An authority on religion in America, Phyllis Tickle was the founding editor of the Religion Department of Publishers Weekly, and a popular author and speaker. She died in her sleep on September 22, 2015 just months after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Read about her unshakable faith as she faced what she referred to as her “next career.” Access her website, where you will find information on her books and resources for fixed-hour prayer.
In June 2009, Phyllis presented the seminar “21st Century Christianity” at IWS, which was based on her 2008 book, The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why. Readers will want to access her subsequent writings on the topic: Embracing Emergence Christianity (2011), Emergence Christianity (2012), and The Age of the Spirit (2013).
Scroll down to listen to Phyllis Tickle’s 2009 IWS Commencement Sermon followed by the individual sessions of her seminar. Use the embedded audio player or click on the title to open it on a separate page. Then, if you prefer, you may right-click on the track to download and save it for later.
Commencement Sermon: Ascension People (11:22)
Every 500 Years, A Rummage Sale–Part 1 (46:43)
Q & A 1. Topics: Atonement theology and 1st and 21st century similarities (13:09)
Every 500 Years, A Rummage Sale–Part 2 (68:36)
Q & A 2. Topic: Constantine and Post-Christendom (2:42)
Every 500 Years, A Rummage Sale–Part 3 (72:34)
The Great Emergence (27:05)
Emergence Christianity, Part 1 (57:56)
Emergence Christianity, Part 2 (42:30)
Cyber Church (22:45)
Examples of Emergence Ministries (28:02)
Missions: The Un-churched, Non-churched, and De-churched (6:28)
Q & A 3. Topics include Pitfalls of the Emergence Movement (64:05)
Phyllis Tickle endorses the work of IWS:
Bob Webber was an inspired and prescient observer of religion in North America, just as he was also one of its most informed and faithful Christians. Yet for all his remarkable lectures, insightful commentary, and invaluable books, Bob probably left the Church no greater gift than in the establishment of the Institute for Worship Studies which bears his name. What began in 1999 has matured and expanded to become a leading center for the advanced education and training of men and women seeking to work within the fields of Christian liturgy, music, art, and literature.
Because of my own work as an observer and commentator on 21st century Christianity in North America, I am acutely aware that Christians yearn more now than ever before to understand, experience, and increase their faith through authentic worship and the incarnate joy of music and art, liturgy and drama. The Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies exists for the sole purpose of preparing ordained and lay Christian leaders alike to address this growing need with professional competence and to the glory of God. It is a privilege to be able to add my name to the list of those who gratefully support the Institute’s work and expanding reputation for excellence in the field of worship studies.
RELATED LINKS:
Annotated Bibliography by Phyllis Tickle (2009) on 21st Century Christianity
June 2009 Seminar Event Photos
Additional IWS Worship Seminar Resources