Honesty and Hope: Bob Hill’s Insights on Ministry, Community, and Chaplaincy at Boston University

To Be and Do Podcast

Hosts: Philip Amerson

Guest: Bob Hill

In this heartfelt episode of the To Be and Do Podcast, Philip Amerson welcomes Bob Hill, Dean of Marsh Chapel and Professor of New Testament and Pastoral Theology at Boston University School of Theology. The conversation is rich in warmth, humor, and insights, exploring the role of university chaplaincy, the state of mainline Christianity, and the vital importance of honest and hopeful preaching in today’s world.

We begin with light banter—Indiana University colors, snow in Bloomington, and the legacy of great preaching. Philip Amerson shares how he and his wife tune in to hear Bob Hill’s sermons, emphasizing the significant impact that thoughtful preaching has on their Sunday ritual. This sets the stage for a deep dive into the unique challenges and joys of serving as Dean at Marsh Chapel within a multi-faith university environment.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Consistent Preaching:
2. Bob Hill underscores how essential the weekly act of preaching is—a “fine sermon, 22 minutes of hope and honesty,” delivered every seven days, can be transformative for both the preacher and the congregation. He encourages preachers to find strength in this rhythm, knowing their quiet, steady work is deeply valued.
3. Community and Connection Matter:
4. Through a personal story about his sixth-grade teacher visiting him during a difficult time, Bob Hill reveals the restorative power of caring community. The episode reminds us that ministry isn’t just about Sunday sermons but about small acts of presence and kindness, especially around shared grief.
5. Challenges of Mainline Christianity:
6. The decline of mainline church membership and the shift toward management—rather than genuine community—is discussed. Both Philip Amerson and Bob Hill reflect on how excellence in preaching and authentic connection can help restore hope in these traditions.
7. Honesty and Hope in the Pulpit:
8. In a time marked by political and cultural challenges, Bob Hill shares his commitment to combining “brutal honesty” about societal realities with “unflinching hope” in his sermons. He acknowledges the tension between these values but insists the church must hold them in balance.

As the episode wraps, listeners are invited to join Marsh Chapel’s services online, especially if they find themselves snowed in or searching for a word of hope. The episode stands as a testament to the enduring significance of faith, preaching, and community—and the voices who keep these alive.

Links to Bob Hill’s books and work will be shared on the podcast blog.