Hi! My name is Rich Vincent and I am the Webmaster (webservant?) of TheoCenTriC. rich.jpg After 10 1/2 years of serving as Associate Pastor on the pastoral staff of College Park Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, and 2 years of serving as Senior Pastor of NewLife Christian Fellowship in Glastonbury, CT, I am now the Senior Pastor of Immanuel Church in West Bend, Wisconsin.

Outside of spending time with my beautiful wife, Elizabeth, and darling girl, Carmen (8 years old), and my two boys, Owen (6 years old) and Adam (4 year old), I enjoy reading, surfing the web, watching movies, and listening to music.

My passion in ministry is to be an instrument to communicate to others the free grace, love, and acceptance God gives through the Son and in the Spirit. I believe that the greatest act of love is to help another love God more through Christ Jesus. This is our created purpose! We exist in order to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! I struggle hard to remain Christ-centered and God-centered (hence the name, TheoCenTriC) in my teaching, life, and worldview.

My theological position can be summed up as such: I am an Ecumenical Evangelical Mystic. I believe Christians are called to know a Person--Christ Jesus--more than anything else. This is a dynamic, living reality that takes place occasionally in the ecstatic, but mostly in the mundane, routine, humdrum of daily living! I believe that the overarching purpose of the Bible is not to give us formulas, principles, techniques, or how-to's. Rather, I believe that the Bible is God's self-disclosure of His glorious Person and Plan and the incredible and unpredictable ways He works this out throughout human history!

This website is my attempt to multiply my mission and ministry even further. It is my prayer that you would be edified and encouraged by the content of this site. More than anything, I hope that you will learn to center your life, thoughts, mind, and affections around the living God in Christ.

For more personal information:




Comments

Mr. Vincent, thanks for taking the time to put up this site. It has a lot of goodies that are very useful. It is one of the best sites that i've seen so far, and is very theocentric.

Posted by: Jordan at October 11, 2003 1:37 PM

Hi Richard- Thanks for the site - I'm researching imprecatory psalms and came across your paper. I would love a copy of the article with footnotes but couldn't find your email address on the site. Thanks Kevin

Posted by: Kevin at October 24, 2003 6:01 PM

Oddly enough, a band I was part of ("lipfrog") put out exactly one CD, called "Theocentric". Since you listen to music, if you'd like, send me a mailing address and I'll mail you a CD. It might be kind of fun to have around considering your web site! It's all Christian stuff, some hard, some more pop/rock, with a female vocalist. And as for everything else, thank you for pointing to the King! Doug Dzur lipfrog@lycos.com (yes it's the old contact email for the band!)

Posted by: Doug Dzur at January 9, 2004 2:15 PM

Rich, You are quite the reader! That may be good, but it could be bad, since much of your reading seems less theocentric than not, especially the psychological type works. What puritan works have you read? Have you read much of Jonathan Edwards? I commend his work on Justification by faith alone. Steve

Posted by: steve at January 19, 2004 8:40 PM

Hi Rich, I wanted to get your email address, I'm not sure if I emailed my letter to the correct one. Would you mind? Rich's response: Click on my name on this very page for my current email address.

Posted by: DM at January 20, 2004 8:51 AM

hey rich! just letting you know that shane & maurice are doing a gr-8 job, so far :) jenn crabtree

Posted by: jenn at June 10, 2004 2:49 PM

hey rich! i just bought you the book why the mystics matter now. enjoy! Rich: Dear Jenn, You are a saint! Thanks so much for the kind gift. I look forward to reading it! Thanks also for the update concerning Shane. In just a few hours I'll pick him up from the airport. He is here for the weekend to speak at my installation service. I look forward to spending some time with my good friend. Anyway, thanks again! I really appreciate it. Yours in Christ, Rich

Posted by: jenn at June 10, 2004 3:04 PM

"If a person thinks that he has moved beyond Luther, Calvin, Knox, Bunyan, Whitefield, Spurgeon and Lloyd-Jones, he has moved on too far." - Jim Brandyberry May 2004

Posted by: Jim Brandyberry at August 6, 2004 3:12 PM

I'm really struggling with trying to understand Christianity in any form that rings true in my heart. Why does there have to be such a limited view of God? Why does Christianity exist? I have always had a strong passionate love for God. I would never classify myself as an "unbeliever". But I would also never classify myself as a Christian. Why is this person Christ actually believed to be God in the Christian religion? Why is the Christ said to be the only way to God? I have tried very hard to understand Christianity, but haven't been able to. Could you please help me understand? Kayli

Posted by: Mikayla at October 20, 2004 3:03 PM

What a site...it is an exciting expression of a practicing, questing mystic. I plan to delve into it much more. Thank you for offering it to the world.

Posted by: Larry at November 22, 2004 7:13 PM

Thanks for Beauty of Holiness and R Rated Gospel sermons. They are gracious insightful and well crafted.

Posted by: John at April 23, 2005 1:08 PM

Just a note to say "THANKS" for a great article. (Walking the Wire). As a church, we are beginning to step outside the safety net and explore relationships with "the world", it's exciting, but dangerous as you point out. But what great things the Lord is doing.!! The article helped me a lot - thank you again.

Posted by: Rev Rod Breckon at June 10, 2005 12:04 PM

Rich - Becky and I pray for you and the family. We miss you here in Indy and your wonderful preaching. God's continued blessings, my friend. Tim and Becky

Posted by: tim doyle at September 4, 2005 4:30 PM

dear rich, could you please define the word 'mystic' and your specific use of it? in this particular time, it can raise some red flags and i want to be sure that i have a clear understanding of your meaning. thanx! colleen

Posted by: colleen at November 5, 2005 10:45 PM

Hello Rich! Hope all is well with you, Elizabeth and the kids. Wanted to let you know, I've been toggling through your site and found that the "Home" toggle at the top of the photos pages is 'dead'; goes nowhere. Thought you might like to review the http there. Church sure is abuzz about you folks!! IN HIM, Allan

Posted by: allan dutch at March 1, 2006 11:15 AM

Rich Vincent's teachings are about as safe as a toddler with a handgun. Rich: Ummm... thanks?

Posted by: jeff sobel at March 8, 2006 3:02 PM

What is so good about this emergent church stuff? It seems really vague and I don't see why a church must change with culture when ultimately the success of evangelism is because of God changing the hearts of the lost and not because of our presentation. The emerging church will be defeated by the faithful! Rich: Another true believer willing to condemn others without making a real attempt to truly understand them. Bravo! After you come down from your feelings of superiority you may check out Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 to see how he contextualizes the gospel to his cultural setting. After that, you might consider how your triumphalistic war-like language ("The emerging chuch will be defeated by the faithful!") does little to commend the faith to others. "They will know you are Christians by your love one to another" - but I gotta tell you... right now, I'm not feeling the love! And that's a dangerous thing for a toddler with a handgun! ;)

Posted by: jeff sobel at March 9, 2006 3:34 PM

I was just asking why is this emergent church so good when it seems so vague. Can I expect Kimber and the elders at College Park to also defend the emergent church? Just defend yourself without drawing the focus away from my question. Rich: Jeff, you can't make statements like "The emerging church will be defeated by the faithful!" and then say "I was just asking why..." That's simply not honest. If you are interested in Kimber's take on emergent, ask him. I won't pretend to represent his perspective, as I hope he won't assume he can represent mine. I'm not interested in "defending myself" - I am not the spokesperson for emergent. If you are interested in the best and most accessible introduction to "emergent", I suggest Brian McLaren's "A New Kind of Christian." Hope this helps a little.

Posted by: jeff sobel at March 10, 2006 3:56 PM

I would need to be a new kind of Christian becase why exactly? Why do we need to change to a new kind of Christian? Always be ready to give an answer pal. Rich: Last response: I did give an answer... read the book!

Posted by: Jeff sobel at March 10, 2006 4:52 PM

Hey Rich! Just wanted to thank you once again for your wisdom and insight. You speak the truth in love. If it weren't for you, Shane and Maurice, I think I would have given up on Christianity by now. Your blogs are encouraging and inspiring and always make me think. My prayers are with you and your family. Rich: Once again, sunshine has brought some sunshine into my life. [Right now two tunes are wrestling for dominance in my head: (1) "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day," and (2) "Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy." The Temptations or John Denver - Motown or Folk; the struggle is intense!] Thanks, Lauren, for your kind words. I am grateful to be a part of your life and greatly encouraged by your faith journey. It is interesting: we all have people who inspire us to carry on - I know I do. I can also testify of people who have helped me persevere in the Christian faith, and I, too, am grateful for them. Even more, I'm grateful that I can fulfill that role in others' lives as well!

Posted by: Lauren at March 20, 2006 9:10 AM

Whoops! Sorry. I see that you ARE a pastor. GREAT! More than a few websurfers are then hearing your preaching. Don't let it go to your head but you are gifted.

Posted by: Joe at March 28, 2006 10:35 AM

I just stumbled on this site surfing for something else. Zowie...that was a God-incident. I could gush...but...that's messy. Just leave it at ----- THANKS FOR A REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY (DID I SAY REALLY) GOOD WEB SITE.....YOU, NOW, SIR ARE MY 'AMERICAN IDOL' Rich: I'm blushing! Thanks so much for the kind and gracious words. It is always a thrill to me when my site encourages others. Thanks! And, if I ever need a PR person - you're first on my contact list! ;)

Posted by: Gary Ellis at June 5, 2006 4:23 PM

Rich, greetings from Indianapolis! I've had your site bookmarked for years, but haven't visited in quite a while. I remember coming to College Park Church about 10 years ago and encountering your intense, unique approach to loving God as you spoke in various settings. We missed you when you moved away, and only now do I realize that you've moved again! We're still at CPC. Just wanted to thank you for being who you are ... a fellow traveler and encourager along The Way. Keep the faith. Rich: Kevin, thanks for your kind words! They mean a lot to me. (By the way, for a moment I thought you were K.K. himself until I realized that there was only 1 "f" in the name.) Anyway, thanks for continuing to visit the site... and God's richest blessings as you move forward in your walk with Christ!

Posted by: Kevin Kaufman at September 12, 2006 11:31 AM

Hey Rich, How are you doing. I have a friend who lives in Wisconsin and told me you were pastoring a church up there. I have heard rumors back hear that you might be thinking about coming back to indiana. Is that true? Dave Rich: Dave, great to hear from you! Your friend did visit a few weeks back - it was great to talk to him. I'm not sure about the source of the rumors, but they are definitely not true. So far, we are very happy with our present church. In many ways, I feel that all my ministry experience has led up to this point! Click here for more reflection along this line. With that said, I'm sure we'll visit Indiana more, now that we are only 6 hours away (in contrast to 20+). Anyway, it is great to hear from you. I've always had the deepest respect for you - you are one of God's choicest saints! Keep the faith! Oh, by the way, here's a great conference I'll be at in December that you might be interested in. If you end up going, let me know.

Posted by: Dave Church at September 25, 2006 8:26 AM

Hey Rich have you thought about distributing your sermons through podcasting? Rich: I have thought about this a number of times - and it is a great idea! - but my procrastination keeps getting the best of me. Maybe someday...

Posted by: TJ at October 7, 2006 5:28 PM

May the Lord Jesus Christ wash your eyes and the Comforter minister to you heart to see the truth of John 3:16 Rich: Um... Thanks? Oh well, I'll take all the prayer I can get!

Posted by: Barb at October 26, 2006 5:55 PM

Hello Pastor Rich, I just recently found your website when I googled "a dark night of the soul". Your article was very nicely done. I'm not a writer but I am a mystic. It's been 12 years and I'm in the dawn and so I have somewhat of a life now. If you have the time and care to, I would like your comments on the notes I've made available to the people God has brought to me for help. (http://benevolentenergies.com/insights/details.php?id=12) May God bless you with your work and grant you your wannabe wish soon. Dolly Rich: Thanks Dolly! I'll do my best to check out your notes (though "notes" may be a little bit of an understatement!). I'm glad to hear that you are growing in grace, truth, and love. God's richest blessings to you!

Posted by: Dolly Flanagan at October 31, 2006 9:13 PM

Hey Rich, I like to listen to your sermons, but have you thought about using a podcast to better distribute it? Well take care! Rich: Thanks for asking T.J. This is on my "to do" list, but it keeps getting pushed down the list. One day I'll get the podcast thing going. Until then, thanks for checking in regularly. God bless you!

Posted by: Thomas Just at November 9, 2006 6:23 PM

Dear Rich.......I have been emmersed in books like "A New Kind of Christian", "The Story We Find Ourselves in", "A Generous Orthodoxy", "The Secret Message of Jesus" all by Brian McLaren. I cant tell you how amazingly profoundly deeply these books have affected me. I still cant get over these books. Somehow, I just cant seem to shake this question of how did such a beautiful message get twisted into this picture that I have been given growing up. I mean the two pictures are not even similiar. I dont know that there is necessarily an answer here but it is something that I have been chewing on (along with a million others). I have found these books to be exhilirating, esciting and scary and painful all at the same time. I guess I am still in a major deconstruction period and I am not quite sure where it will end. Anyways, I have typed enough for now. I am interested to here your thoughts! May God use you in a powerful way! Rich: Good to hear that you are enjoying these books. If this is any indication of my love for the books you've mentioned: I would not be in ministry today if it were not for "A New Kind of Christian." This book single-handedly kept me going during a very dark time. Unfortunately, it also got me into a lot of trouble. Enjoy the reads. Keep searching, learning, and growing. And throughout the process, remain focused on loving God and all others - including those who disagree with the essential content of these books. I know many good and well-meaning Christians who do not know how to "compute" McLaren. If you learn anything from this process, learn that we must always be learning. Our thoughts about God must be continually revised or we fall prey to the worst of all sins - making idols of our own concepts of God!

Posted by: Thomas Just at November 20, 2006 4:54 PM

So one of the things that I have found to be really important in a lot of these great emmergent minds is that they seem to have a deep understanding of the ancient Hebrew's philosophy and culture. However, I have been having trouble finding a book that will teach me about some of this stuff. Do you know of any book or books that might help me in this area? Rich: Wish I could help more here, but most of the resources with which I'm familiar are pretty academic. I would recommend N. T. Wright's "The New Testament and the People of God" and "Jesus and the Victory of God," but know in advance that they are not easy reads. Again, I wish I could help more, but that's my best at the moment. Perhaps other visitors to my site might have some recommendations...

Posted by: Thomas Just at November 22, 2006 4:32 PM

"It is MORE important to love the TRUTH, than to love people". -John Piper

Posted by: Dave Nay at November 24, 2006 8:53 AM

Dave, Wow! I never realized that loving truth and loving people were opposed. I've always thought, along with Jesus Christ, that when you really love truth you love other people. After all, didn't Jesus say something about loving God and loving our neighbors as the summary of the Torah? If you study the Greek of those texts in Matt. and Mk., you'll see that you cannot truly love God without loving neighbor and vice versa. Shame on Piper for saying something so unbiblical...

Posted by: James R. A. Merrick at November 29, 2006 4:14 PM

It's interesting to go back and see that Jesus never seperated loving God and loving people. In fact, John says that if you say that you love God and yet you do not love your fellow man; then you are a liar and the truth is not in you.

Posted by: Thomas Just at November 29, 2006 10:56 PM

Thomas - Your question about Emergent thinkers & their understanding of Jewish life & culture might be benefited from three books I personally enjoyed (at least two of them I believe are referenced by McLaren, but Rich would know better than I): Thomas Cahill's two Hinges of History books The Gift of the Jews and Desire of the Everlasting Hills (the latter dealing w/ the Jewish people during the time of Jesus, the former what evangelicals would call the OT period). The other book that might be of interest is Elaine Pagels' The Origin of Satan. I add that with a caveat - she is a textual critic whose conclusions are outside the bounds of even Emergent theology - but her summation on the Jewish culture during 70-100 CE is very well done. Rich: Thanks, Ben, for the additional recommendations! I also picked up a new book this week titled The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine which looks very promising. On the back page Ben Witherington says this is the single best book on the Jewishness of Jesus and his teachings, and it needs to be widely read. That sold me. Look for a review or summary in the next few weeks!

Posted by: Ben Shobert at December 2, 2006 4:21 PM

Thanks Ben!!!

Posted by: Thomas Just at December 5, 2006 11:54 AM

Rich, the other day I was praying and thanking God for his grace to me over the course of the last 4-5 years and I was reminded of how your words of wisdom and kindness have always been anchor points in my Christian years. Not only were you always there to provide sound wisdom for me during my early years, but you also exhibited great generosity when you gave to me the set of John Owen's works which I still find a helpful resource. Just wanted to let you know that I still very much appreciate the character and virtues you've exhibited and will always be in your debt. God's peace to you and yours during this glorious season of advent. James Rich: Wow! Thanks for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. I'm grateful to God that I was able to be a positive influence in your life. And I am confident that you will pass this on to others! Finally, I'll never forget how big a help you were to my whole family when you accompanied me to Glastonbury in the crazy moving van adventure through the hills of Pennsylvania and beyond! I could not have done it without you - thanks!

Posted by: James R. A. Merrick at December 7, 2006 6:39 PM

Hey Rich, what are some of the books that you recommend concerning some of the early church fathers? Rich: My all-time favorite introduction to the Fathers is Boniface Ramsey's Beginning to Read the Fathers. This is an outstanding, thorough, and accessible introduction. Once you've devoured this, I recommend Robert Louis Wilken's The Spirit of Early Christian Thought, and Christopher A. Hall's Learning Theology with the Church Fathers and Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers.

Posted by: Thomas Just at December 11, 2006 10:17 PM

Rich- My wife and I are at College Park Church and we remember you preaching every now and then. Because of my own personal technology upgrades (iPod and an auxillary jack in my car) I can finally listen to you all throughout the day. Do you have the sermon mp3 "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For?" You had such fresh insight even though the sermon was divinely inspired out of a forever famous U2 track. By the way, for the science nerds in your congregation, I read "The Case for a Creator" by Lee Strobel. Have a blessed day! Rich: Andy, thanks for your kind and gracious comments. And congratulations on your technology upgrades - sounds great! I've looked, but I don't have the sermon mp3 you requested in my files. That's surprising, because I have just about every other sermon I've ever done (including my very first one)! I'm sure College Park probably has it on file. It was preached sometime in 2003 and the title is Hopeful Groaning from Romans 8:18 and forward. I do have the manuscript online and it can be found here. God's richest blessing to you and yours!

Posted by: Andy Knopfmeier at January 2, 2007 7:58 PM

You don't have the sermon mp3s from 2004 and 2005 available anymore. I have them if you want to repost them Rich. The College Park days were a challenge and a blessing. I still follow your preaching from half a world away. Thanks for being a co-loser with Him and in him. Rich: Eric, great to hear from you! And thanks for the very cool Christmas card! My website crashed and I lost the 2004-2005 sermons. I have them on my computer, but never reloaded them to the new site. I need the room for upcoming sermons. But thanks for your offer! By the way... what are you doing in Taiwan?

Posted by: Eric at January 11, 2007 1:25 AM

Hello, Rich. We talked a bit Sunday at DP about making an effort to let others know how much we appreciate them. I hope you know what a blessing your friendship with Shane has been not only to him but also to me. Your mutual love and respect for one another served to carry him through some very frustrating times, and I am forever in your debt for that. Give Elizabeth and the kids a hug from all of us. We're so encouraged to hear how happy you are in your present ministry. Nobody deserves that more than your family. Rich: Wow, Cary, thanks for the great words of encouragement! Please, know, that any blessing is always mutual. We got through some very trying times together! (And I'm sure, with more to come!) Anyway, thanks again for sharing a good word. It has really lifted my spirits! (I've been flat on my back for the last five days with the flu, so it couldn't have come at a better time.)

Posted by: Cary at February 19, 2007 2:36 PM

I would much rather hear you speak at church, Pastor Rich, but this snowy day gave me some time to peruse your website. Remember, when days are bleak, that you have supporters praying for you and your ministry and giving thanks to God for bringing you into our lives. :) Rich: Thanks Jackie!

Posted by: Jackie at February 25, 2007 9:45 AM

Hey Rich, wow there is a lot going on. I have come to the conclusion that when it rains it pours. I think I am being sifted. There is a good chance I have lymphoma. I had surgery last week and I am going to have a more aggressive surgery next week. Anyways, there is so much more that I am learning right now. But I was listening to one of your sermons on how Peter was sifted and what Jesus prayed for him. The funny thing is that I actually just so happened to listen to that sermon by accident. It was a real encouragement in so many ways! Rich: T.J., I am sorry to hear about the pouring rain! Wow! You certainly are going through it right now. As always, I am grateful to hear that something from the site has been an encouragement to you. I often find that it is often the "accidental" things that most manifest God's presence in my life. I've always loved the phrase from Rolheiser - that God is behind "the conspiracy of accidents" that we experience. I will certainly be praying for you! Hang in there, friend!

Posted by: Thomas Just at March 6, 2007 9:11 PM

Rich, Blessings from Brown County Indiana. Hope things are well with you, I have a question. Years ago we had lunch and you told me of a book that changed your perspective on sports, I think it related lots of life issues to baseball. Do you have the title of that book? My brother is a chaplin for a semi-pro baseball team and I think it would be of great benefit to him. PS. When did you move and why? Look forward to hearing from you. - RObb Rich: The book is The Joy of Sports by Michael Novak. It discusses the three great American sports - football, baseball, and basketball. In regard to your second question: We moved from Connecticut to Wisconsin because the high cost of living was too much for us to handle. God bless you and yours and your ministry!

Posted by: Robb Besosa at April 28, 2007 2:05 PM

Rich I know that I have not kept in touch, but I do check on your site from time to time. I haven't seen it, but have you or are you going to review The Truth War by John MacArthur, I would be eager to hear your take on it. Hope things are going well for you since you all left Conn. take care. t. Rich: Great to hear from you Tony. And thanks for checking out the site every now and then. I hope you're doing well. I probably won't be reading the book (I'm not a big fan of MacArthur - many of the people he hates I tend to like), but if I do, I'll certainly post about it. I generally do at least a paragraph on every book I read. For over four years now, I've posted on every book that I have completed. (Many that I only get partially through aren't recorded.) This helps me remember their content and hopefully, is a helpful resource for those interested in said books. I tend to read widely, broadly, and ecclectically - my hope is that I would turn people on to books they would never have heard about otherwise. Rock on!

Posted by: tony hutson at May 10, 2007 1:33 PM

Hey Rich, I use to go to college park church with my mother back in the late 90's. I have never been to a church where when the pastor went on vacation the assistant ministers were equally impressive. I am very glad that I found this website of yours and after reading the material you cover I am in total agreement with your viewpoints. Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading more. Rich: Thanks for the kind and gracious words. May God continue to bless you!

Posted by: jonathan pierce at June 17, 2007 5:48 PM

Rich, as you may remember I take my time reading through anything, and I finished reading through the truth war. When I finished his book I did not notice any heresy, so I was wondering if you know of any that I didn't see and if not why hate him? What objections do you have macartur or his teaching, is there a heresy that I do not see or understand that I need to be aware of? Rich: The only way to really understand why I'm uninterested in MacArthur is to read all the people HE writes off as heretics - and read them without MacArthur's views hanging over your shoulder. He has criticized and condemned personal friends of mine (John Armstrong) and many authors who I think make much more valuable contributions to Christianity than he does (e.g. Brian McLaren). In short, it's not that I hate MacArthur (I never said "hate" anywhere in my previous response), I'm simply no longer interested in reading what he has to say because I already know where he stands. (And also, there are thousands of other authors I'm interested in reading... too many books, never enough time... so I'd rather spend my time reading other authors.)

Posted by: tony hutson at June 22, 2007 10:10 AM

Rich sorry I messed up my own proof read, I did not mean to miss quote you and for that I am sorry please forgive my mistake. I tend to think quicker than I write and things get mixed up. I was interested in why he thinks they are heretics and since you know what MacArthur writes about and have read these other authors I was hoping to understand why he hates them without reading a lot of extra books, you know my love of sitting still long enough to read one article let alone a whole book. sorry again for my mistake. t. Rich: I wish there were one article you could read, but it really demands knowing what the authors are saying. MacArthur gives his reasons why he dislikes them. The challenge is: Are his reasons valid? This can't be known without really interacting with the writings he criticizes. In a nutshell, MacArthur doesn't like them because he thinks they fundamentally compromise or completely deny the gospel. But in order to really grapple with this criticism, one must be willing to critically evaluate MacArthur's own view of the gospel and consider it in light of the authors he condemns. Sorry I can't be of more help. Rock on!

Posted by: tony hutson at June 22, 2007 3:41 PM

hi rich...do you remember me from your Tecknon days at CPC? Great to read about how you are doing. love, elisabeth Rich: Elisabeth, great to hear from you! I'm assuming your email address communicates that you now live in Uganda. I hope things are going well for you. I certainly remember you with great fondness and appreciation. You always seemed interested in really stretching yourself and your faith, and you always had good questions. My family is doing great here in Wisconsin. We really love the church and the location. If you get a chance, I would love to hear a short update on what you're doing, how you're doing, what's new, etc.

Posted by: Elisabeth Wood at July 1, 2007 7:49 AM

Hello Rich - Chris and I were completely blessed when we had briefly attended Immanuel during our stay in West Bend. We are now living in Milwaukee, again on our search to find a welcoming and faith-filled church. There are so many times that we say, "Why can't we find a community like Immanuel?" Even though we glided in and out of the church within a matter of a couple of months, and many probably would not remember us by name, we wanted to share how much it meant to us to meet you and all of the unbelievably kind parishoners of Immanuel Church. Thank you again! Rich: Kim, I certainly remember you both. Great to hear from you. And thanks so much for your kind words - they mean a lot to me, and I know they do to many at Immanuel. We really do want to be faithful and welcoming. I am grateful to hear that this passed to you a bit. If I remember right, you guys are probably married by now. If so, I hope the ceremony went well and that you are settling into marriage. May God richly bless you both. And thanks again for taking the time to spread gracious words of encouragement. They are much appreciated!

Posted by: Kim Hoppe at July 13, 2007 3:29 PM

Hello Rich, Just stumbled upon your sight and have found several good articles. I will certainly be reading more in the next few weeks. Just wanted to encourage you to keep writing and posting...your thoughts are well stated and they fire up a desire to learn more. I hope to do likewise as I am also a "amateur pastor, hack theologian, and wanna be mystic" from New Hampshire. (15 years in college ministry, and 2 as a pastor) Brian Rich: Thanks for your kind and encouraging words. I am always delighted when I hear that anyone benefits from the site. May God richly bless you!

Posted by: Brian Morphonios at July 26, 2007 1:08 PM

Great website. You have a great talent for articulating the truths of scripture. Rich: Thanks for the gracious and encouraging words!

Posted by: Lloyd Olson at September 4, 2007 12:44 PM

We are all reacting against something.

Posted by: Jim Brandyberry at September 9, 2007 4:50 PM

Hey Rich, I don't know if you remember me but I was in Teknon the last year you were at College Park. I've landed in Louisville, Ky. and I'm checking out Theocentric because I reeeeeally miss your teaching and preaching (and I wanted to see what you're reading these days). I can't seem to find a church or pastor that's as challenging as you. Sounds like you are doing well in a new church and I'm glad I've found this sight just to keep up with you. God Bless. Stephanie Gregory Rich: I sure do remember you Stephanie. I also remember - at least I think I do - meeting some of your family. (Perhaps during a move - or something like that.) Anyway, thanks for the kind and encouraging words. And thanks for visiting the site. I try to update it regularly. I'll pray that you can find a nourishing, nurturing, and encouraging church body. Please keep in touch!

Posted by: Stephanie Gregory at September 11, 2007 10:57 PM

Hey Rich Its your old friend John Wilson Just bought your book and look forward to reading it this weekend Hope you and your family are well. John Rich: John, it's always great to hear from you. The family is doing well. I feel a little swamped lately - I can't seem to get ahead, but that's hardly anything worth complaining about. We love our new church and new town. I hope the book is encouraging to you in some small way. Let me know what you think. God bless!

Posted by: John Wilson at October 22, 2007 10:21 PM

Rich. This site is a definate challenge to delve into the spirit and leave behind the five senses. Your studies and information bring clarity to the questions concerning intimacy with Jesus, Prayer, Solitude, and various other topics of deeper christian living. Thank you for becoming one of the many resources adding value to these subjects. Abundant Blessings, Matthew Rich: Thanks for the kind words, Matthew. I'm grateful!

Posted by: matthew at November 30, 2007 8:32 PM

Rich, what happened to the Dream Theater references? Do you still listen? Rich: I sure do! I'm surprised you remember the DT references. They haven't been on this page for years. However, I have added significantly to my favorites, hobbies, and interests at my description on my church's web page. Click HERE to check it out!

Posted by: Terry Flood at December 5, 2007 5:11 PM

Check us out...We would love your feedback! A Christian Book Alternative to Tolle’s "A New Earth" - Kimberly Lisowski, Andrea Pouliot, www.theappleyouwerefed.com theappleyouwerefed@gmail.com 330-533-9794 press release: Christian Newswire Rich: Thanks for the link, Kimberly and Andrea. Also, for the sake of other readers, I'm assuming that Kimberly and Andrea are responding to my critical analysis of Eckhart Tolle's book, A New Earth, which can be found here.

Posted by: Kimberly & Andrea at April 7, 2008 4:30 PM

Rich, Yes. We read your analysis on 'A New Earth' and couldn't agree more. Our book, The Apple You Were Fed, is offered not as a direct attack or answer to Tolle, as we had no idea of 'A New Earth' when we were writing 'The Apple You Were Fed.' But we see the similaities of spiritual freedom found in each and want to share how that freedom is found in Christ. We know there are many seekers reading Tolle who want to connect those teachings with Christianity. Often, they are not shared in the church, which we find unfortunate. All the best... Kimberly Lisowski

Posted by: Kimberly Lisowski at April 24, 2008 8:44 AM

Hi Folks: Thanks for this site, great stuff! I wanted to hear your comments about "Emerging Church" I was wondering about a real danger of a down play of eternity as it is meant to be so much longer than this mist of a life! I am not sure that Jesus did not point to eternity when the tower fell on folks and Pilate mingled the blood of others! I understand the need for social action and man's need now, but I seem to get a sense that soul concern is being shifted as some thing too radical and out of it! Rich: I'm always hesitant to give an opinion on the "emerging church" because for many people it is a litmus test for orthodoxy. Also, the emerging church is amorphous - it has many permutations, so it is impossible to really give an answer that satisfies anyone (or really says much, except for those who simply want to write off the movement). My short and sweet answer is: I'm sympathetic to much of the emergent church without being completely sold out. However, this describes just about anybody open to this movement.

Posted by: Bill Turner at July 12, 2008 1:27 PM

Hi Richard, Thanks for the site. Can I use your review of 5 Models of Church by Dulles in my lecture notes for an Ecclesiology class? It is non-commercial. Blessings philip Rich: Philip, thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you've found my summary useful. Feel free to use it in any way that is helpful or encouraging to others! God's richest blessings to you!

Posted by: Philip Crooks at August 6, 2008 5:46 AM

Thanks Rich! I appreciated your commentary very much I loved that book "a new kind of christian" it was a breath of fresh air. may i recommend a book called "not the religious type: confessions of a turncoat athiest" by Dave Schmelzer. after reading through your website i think you will enjoy it, probably you are familiar with much of what is inside the book, but it gives a great discussion of church culture and secular culture and is simply a great read. Thanks so much! Rich: Thanks for your kind and encouraging comments. I'll check out the book you recommend. Thanks!

Posted by: christy Sessions at September 14, 2008 2:45 AM

Rich, I just came across the site, and love the discussions! Keep up the good work. If you wanted to check out some evangelical material on spiritual formation, check out www.metamorpha.com. Would love to hear your thoughts! Blessings, kyle Rich: Kyle, I love your site. I've only been able to survey it so far, but it looks like a great resource! I'll definitely be back to check it out more thoroughly. Thanks for your kind and gracious comments.

Posted by: Kyle at September 20, 2008 2:45 PM

Rich, Thank you so much for this site. It is just great to be able to share in your sermon when we are in California. Keep the great work up. Bob & Judy Piaro Rich: I'm very glad the site allows you to keep current. It certainly makes all the work worth it. Thanks!

Posted by: Bob & Judy Piaro at September 21, 2008 10:59 AM

Rich, I have a new word for you. "Weltanschauung". it is an intellectual construct which gives a unified solution to all of the problems of our existence. The germans and french have such great philosophical terms. Thought you would enjoy this one. Gotta go. I am at work. Scott

Posted by: Scott Canatsey at September 27, 2008 3:52 PM

I am posessed by the Kingdom. I have your mp3 on the impossible dream. You said it was a part of a series. How can I get those. I hope and pray they are still available. Any material you have on your teachings of the kingdom, or living the kingdon life. Understanding and gettimg the revelation of the kingdom. I neglected to state at the beginning of this message how i was riding down the highway and God spoke profoundly in my spirit the song "The impossible Dream" I did not remember the words so i looked up the lyrics. And when I did the presence of God, the weight of his glory just hit me, and consumed me. Hope to hear from you soon. Yours In Christ, LaNorah. Rich: LaNorah, I'm glad to hear that you are so interested in the kingdom. The mp3 you heard was actually the only one in that series. My last week at the church I delivered it at was the following week, and that week wasn't taped. I do have many online resources on the kingdom. I would recommend A Kingdom Primer, The Secret Message of the Kingdom, and Making Sense of the Church. Other articles that are tagged with the Kingdom of God Tag can be found here. Hope this helps a little. God bless you in your study!

Posted by: LaNorah Jordan at November 2, 2008 7:37 PM

Dear Rich, Thank you so much for this site. I discovered it whilst working on a series of talks on our home in the heart of God and I so appreciated your work on the Trinity and on Perichoresis - it has really enriched my relationship with the Lord and also enriched my teaching. You write with substance and style - a rare combination! Thank you for your gracious generosity in sharing your own research and the time that you have put into expressing what you have learnt in a coherent and readable way. May your own heart be enriched as you share with others. Blessings on your work, your family and your ministry. Rich: Thanks so much for taking the time to offer your gracious words. They mean a lot to me. I am grateful when anything I do is beneficial to others. You've made my day!

Posted by: Mags Duggan at March 26, 2009 5:50 PM

Hi Daddy. I love your website! Rich: Thanks Carmen! I'm glad you visited my little corner of the World Wide Web. Come back often!

Posted by: Carmen at June 3, 2009 4:28 PM

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