Dr. Stan Grenz, 1950-2005

It is with deep sadness that we consider the loss Dr. Stan Grenz. I never knew him personally other than a few brief meetings over the years. I sat in on a few lectures at various gatherings, had a few conversations with him after some of those lectures. I still remember challenging him after a Leadership Network event on a point of theology. Can you imagine that? How incredibly arrogant of me. Instead if acting put out he just got a little half smile and patiently talked me through the issue. He was a beautiful man.

But for many of us, myself included, it was his books that were so formative. Like many of you reading this I have more than one Grenz book on my shelf. They are a lasting gift to us all.

What a great lover of God and Christ's Church was Stan Grenz. I am amazed to think that, by such an early age, he produced over twenty works of significant theology. How could this energetic, spry, brilliantly intellectually curious follower of Jesus be snatched from among us at the age of 55? He was in love with us all. One need only read Theology for the Community of God to understand that. Stan Grenz was a clarion voice for how we might follow God in the Way of Jesus and he will be missed.

Please pray for his family who, I'm sure, had no idea that a father and husband of 55 would leave them so soon.

Comments

[Robert Pyne]

Stan's grace created room for the rest of us to breathe and to grow. He was much in demand, but he remained a gentle pietist, never a star. He treated even opponents with uncommon kindness and respect. The church will miss his public voice, because he was a brilliant theologian at the peak of his craft. Those of us who knew him as a friend will miss his wise counsel, his gentle presence, his vision, his encouragement, his silly jokes, and his love.

Please pray for Edna and the family. This is a very sad day.