fromm the editor
Eucharistic Living
1 Thessalonians 5: 18
he ritual of saying grace at a meal certainly must have generated from the Eucharistic
tradition of the Christian faith. Learning to be grateful, and the expression of that gratitude,
is the meaning of “Eucharist.” The Apostle Paul uses this word in 1 Thessalonians
5: 18 saying, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ
Jesus.” I’ve met many Christian leaders in my life. However, those who may be truly called
“Eucharistic Christian leaders” are few. One such leader is Dr. Robert Webber. In this issue,
Robert Webber confronts us with the challenge of living a life of thanksgiving, 24/7. He
asks us to move away from the reduction of the Eucharist as mere religious performance
and to embrace, as the Apostle Paul says, the Eucharist in all circumstances. Please consider
with me carefully Bob’s words.
It was Bob who first awoke me to the meaning of worship, both biblically and in
Christian history and tradition. After reading his book Worship Old and New, in the early
80s, I had the opportunity to conspire with Him in the development of several unique
conferences as well as the publication of the predecessor of Worship Leader magazine, which
was called Worship Journal. Bob’s wife Joanne’s parents retired near to where I live, which
facilitated the growth of both our friendship and corroboration on these projects. From
the very beginning in 1991 Bob’s voice has been in every issue of Worship Leader, a voice that
has continued to center our worship on the Table of the Lord. In so doing, Bob has always
focused our attention on Jesus as our worship leader.
As we raise the cup representing our Lord’s sacrifice we know now what the disciples
could not know at the first meal. Our true joy is in the confident hope of salvation
in Jesus’ name through His shed blood for the remission of our sin. Bob has reminded
us in so many ways throughout the past 15 years of Worship Leader the importance
of the Eucharistic meal and its meaning in focusing our worship.
I recall one such meal that Bob led in our home. Afterwards Bob said something that
fleshes out the theme of this issue, “Good worship, Chuck, is like great hospitality. You have
a greeting and some dialogue that leads to a meal. At the meal we are all partaking together
of common bread and the conversation leads to a much deeper level of meaning. As the
meal is completed and time of leaving grows near, you clarify your thoughts and finish your
discussions as you reach the door of departure. At that time you give your final benediction
and depart to the next destination.”
From our sharing of visions and projects, through the stress and trials of publishing to
the moments of encouraging insight and sharing our latest “learnings,” there are dozens of
memories like this one that flood my mind as I write at this moment.
I want to thank Bob for first teaching me the meaning of worship. Thank him for
challenging us all to live a life of thanksgiving to our Lord, Jesus Christ. Thank him for his
passion for worship to be a true public sharing of Jesus as Christus Victor.
Bob, you have dedicated your life to worship as action by focusing your life, your gift
of boundless energy, and selfless giving to others to enacting the message that Jesus is Lord.
I love you Bob. My family and our readers will remember and always be thankful. Until we
see each other again, face-to-face, I remain your student, friend and little brother.
Love, Chuck
Chuck Fromm, PhD
Publisher
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A PUBLICATION OF WORSHIP LEADER, INC.
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Chuck Fromm, PhD
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Julie Reid
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CONSULTING EDITOR Kent Morris
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EDITORIAL BOARD Warren Anderson,
J. Robert Clinton,
Holland Davis, Maggi Dawn,
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Godwin, Shaun Groves,
Tony Guerrero,
Debby Rettino Kerner,
Roberta King, Greg Laurie,
Hughes Oliphant Old,
Andy Park, Matt Redman,
Robb Redman, Jason Ritchie,
Dr. Mark Roberts, Lin Sexton,
Brenton Brown, Rick Warren,
Dr. Robert Webber
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