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Michael Spencer – The Internet Monk (1956-2010)
by C Michael PattonApril 6th, 2010
19 Comments
What a heavy heart that I feel today. Who knows how to make such announcements? Who is the expert?
Michael Spencer, the Internet Monk has died today. There is a vacant pulpit in my life.
Michael and I were friends. Well, as good of friends as anyone can be in this new world of “internet relationships.” We actually talked on the phone only three times. The second time (just a quick story) was when I was talking to a reader of Parchment and Pen blog. It was a husband and wife. I don’t remember why I called them, but the conversation soon turned to Michael Spencer and the influence that he had had on their life. They told me that their day—their life—would be made if the could talk to Michael Spencer, their internet monk. I decided to do something fun. I called Michael and asked him to give them a surprise call. He did so immediately. Michael was just that way.
Through the last three years Michael and I came to know each other though our blogs, emails, phone calls, and the prospects of writing a book together. We had the outline complete and were very excited about the proposal last year. I had to put it on hold because of my work with the Credo House and the book never happened.
Michael was a mentor to me. He encouraged me and, in some ways, provided the hands of Moses for a lot of what I do. More than anything, he gave me courage. He showed me that we should not attempt to fit ourselves into a mold someone else made. We need to have the courage to be who we are. Michael was very courageous. He wore his faith on his sleeve, but he did not separate that from the difficulties and struggles he had. He went through many troubles and did not hide his psalmistic composure. One day his words would be words of joy and hope. The next, he was in his time of trouble and doubt. He had the courage to wear his faith both days. Like David…
I needed more still Michael. Thanks for all you gave. I think you now know what an encouragement you were to me and thousands of others. I will continue to try to be brave. I hope to live in light of your example.
However, no one can fill the pulpit you preached from. You are now and will always be the only true Internet Monk.
Denise, Noel, and Clay: Our prayers are with you.
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19 Comments
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I loved Spencer’s transparency and boldness. He was truly one of a kind! My prayers are with his family.
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[...] C. Michael Patton at Parchment and Pen [...]
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I never thought I would shed tears for someone that I only new from his website and a few emails. I’m thankful that he’s with the Lord.
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It is my experience that God leads us in steps. Each step seems to answer one question(s) even as it opens up more questions and new steps. When I was asking for help and in the midst of my confusion by “accident” I discovered Michael Spencer and his podcasts on Itunes. They literally changed almost everything in my life. He was an answer to many of the questions this new Christian had. The thing was, Michael did not leave me in the “pew”. He lead me out the doors and into the world I suspected existed but was too reticent to explore. His deep questioning while never giving up his faith encouraged me and strengthened me, gave me permission to literally say to God ” I don’t believe it, show me please”. Michael said that God would answer and He did. In my exploration God Lead me to The Theology Program – a way to begin to use the history and resources that the many souls who have wrestled with God have left for us. A way to discover with His Grace what God wants us to know. This was Michael Spencer’s gift to me and I suspect it was his gift to most of the people who listened to him. Thank you Michael Spencer.
To his family, I am sure there is nothing I can say that will ease your sense of loss. But I would like to say, “Thank you for sharing him with us”. I can promise this is one soul who will not forget him. Today in my morning prayers I weep with you for his loss.
jay Saldana
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Oh wow. May God receive him well and give grace to his family.
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He helped awaken a drifting church (evangelicalism). His impact will be long felt, but I must say: what a loss.
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Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones
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CMP,
My sincere sympathies to you on the loss of your friend. Cancer is a horrible thing. Within the span of 5 months in 2008-2009, I lost both my only sibling and my dad to pancreatic cancer. It was like a nightmare that would not stop. This coming Saturday, April 10th will mark one year since my dad passed.
Ken
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Ken #6-
My sympathies. I am sure that has been very difficult.
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Michael Spencer suffered great pain the past year. His faithfulness to his e-flock, his dedication to Truth and his passion for the idea of semper reforma never failed through the suffering.
Prayers for those loved ones left to grieve, but praises to our LORD for Michael’s life and legacy, and praises for the joy Michael has meeting Him face to face. Michael has been healed most completely.
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My heart has been broken since I learned the news last night from Michael’s blog, he will always be the voice of many of us who couldn’t find comfort in the mechanisms of the modern evangelical church. He showed me that I wasn’t the odd one, that I wasn’t alone and unknowingly ended my search for a church to call home.
I never got to talk to Michael, Jay pointed me to him and by that time he was already suffering the effects of his illness. And he left too early, but God has his own plans and I don’t claim to understand them, all I know is that one of my hero’s died last night and that I need to carry on.
But his words and his ability to see things for what they where, those will always stay with me. Like Jay I feel the pain of loss for his family, I’m sorry for the loss that we all feel today, one of God’s finest has gone home.
-Paul-
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Thank you for your words and for the picture of Michael.
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It was actually through iMonk that I found your blog.
He will be deeply missed, by many, many people.
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Thanks for this tribute, It’s a beautiful one.
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Like others, I found out about TTP through iMonk. His blog was such a welcome relief when I was searching after frustrations with legalism and liberalism. Thoughtful, caring, and yet strongly biblical. I will miss his podcasts (esp. Coffee Cup Apologetics… loved that series). I am saddened for his family and friends, but lifted by the thought of him in the presence of Christ.
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Many thanks for a loving tribute to the one, and only, IMonk. I am sure our tears of grief are contrasted by the joyous welcome in Glory as he crossed the finish line. I think he wouldn’t come back now even if he could. I am glad that he finished his book that he labored on for so long. I also found out about your ministry through Michael Spencer. Blessing begot blessing! Through both of your joys and sufferings I have learned so much. My wife and I are the couple you mentioned calling in today’s blog. Having a phone call from both of you two during the Christmas season of 2008 was really a topper.
Though I never got to meet the IMonk in person, I’m confident there are many of us who are looking forward to bear-hugging him in our Savior’s house. Praise God for treating us t
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I am another who first heard of P&P through IMonk.
I can’t think of anything to say about the loss that is adequate.
Michael was such an encouragement in both his transparency about the messiness of following Christ and his unwillingness to allow the emperor to go by naked without comment.
Man, could he write, too.
+ Father, graciously grant our dear brother continual growth in your love and service; we rejoice in knowing that this is your will for Michael through the person of your Son, who with you and the Spirit live and reign, world without end. Amen.
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I am so sad today after logging onto the iMonk site and learning of his death. (I hadn’t been online for a week or so.) Like others I first heard of TTP through the iMonk. Michael Spencer awakened in me a new excitement and desire for shepherding my people, for loving theology, for being real about loving Jesus. For exploring the richness of church tradition and worship.
I can’t remember the last time I cried. But I’m crying now, and I’ve never met or spoken to him. Our church here in Australia has been praying for him and his wife and family, and will continue to do so.
Thank God for Michael’s ministry to the Body of Christ.
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we will all feel his loss greatly
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