New Book: So Much Older Then ... by Robert R. LaRochelle

March 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Energion Publications announces the immediate release of an important new book, So Much Older Then …  by Dr. Robert R. LaRochelle, who invites us into his ministry as he shares his experience with some of the most difficult and troubling questions and thought provoking comments he has faced. Through a series of preachings and conversations held in his local church in Connecticut, this book came to be. Within the chapters, Pastor LaRochelle offers his own reflection on each question or statement. He then explains, explores and comments about the discussions that took place on each of these topics, discussions that were actually part of his church’s worship service that morning.

Here are some of the kinds of questions and comments addressed in this helpful book:

“Pastor, my wife is in the hospital and they think her cancer has spread. Will you keep us in your prayers?”

“My 16 year old son says he does not believe in God and never will.”

“I know that when I die, I am going to heaven, where I will see all my loved ones who have died or will die someday.”

“Some people say the church is a dying institution. What do you think, Pastor?”

This exciting book provides an in depth look at a pastor’s own self examination in the context of the real life struggles of a community of faith, a local church.

Endorsements:

In So Much Older Then, Robert Larochelle offers preachers a model for truly dialogical preaching. Most preaching takes the form of a monologue, even so called dialogical and conversational preaching is more about style than substance, but with this book preachers hear the invitation to step out of our comfort zone and invite the congregation to raise questions and enter a true conversation about the Word that has been proclaimed from the pulpit. – Dr. Bob Cornwall, Central Woodward Christian Church, author of Unfettered Spirit: Spiritual Gifts for the Great Awakening and Faith in the Public Square

So Much Older Then starts with a few lines from a Bob Dylan song. In the eight sermons that make up the book, the Reverend LaRochelle blends Jesus and Dylan, faith and intellect, individual salvation and community connectedness into a rich mix which challenges the mind and nourishes the soul. In this world of fragmented organized religion in which so many "true believers" are convinced that they have discovered the true path, Dr. LaRochelle's open invitation to worship – "All are welcome" – is a breath of theological fresh air.

He draws you into thinking about what you believe and helps you work out your own basis for faith. In a world too often filled with religious absolutes, Dr. LaRochelle is a voice of reason and belief, of science and religion. Perhaps it is really possible to be a scientific Druid, love Jesus, and respect the faith of others. Like many, I was taught in a tradition of religious certainty, but I'm younger than that now.  – Dr. Curtis Brand, author, musician, clinical psychologist

So Much Older Then is not only a genuinely loving tribute to Rev. LaRochelle’s former congregation, but an inspiring reflection upon the questions we have all faced. The appeal in LaRochelle’s writing rests not in his answers to the burning questions of life, but in his ability to unearth even deeper queries, forcing the reader to more carefully explore his or her faith. – Eric R. Hutchinson, Songwriter/Composer (Believer: The Musical, Lullabies and Love Songs, Imagine Stage Productions)

In So Much Older Then, Rev. Bob LaRochelle offers us a series of inspiring sermons based on the Sacred Scriptures and on the real-life struggles of those he has been privileged to serve in various congregations. The discussion questions are especially helpful in integrating the biblical message with everyday realities. Both clergy and lay persons will find this an invaluable resource.

Rev. Albert Cutié, priest, author and talk-show host (Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida)

Robert LaRochelle has written a sermon series that is a wonderful tool for both clergy and laity. He uses a positive and uplifting theology to address difficult issues facing the Church and Christians today. It is an excellent resource to aid in starting the conversations that our souls need to have. Rev. LaRochelle also provides a “dialogue sermon” format if you have never tried this! –  Rev. Shauna Hyde, Christ Church United Methodist, Charleston, WV, author of Fifty Shades of Grace and Victim No More!

LaRochelle has led by example in returning the sermon to its proper context in the liturgy of the church. However, here liturgy takes on its true meaning – the work of the people. This exploration of the communal and conversational nature of preaching will be helpful to any preacher looking for fresh eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mouth to preach Sunday's sermon.  – Dr. Geoffrey Lentz, First United Methodist Church, Port St. Joe, FL, author The Gospel of St. Luke:A Participatory Study Guide, editor The Living Psalter

So Much Older Then …  is available at Energion Direct (http://energiondirect.com/products-page/robert-larochelle/so-much-older-then/) and from major online retailers.

About the author:

Bob LaRochelle holds a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Chicago Theological Seminary. He was raised in the Roman Catholic Church, attended Catholic elementary and secondary school as well as college and graduate school. He then served as a Theology instructor in Catholic high schools, a Diocesan level official in adolescent religious education, a parish youth minister and Director of Religious Education. In 1989, he was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate and served in that capacity until 1998. After a period of study to discern how he would continue to serve the church, he became an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ He remains deeply committed to ecumenical work within the universal church of Jesus Christ. He has been married to his wife Tricia for 31 years and they are blessed with three children: Brian, Kathleen and Stephen. He is a proud and grateful alumnus of the College of the Holy Cross. He is the author of Crossing the Street (Energion Publications 2012) and  PART-TIME PASTOR, FULL-TIME CHURCH (Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2010).