When Rob Bell left Mars Hill Bible Church two years ago (the church he founded and helped grow into one of the most influential churches in the country), some speculated it was because of a theological controversy caused by his book Love Wins. The author and star of the NOOMA teaching series said he was moving to L.A. to focus more on writing and developing a television show. Bell put any rumors of discord to rest when he returned to the church to preach the week’s sermon and tell the congregation about his new TV project, The Rob Bell Show. According to the Christian News Network, Bell told the church that the talk show will focus on stories of redemption:

We want to talk about the things that matter most. We want to talk about our brokenness and our struggle. We want to be inspired. We want to hear stories. I want to take elements of this, what you’re experiencing here. I want to put it all in a blender, and throw in a little Lost, maybe some TED Talk and maybe some Letterman and do something that’s never been done before.

Update: Though ABC purchased the pilot to Rob Bell's initial television show, Stronger, it is unconfirmed what network will air his talk show. His appearance at Mars Hill Bible Church took place on March 10. Discuss

In an interview with Odyssey Networks, Rob Bell continued to speak out about his support for gay marriage, and why he believes it’s important to look at the “real problems” we are facing. The former pastor and author of new book What We Talk About When We Talk About God, found himself in the middle of the debate last week when he voiced his support for gay marriage during a discussion at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral. His statements have been at the center of a recent controversy, drawing both criticism and support from conservative and progressive Christian leaders … Discuss

While speaking at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral (the Episcopal Cathedral of the Diocese of California) this Sunday, author and pastor Rob Bell was asked about his position on gay marriage. He responded to the question directly, saying, "I am for marriage. I am for fidelity. I am for love, whether it's a man and woman, a woman and a woman, a man and a man … I think this is the world we are living in and we need to affirm people wherever they are."

Bell went on to explain some other thoughts about traditional evangelicalism and its influence on social issues: "I think we are witnessing the death of a particular subculture that doesn't work. I think there is a very narrow, politically intertwined, culturally ghettoized, Evangelical subculture that was told ‘we're gonna change the thing’ and they haven't … And we have supported policies and ways of viewing the world that are actually destructive. And we've done it in the name of God and we need to repent.” The full audio from the discussion is available here ... Discuss

Rob Bell has released a new, extended trailer for his upcoming book What We Talk About When We Talk About God. The video gives a bit clearer picture of what the book will be about than his recent “Behind the Book” teaser released last month. In the new trailer, Bell touches on some controversial church issues (like women in leadership roles, a literal understanding of creation, the church’s position on homosexuality), and talks about the importance of dispelling misconceptions about God. The book releases on March 12 ... Discuss