Leading With Faith: Bob Hill on Marsh Chapel at Boston University, Preaching, and Sustaining Community

To Be and Do Podcast: Reflections with Bob Hill – Three Key Takeaways

The latest episode of the To Be and Do podcast, featuring Bob Hill, Dean of Marsh Chapel and Professor at Boston University School of Theology, offers rich insights for listeners interested in faith, preaching, and the evolving landscape of university chaplaincy. Hosted by Philip Amerson, this conversation is rooted in decades of friendship, shared ministry, and a deep commitment to both academic and religious excellence.

1. The Power of Preaching and Consistency

A recurring theme in this episode is the weekly rhythm of preaching and worship. As Bob Hill put it, “Sunday comes around every 7 days, emphasizing the importance of preparing “22 minutes of hope and honesty”  each week. This steady, quiet labor in the pulpit, even amidst the challenges facing mainline Christianity, continues to inspire and build community. Both Bob Hill and Philip Amerson express gratitude for the excellence expected in academic settings, and how it pushes preachers to “up their game” . For many listeners, this is a reminder that consistent, thoughtful preaching remains a source of hope and encouragement, helping communities navigate uncertainty and change.

2. The Importance of Community — Especially During Grief

Bob Hill shares a poignant childhood memory: facing illness after his family was preparing for a move due to his father's pastoral appointment. The turning point came when his sixth-grade teacher visited, reading "The Hobbit" aloud to him. This act of care and presence helped him heal, illustrating the impact of small, caring gestures within a community. He draws a parallel to faith communities, noting that grief is best borne “in community, of having grief in common”. Especially in times of loss and transition, it is the personal connections—whether in church, university, or neighborhood—that sustain us.

3. Navigating Honest Truth and Relentless Hope

In today’s complex world, Bob Hill underscores the need for a preaching that is both brutally honest and unflinchingly hopeful (18:16). He acknowledges the challenges posed by political and social realities while insisting that pulpits and churches must speak truthfully about current conditions without losing sight of hope. This balance is “where the preaching is…going this spring, this Lent, and so on” (18:31), offering listeners a model for holding tension between reality and possibility.

Final Thoughts

The conversation also touches on Boston University’s unique multi-faith chaplaincy, the legacy of Methodism and figures like Howard Thurman and Martin Luther King, and Bob Hill’s prolific writing. For those seeking links to his work, the podcast episode notes will provide more information. Above all, this episode invites listeners to consider the value of tradition, community, and honest dialogue as sources of resilience and hope in both academic and faith settings.

If you missed this episode, make sure to check out the recordings or transcripts provided by To Be and Do—especially if you’re looking for inspiration in the midst of snow, change, or challenge.