Bob Wilson
@bobwilson.bsky.social
Church Planter | Improviser | Pastor
The Table | Jobcare | Communitas | Tea Quake
Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪
bobwilson.ie
The Table | Jobcare | Communitas | Tea Quake
Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪
bobwilson.ie
Titles in the church—Pastor, Reverend, Elder—sound respectful. But they do damage.
Credentials guard the church. Titles fracture it.
New post:
The Subversive Effect of Titles
👉 [https://bobwilson.substack.com/p/the-subversive-effect-of-titles]
Credentials guard the church. Titles fracture it.
New post:
The Subversive Effect of Titles
👉 [https://bobwilson.substack.com/p/the-subversive-effect-of-titles]
The Subversive Effect of Titles
In 1989, I moved to Albany, NY, to start a university fellowship and served as an unpaid staff member at the local Assembly of God.
bobwilson.substack.com
August 20, 2025 at 6:59 AM
Titles in the church—Pastor, Reverend, Elder—sound respectful. But they do damage.
Credentials guard the church. Titles fracture it.
New post:
The Subversive Effect of Titles
👉 [https://bobwilson.substack.com/p/the-subversive-effect-of-titles]
Credentials guard the church. Titles fracture it.
New post:
The Subversive Effect of Titles
👉 [https://bobwilson.substack.com/p/the-subversive-effect-of-titles]
What if church leadership wasn’t about hierarchy or control —but about character and trust?
I wrote about ways power and authority get confused, & why the language of “ruling” is a huge problem.
I’m not anti-authority. But we need more imagination for what Christlike leadership can be.
New post:
I wrote about ways power and authority get confused, & why the language of “ruling” is a huge problem.
I’m not anti-authority. But we need more imagination for what Christlike leadership can be.
New post:
Power and Authority in the Church: The Problem with Ruling
During a class early on in my improv journey, I said my scene partner was going to dance.
bobwilson.substack.com
July 8, 2025 at 6:24 PM
What if church leadership wasn’t about hierarchy or control —but about character and trust?
I wrote about ways power and authority get confused, & why the language of “ruling” is a huge problem.
I’m not anti-authority. But we need more imagination for what Christlike leadership can be.
New post:
I wrote about ways power and authority get confused, & why the language of “ruling” is a huge problem.
I’m not anti-authority. But we need more imagination for what Christlike leadership can be.
New post:
This post has gotten far more attention than I would have imagined. I have decided to make it free, so if you were blocked by the pay wall previously, I hope you will give it a read.
bobwilson.substack.com/publish/post...
bobwilson.substack.com/publish/post...
Choosing Charisma Over Character
A Personal Story
bobwilson.substack.com
June 30, 2025 at 8:59 PM
This post has gotten far more attention than I would have imagined. I have decided to make it free, so if you were blocked by the pay wall previously, I hope you will give it a read.
bobwilson.substack.com/publish/post...
bobwilson.substack.com/publish/post...
I posted an article that examines the impact of church structures and modern church planting models.
I share a bit of my own story too.
It’s a paid post, but if you’re interested in how structures and systems shape outcomes, you may find it interesting.
Read here:
I share a bit of my own story too.
It’s a paid post, but if you’re interested in how structures and systems shape outcomes, you may find it interesting.
Read here:
Choosing Charisma Over Character
A Personal Story
bobwilson.substack.com
June 28, 2025 at 9:42 AM
I posted an article that examines the impact of church structures and modern church planting models.
I share a bit of my own story too.
It’s a paid post, but if you’re interested in how structures and systems shape outcomes, you may find it interesting.
Read here:
I share a bit of my own story too.
It’s a paid post, but if you’re interested in how structures and systems shape outcomes, you may find it interesting.
Read here:
New Substack is up.
Topic: How bad theology and arrogant evangelism on Dublin's public transport damages good conversations.
It is a bit snarky. But this stuff is so frustrating.
🧵👇
bobwilson.substack.com/p/what-think...
Topic: How bad theology and arrogant evangelism on Dublin's public transport damages good conversations.
It is a bit snarky. But this stuff is so frustrating.
🧵👇
bobwilson.substack.com/p/what-think...
What Think Ye of This Nonsense?
Cringe evangelism, lazy theology, and why saying ‘Jesus’ five times won’t save you
bobwilson.substack.com
June 17, 2025 at 6:18 PM
New Substack is up.
Topic: How bad theology and arrogant evangelism on Dublin's public transport damages good conversations.
It is a bit snarky. But this stuff is so frustrating.
🧵👇
bobwilson.substack.com/p/what-think...
Topic: How bad theology and arrogant evangelism on Dublin's public transport damages good conversations.
It is a bit snarky. But this stuff is so frustrating.
🧵👇
bobwilson.substack.com/p/what-think...
Recently, I was contacted by Polycentric Leadership. They had run my dissertation through AI (really) and came up with a condensed version in a blog format and asked if they could publish it.
If you’re interested in leadership that’s more collaborative than hierarchical...
➡️ You can read it here:
If you’re interested in leadership that’s more collaborative than hierarchical...
➡️ You can read it here:
Embracing Polycentric Leadership: A Biblical Alternative to Hierarchy
For too long, the church has largely disregarded Jesus’ clear teaching regarding how leadership would function within his kingdom. The Christian ideal of non-hierarchical church leadership has been "f...
polycentricleadership.com
June 14, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Recently, I was contacted by Polycentric Leadership. They had run my dissertation through AI (really) and came up with a condensed version in a blog format and asked if they could publish it.
If you’re interested in leadership that’s more collaborative than hierarchical...
➡️ You can read it here:
If you’re interested in leadership that’s more collaborative than hierarchical...
➡️ You can read it here:
A few “coincidences” on the back roads in Sligo led to an unexpected blessing for our family.
Sometimes God does stuff like that.
I wrote about it here: bobwilson.substack.com/p/when-a-coi...
Sometimes God does stuff like that.
I wrote about it here: bobwilson.substack.com/p/when-a-coi...
When a Coincidence Isn’t Just a Coincidence
When you pay attention to the small things, you might just see God at work.
bobwilson.substack.com
June 10, 2025 at 8:01 PM
A few “coincidences” on the back roads in Sligo led to an unexpected blessing for our family.
Sometimes God does stuff like that.
I wrote about it here: bobwilson.substack.com/p/when-a-coi...
Sometimes God does stuff like that.
I wrote about it here: bobwilson.substack.com/p/when-a-coi...
Not all boldness is loud.
New post: Be Bold? Be Yourself
For years I thought loving Jesus meant being outspoken — even if it felt unnatural. Eventually, I stopped. Here’s why.
🔗 bobwilson.substack.com/p/be-bold-be...
New post: Be Bold? Be Yourself
For years I thought loving Jesus meant being outspoken — even if it felt unnatural. Eventually, I stopped. Here’s why.
🔗 bobwilson.substack.com/p/be-bold-be...
Be Bold? Be Yourself
Being faithful to Jesus doesn’t mean becoming someone you’re not.
bobwilson.substack.com
June 3, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Not all boldness is loud.
New post: Be Bold? Be Yourself
For years I thought loving Jesus meant being outspoken — even if it felt unnatural. Eventually, I stopped. Here’s why.
🔗 bobwilson.substack.com/p/be-bold-be...
New post: Be Bold? Be Yourself
For years I thought loving Jesus meant being outspoken — even if it felt unnatural. Eventually, I stopped. Here’s why.
🔗 bobwilson.substack.com/p/be-bold-be...
Be Bold? Be Yourself
Being faithful to Jesus doesn’t mean becoming someone you’re not. Things I Learned in University When I was a university student, the worship team at the church I went to frequently performed a song called “Be Bold, Be Strong”. The song’s message was that boldness was running…
Being faithful to Jesus doesn’t mean becoming someone you’re not. Things I Learned in University When I was a university student, the worship team at the church I went to frequently performed a song called “Be Bold, Be Strong”. The song’s message was that boldness was running…
Be Bold? Be Yourself
Being faithful to Jesus doesn’t mean becoming someone you’re not. Things I Learned in University When I was a university student, the worship team at the church I went to frequently performed a song called “Be Bold, Be Strong”. The song’s message was that boldness was running around telling everyone to get ready for Jesus. And it wasn’t just the music.
bobwilson.ie
June 3, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Be Bold? Be Yourself
Being faithful to Jesus doesn’t mean becoming someone you’re not. Things I Learned in University When I was a university student, the worship team at the church I went to frequently performed a song called “Be Bold, Be Strong”. The song’s message was that boldness was running…
Being faithful to Jesus doesn’t mean becoming someone you’re not. Things I Learned in University When I was a university student, the worship team at the church I went to frequently performed a song called “Be Bold, Be Strong”. The song’s message was that boldness was running…
Lots of flashbacks here. Sure, the Emergent Church went off the rails, but it sparked a vital shift in how I understand church, faith, and culture. It didn’t, however, change my views on skinny jeans.
mbird.com/religion/chu...
mbird.com/religion/chu...
Are We Back? - Mockingbird
The Promise of the Emergent Church Today
mbird.com
May 24, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Lots of flashbacks here. Sure, the Emergent Church went off the rails, but it sparked a vital shift in how I understand church, faith, and culture. It didn’t, however, change my views on skinny jeans.
mbird.com/religion/chu...
mbird.com/religion/chu...
Tea Quake has gone international!! A weekend in Belfast and a Sunday night show at Lavery’s. Thank you for the invite @paulmone.bsky.social.
We even completed an escape room.
We even completed an escape room.
May 22, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Tea Quake has gone international!! A weekend in Belfast and a Sunday night show at Lavery’s. Thank you for the invite @paulmone.bsky.social.
We even completed an escape room.
We even completed an escape room.
Relaunched my Substack yesterday: A Journey in Liminal Space.
The first post is called Peregrinatio: A Journey Without Maps.
It’s about faith, exile, & following Jesus when the old maps no longer suit.
If that connects, I’d love your thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/bobwilso...
The first post is called Peregrinatio: A Journey Without Maps.
It’s about faith, exile, & following Jesus when the old maps no longer suit.
If that connects, I’d love your thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/bobwilso...
Peregrinatio: A Journey Without Maps
I tend to live inside my head. Occasionally I write down my thoughts and share them here. I hope they get you thinking as well.
open.substack.com
May 21, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Relaunched my Substack yesterday: A Journey in Liminal Space.
The first post is called Peregrinatio: A Journey Without Maps.
It’s about faith, exile, & following Jesus when the old maps no longer suit.
If that connects, I’d love your thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/bobwilso...
The first post is called Peregrinatio: A Journey Without Maps.
It’s about faith, exile, & following Jesus when the old maps no longer suit.
If that connects, I’d love your thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/bobwilso...
That part in the gospels when Jesus tells his followers to fill arenas for him.
May 18, 2025 at 12:06 PM
That part in the gospels when Jesus tells his followers to fill arenas for him.
Pope Bob.
I like it.
I like it.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago who is now the first American-born pope, has spent most of his career outside of the U.S, ministering to the dispossessed and marginalized.
The “Latin Yankee,” as he is known in Rome, worked 20 years in Peru.
The “Latin Yankee,” as he is known in Rome, worked 20 years in Peru.
American-born Cardinal Robert F. Prevost is elected pope
The “Latin Yankee,” as he is known in Rome, worked 20 years in Peru’s poorest enclave and even became a naturalized citizen there.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 8, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Pope Bob.
I like it.
I like it.
Reposted by Bob Wilson
Contemplative Good Friday Gathering: April 18, 2025
This will be an online, contemplative gathering. Register for Good Friday via Meetup or contact us
This will be an online, contemplative gathering. Register for Good Friday via Meetup or contact us
Contemplative Good Friday Gathering: April 18, 2025
This will be an online, contemplative gathering. Register for Good Friday via Meetup or contact us
thetabledublin.ie
April 13, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Contemplative Good Friday Gathering: April 18, 2025
This will be an online, contemplative gathering. Register for Good Friday via Meetup or contact us
This will be an online, contemplative gathering. Register for Good Friday via Meetup or contact us
Coming Up at the Table in April
open.substack.com/pub/thetable...
open.substack.com/pub/thetable...
Coming Up at the Table in April
We are getting this out a little earlier this week.
open.substack.com
April 12, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Coming Up at the Table in April
open.substack.com/pub/thetable...
open.substack.com/pub/thetable...
Sitting down to watch my first Red Sox opening day in a few years (my personal John Henry boycott).
So excited and #mlbtv is broken.
You have one job.
So excited and #mlbtv is broken.
You have one job.
March 27, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Sitting down to watch my first Red Sox opening day in a few years (my personal John Henry boycott).
So excited and #mlbtv is broken.
You have one job.
So excited and #mlbtv is broken.
You have one job.
Tea Quake at Cobbleprov
I never imagined I would perform at the Cobblestone in Smithfield...although to be fair it is better known for Trad music than improv. However, Tea Quake was invited to be parf of the first ever Cobbleprov at the Cobblestone. It was very fun! Some photos from the day: And a…
I never imagined I would perform at the Cobblestone in Smithfield...although to be fair it is better known for Trad music than improv. However, Tea Quake was invited to be parf of the first ever Cobbleprov at the Cobblestone. It was very fun! Some photos from the day: And a…
Tea Quake at Cobbleprov
I never imagined I would perform at the Cobblestone in Smithfield...although to be fair it is better known for Trad music than improv. However, Tea Quake was invited to be parf of the first ever Cobbleprov at the Cobblestone. It was very fun! Some photos from the day: And a highlight of the night was that we got to open for one of my favourite improv teams, Underthings!
bobwilson.ie
March 8, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Tea Quake at Cobbleprov
I never imagined I would perform at the Cobblestone in Smithfield...although to be fair it is better known for Trad music than improv. However, Tea Quake was invited to be parf of the first ever Cobbleprov at the Cobblestone. It was very fun! Some photos from the day: And a…
I never imagined I would perform at the Cobblestone in Smithfield...although to be fair it is better known for Trad music than improv. However, Tea Quake was invited to be parf of the first ever Cobbleprov at the Cobblestone. It was very fun! Some photos from the day: And a…
March 8, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Reposted by Bob Wilson
‘Free world needs a new leader’, says EU foreign chief after Trump Zelenskyy row
‘Free world needs a new leader’, says EU foreign chief after Trump Zelenskyy row
The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said ‘the free world needs a new leader’ and that it was up to Europeans to take this challenge
* Live reaction to Zelenskyy’s clash with Trump and Vance
The EU foreign policy chief has declared that “the…
www.theguardian.com
March 1, 2025 at 4:16 PM
‘Free world needs a new leader’, says EU foreign chief after Trump Zelenskyy row
In my job I work with several Ukrainian people and am regularly amazed by the courage and bravery they demonstrate daily. And I'm glad to live in a country with leaders that stand against despotism. 🇮🇪🇺🇦
March 1, 2025 at 3:43 PM
In my job I work with several Ukrainian people and am regularly amazed by the courage and bravery they demonstrate daily. And I'm glad to live in a country with leaders that stand against despotism. 🇮🇪🇺🇦