hardly be called evangelical. This also seemed to be Erickson's conclusion.

I don't think I quite understood Erickson's critique of Grenz. In any case, in my Next Wave article on Erickson's book I wrote something like "I don't know much, but I do know this: if Stan Grenz isn't evangelical, then neither am I." I posted the May edition of Next-Wave. Not 24 hours later I received a one-word email from Stan Grenz - whom I had never met or talked to: "Bravo!"

I got such a kick out of that! I then asked Grenz if he would be willing to do an online interview with me for Next Wave, to which he graciously consented. I sent him a list of questions, and the answers he sent back were profound, and very, very gracious. I think the article can be found in the Next Wave archives.

My sense is that the christian movement is entering a new episode. It is an honor and a thrill to be allowed to be part of that. I see God's hand renewing our vision and his church. You and I stand on the shoulders of giants who are helping us see clearly into the future. Stan Grenz is one of those giants.

[Tom Bird]

I am saddened by this news of Dr.Grenz's death. I am currently reading "renewing the Center", enjoying it very much and learning a lot about postmodernism and postmodern theology. Grenz had a way of communicating very profound thoughts in a clear and concise way. This simple pastor owes a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Grenz for helping him understand he was a closet emergent.

[Sivin]

Thanks Brian for this deeply moving and meaningful eulogy.

[vincent derieux]

i am very sad!!!! his writing has made a huge impact in the way that i read scripture now. practicaly i feel i have lost a minitry partner, someone (even if i only knew him from his books), from who i always felt, that he could understand what we are trying to do here back in europe.

[Mark Miller]

Thank you Brian. Once again, you put into words what so many of us are feeling.

I remember the first time I approached Stan about an issue where I was seeking clarity. His approachability and care spoke as much to me as his words. He lived the life of community that he so often spoke about.

An influential voice in the conversation is gone but his life will continue to speak to us for generations to come.

[Rob Harrison]

As one of Stan's former students at Regent/Carey, I'm still in shock--his death cuts deep; but thank you very much for your words, which are a real blessing.

[scott moore]

Today we held the memorial of Stan at Mars Hill today.

We all laughed, cried, as story after story was told by staff and students of the MArs Hill community.

We all will miss stan dearly,
as the class he was teaching thinking theologically two was six weeks in before his passing, so his shadow will be over us urging us on, and his imprint will have marked all current students and the ones who walk through those doors at MArs Hill.

Brian thnaks for your personal sharing,
blessings

[Paul]

As a Vancouverite, I was shocked when, in the course of surfing (taking a break from work), I stumbled across the sad news of Stan Grenz's death. I'm still in shock. I've never taken a class by Stan, but did hear him lecture once at Regent College when he launched his excellent book, "The Social God and the Relational Self", which I had the privilege of having him autograph.

May the Lord be with his family during this time.

Thanks Stan.

[Randy Walls]

Thanks Brian.

In a time when words don't seem to fill the void left by the passing of our dear friend Stan, I give thanks to our "triune" God for inspiring you to provide us a memorable space to mourn this loss.

He was recently our guest lecturer at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. At a dinner gathering with the faculty, Stan, our Baptist brother, urged us to be more Pentecostal. I still marvel at the breadth of his embrace; a Christlike heart seeking to affirm everyone in whom the light of Christ shines.

[Gordon Dickinson]

As a former student of Stan's I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing... The mark he left was vast and deep; not only in his writings but in my life and in many others. He will be missed, but forever enjoyed! Thank you, Brian, for expressing this so well on behalf of all of us.

[Tom Johnson]

Thank you, Brian. Stan spoke at George Fox University on Monday, March 7, less than a week before his home-going. As friends since our teaching (and gospel quartet singing) days together in the mid-80's at North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, SD, Stan and Edna, and my wife, Michele, and I had pie and coffee together after his Monday evening talk on popular culture and Christian faith. Next morning they were off for their second home in Birch Bay, for a rest.
We are deeply grieved at this loss of a friend and colleague. Stan was a role model for me in my work, a wise and trusted friend. I loved his gentleness, sense of humor, and discipline. Yesterday in class at GFU, we had a brief tribute to him, sang a song ("Amazing Grace"), read Scripture (Psalm 90) and prayed.
"Lord, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

[Matt Duffy]

I have only known Stanley's thoughts, vicariously through those I know and with whom I grapple with the weighty questions of theology and praxis. Though I am always reading books that will help us who lead to "hear what the Spirit is saying to the church...", not to mention...to ourselves, Brian's words have stimulated me to make sure I enrich my heart, soul and mind with Stan's writings.

[Curtis Collins]

Thanks Brian. I'm still at a loss for words...thank you for yours. Though I stopped in at Regent College last friday morning, and heard small fragments of news about Stan and his condition, I can still only now, sitting in my pastor's study, sigh, shake my head, and swallow hard for our loss and heaven's gain. Shine on Stan.

[Curtis Collins]

Thanks Brian. I'm still at a loss for words...thank you for yours. Though I stopped in at Regent College last friday morning, and heard small fragments of news about Stan and his condition, I can still only now, sitting in my pastor's study, sigh, shake my head, and swallow hard for our loss and heaven's gain. Shine on Stan.

[Buzz Trexler]

The only thing I knew about Stanley Grenz is what I have read quoted by McLaren, Kimball and others. Stanley, I hardly knew ye ... but I will get to know you better.

[Jackson]

Some people apparently couldn't wait even 72 hours before issuing a negative judgment of Grenz' career and his connections with emergent.

http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?ID=20348

This article, entitled "When Piety is not Enough," was published by the SBC's Baptist Press on Monday. The author, David Dockery (the president of Union University), uses Grenz' death as a platform to issue a critique and then proclaim his own superior views. How inappropriate is it to do that before a man is even buried?

[Darren Donas]

Brian, you soke well of the humanness of a man that had sought to touch the heart of God, and in so doing touched many others. Part of that humanness is the untimely passing of such a friend, father, husband, collegue, theologian, mentor, pastor and faithful "follower" of our Lord Jesus Christ. Stan blessed many lives with his "down to earth" life (both professionally and personally), including the many students he taught, mentored...and sang with :-). I will forever appreciate the blessing of knowing such a friend. My respects and prayers to Edna and his family (Darren Donas, Pastor and former Regent/Carey Student 1995-2000)

[Steve F.]

I am a late-comer to Emergent - in a variety of ways - and had never read nor encountered Stan's work until I heard of his sickness and untimely death.

Your remembrances conveyed ever so deeply how much I have missed by not knowing him - and how richly blessed those of you who did know him truly are. Your words and your images paint a vivid picture of a man, and a ministry, that I wish I had encountered long before now. And perhaps that is the best compliment to you both - that in your words, the ministry of a man I've never met has both come to life, and echoed in my heart. With you, and the emergent movement, I both mourn your (our) loss, and celebrate a joyous homecoming. Soli Deo gloria.

[joel]

I did not know Stan as well as I would have liked. I was attending FBC Vancouver, still not having made a committment to Jesus, when I was fortunate to hear a Sunday sermon from Stan two years ago. I was well and truly engaged by his presentation and style. Acts 20:24 stuck out for me though, and I gave my life over to Christ a year later. I met Stan at a Deacons lunch for new members of FBC this past fall, and was immediately struck by his humility and generosity. How lucky for those of you able to learn from him several times a week at Regent. Thank you Brian, I feel as though I know Stan a bit better, though we have all suffered a grievous loss.