Changes at the Bench

The Anxious Bench began its life as a blog some four years ago.

Since then, we’ve published more than a thousand posts on a wide variety of themes pertaining to the global history of Christianity.

As is the case with many group blogs, on occasion individuals have departed and new contributors have taken a seat on the bench. John Fea, one of our original writers, now concentrates on his own indispensable blog, The Way of Improvement Leads Home.

This week, one of our other original contributors has taken up a new post at The Gospel Coalition. I have known Thomas Kidd for nearly two decades, since we were in graduate school together at Notre Dame. It was through his initiative that the Anxious Bench came into being, and he has enriched us with a steady stream of thoughtful and powerful posts over the past four years. He has also served as our blogmeister.

I greatly admire the way that Tommy writes with purpose, clarity, and faith. What my friend has modeled through his publications has greatly inspired and shaped my own work. We will miss you at the Anxious Bench, but we offer our best wishes on your new assignment, Tommy!

Fortunately, those of us “left behind” will not be sheep without a shepherd. Next week, Chris Gehrz will join us as a new contributor and blogmeister. Chris teaches at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota and has written widely about Pietism. Chris maintains his own blog, The Pietist Schoolman. For a sample of his insights about the mission of Christian higher education, see his post from last month on “evangelicalism and the humanities.” We are looking forward to having your fine work appear at the Anxious Bench, Chris. Welcome!