Rob Bell's sermons on steroids create following

By Christopher Quinn

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rob Bell is an innovative evangelical pastor, author and video producer who tours like a rock band.

He leaves his Michigan church of 11,000 yearly, hits music venues or theaters (in 27 U.S. cities this year) and talks about the things he thinks matter, that have drawn his attention. Things, he said, that he has learned.

It is a sermon as performance art.

"They build up to about two hours of material. In some ways, the tour is kind of like a sermon on steroids," Bell said by phone.

People in the South apparently are not getting enough sermons. Bell sold out the Tabernacle last year on his "The Gods Aren't Angry" tour. Wednesday, he plays, or preaches, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for his "Drops Like Stars" tour. The tour takes its name from his latest book. It is an odd  rumination, for a Christian publishing house, an art book on suffering, community and creativity.

He calls his talk a crossroads where art theory and the anguish of suffering collide. It grew out of untold moments when he, as a pastor, has been alone in a room with a family and a casket, or in hospitals, counseling rooms or homes in a time of crisis.

People respond. His short teaching videos, called "NOOMAs" have been downloaded more than 1 million times. His books sell well. His sermons end up on iPods. He is seen as a distinct and important voice among young evangelicals.

Why tour? Isn't there enough to keep him busy at home?

Bell answered: "Because next Wednesday, I will get to walk onto the stage and and create something. When you make things, the joy of sharing them with people can't be explained."

Bell speaks at 8 p.m. All tickets $20.