Mark Glanville
@markglanvillejazz.bsky.social
Hebrew Bible scholar, jazz pianist. Blue Note Theology Podcast.
Five books, including Improvising Church & Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Communities
Director of the Centre for Missional Leadership, UBC, Vancouver
Five books, including Improvising Church & Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Communities
Director of the Centre for Missional Leadership, UBC, Vancouver
Pinned
The only podcast in the world hosted from the grand piano! Blue Note Theology. Fresh imagination for the church in post-Christian communities. Some guests are musicians, some are thinkers & practitioners. Some r Christ followers, others have different beliefs. Join us!
www.markglanville.org/podcast
www.markglanville.org/podcast
Black theology and Anabaptist theology together?
My friend Dr @druhart.bsky.social has just released a new book, offering a pathway for Christian engagement that combines Black and Anabaptist theology.
My friend Dr @druhart.bsky.social has just released a new book, offering a pathway for Christian engagement that combines Black and Anabaptist theology.
December 11, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Black theology and Anabaptist theology together?
My friend Dr @druhart.bsky.social has just released a new book, offering a pathway for Christian engagement that combines Black and Anabaptist theology.
My friend Dr @druhart.bsky.social has just released a new book, offering a pathway for Christian engagement that combines Black and Anabaptist theology.
Anyone else still dress up when telling Christmas stories?
Crowns, cloaks, frankincense, and stars are all fair game, to maintain interest, & communicate to a diversity of ages, and “having fun with it.”
It’s great to include historical background. People are fascinated by history . . .
Crowns, cloaks, frankincense, and stars are all fair game, to maintain interest, & communicate to a diversity of ages, and “having fun with it.”
It’s great to include historical background. People are fascinated by history . . .
December 10, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Anyone else still dress up when telling Christmas stories?
Crowns, cloaks, frankincense, and stars are all fair game, to maintain interest, & communicate to a diversity of ages, and “having fun with it.”
It’s great to include historical background. People are fascinated by history . . .
Crowns, cloaks, frankincense, and stars are all fair game, to maintain interest, & communicate to a diversity of ages, and “having fun with it.”
It’s great to include historical background. People are fascinated by history . . .
The first Christmas gig of the year for each of us!
Chestnuts Roasting by an Open Fire is such a beautiful tune. It was a joy to play it with the brilliant Tess Meckling and leading bassist Conrad Good.
Congratulations to Cam Roxborough and Neighborhood Church for a wonderful community event!
Chestnuts Roasting by an Open Fire is such a beautiful tune. It was a joy to play it with the brilliant Tess Meckling and leading bassist Conrad Good.
Congratulations to Cam Roxborough and Neighborhood Church for a wonderful community event!
December 9, 2025 at 5:41 PM
The first Christmas gig of the year for each of us!
Chestnuts Roasting by an Open Fire is such a beautiful tune. It was a joy to play it with the brilliant Tess Meckling and leading bassist Conrad Good.
Congratulations to Cam Roxborough and Neighborhood Church for a wonderful community event!
Chestnuts Roasting by an Open Fire is such a beautiful tune. It was a joy to play it with the brilliant Tess Meckling and leading bassist Conrad Good.
Congratulations to Cam Roxborough and Neighborhood Church for a wonderful community event!
I was delighted to return home to this award in the mail:
"Winner: Christian Non-Fiction - Academic."
Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul, is a "missional church" guide for post-Christian contexts. (I use the word "witness" rather than "mission" in the book.)
"Winner: Christian Non-Fiction - Academic."
Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul, is a "missional church" guide for post-Christian contexts. (I use the word "witness" rather than "mission" in the book.)
December 9, 2025 at 3:57 PM
I was delighted to return home to this award in the mail:
"Winner: Christian Non-Fiction - Academic."
Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul, is a "missional church" guide for post-Christian contexts. (I use the word "witness" rather than "mission" in the book.)
"Winner: Christian Non-Fiction - Academic."
Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul, is a "missional church" guide for post-Christian contexts. (I use the word "witness" rather than "mission" in the book.)
"A Whisper in Herod’s Winter: Christmas as Clandestine Hope"
Jesus was born &Herod died in about the same year. Herod died in city he modestly named Herodium, to his glory. He was brutal.
The incarnation is a whisper, not a shout.
Article . . .
christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/a-w...
Jesus was born &Herod died in about the same year. Herod died in city he modestly named Herodium, to his glory. He was brutal.
The incarnation is a whisper, not a shout.
Article . . .
christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/a-w...
A Whisper in Herod’s Winter: Christmas as Clandestine Hope
Christmas arrives as quiet resistance within Herod’s winter—a whispered hope born into darkness, faithful to Matthew’s telling of the Nativity.
christiansforsocialaction.org
December 6, 2025 at 3:35 PM
"A Whisper in Herod’s Winter: Christmas as Clandestine Hope"
Jesus was born &Herod died in about the same year. Herod died in city he modestly named Herodium, to his glory. He was brutal.
The incarnation is a whisper, not a shout.
Article . . .
christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/a-w...
Jesus was born &Herod died in about the same year. Herod died in city he modestly named Herodium, to his glory. He was brutal.
The incarnation is a whisper, not a shout.
Article . . .
christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/a-w...
Donald Trump called people who have been refugee-d from Somalia, “garbage.”I believe we are well past the point now where it is thoroughly immoral to support Donald Trump’s presidency in any way. There can be no justification for his inhumane, callous, and deeply racist speech and policies.
December 4, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Donald Trump called people who have been refugee-d from Somalia, “garbage.”I believe we are well past the point now where it is thoroughly immoral to support Donald Trump’s presidency in any way. There can be no justification for his inhumane, callous, and deeply racist speech and policies.
Guess the Christmas carol. From jazz Matins service, Artisan Church, Vancouver.
December 2, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Guess the Christmas carol. From jazz Matins service, Artisan Church, Vancouver.
Yesterday I went on a pilgrimage to find answers to Trumps new refugee policy. . .
Given Trumps announcements regarding refugees this week, and the shootings in DC, I needed to get a clear head space to think about all this. . .
Given Trumps announcements regarding refugees this week, and the shootings in DC, I needed to get a clear head space to think about all this. . .
November 29, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Yesterday I went on a pilgrimage to find answers to Trumps new refugee policy. . .
Given Trumps announcements regarding refugees this week, and the shootings in DC, I needed to get a clear head space to think about all this. . .
Given Trumps announcements regarding refugees this week, and the shootings in DC, I needed to get a clear head space to think about all this. . .
Thanksgiving: An Ancient Grounding Exercise for Reducing Insomnia . . .
I took this video just before I spoke at Vancouver Christian School high school chapel yesterday. . . when I spoke about my late grandmother's practices.
I took this video just before I spoke at Vancouver Christian School high school chapel yesterday. . . when I spoke about my late grandmother's practices.
November 27, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Thanksgiving: An Ancient Grounding Exercise for Reducing Insomnia . . .
I took this video just before I spoke at Vancouver Christian School high school chapel yesterday. . . when I spoke about my late grandmother's practices.
I took this video just before I spoke at Vancouver Christian School high school chapel yesterday. . . when I spoke about my late grandmother's practices.
What is the gospel?
I spoke at a conference &it was clear that for the other speakers "gospel" means that J has died for my sins, period. This then determined the scope of the conference : we are "saving souls", only.
But how is "gospel" is used in the NT? The word "gospel" demands more from us.
I spoke at a conference &it was clear that for the other speakers "gospel" means that J has died for my sins, period. This then determined the scope of the conference : we are "saving souls", only.
But how is "gospel" is used in the NT? The word "gospel" demands more from us.
November 26, 2025 at 1:09 AM
What is the gospel?
I spoke at a conference &it was clear that for the other speakers "gospel" means that J has died for my sins, period. This then determined the scope of the conference : we are "saving souls", only.
But how is "gospel" is used in the NT? The word "gospel" demands more from us.
I spoke at a conference &it was clear that for the other speakers "gospel" means that J has died for my sins, period. This then determined the scope of the conference : we are "saving souls", only.
But how is "gospel" is used in the NT? The word "gospel" demands more from us.
A comment on the Trump Administration's all-too-common gas-lighting talk, in light of the Old Testament, specifically Psalm 12.
November 19, 2025 at 2:04 AM
A comment on the Trump Administration's all-too-common gas-lighting talk, in light of the Old Testament, specifically Psalm 12.
Psalm 18: "To the merciful you show yourself merciful;
to the crooked you show yourself perverse."
Once again, the bible has something to say about our culture today.
to the crooked you show yourself perverse."
Once again, the bible has something to say about our culture today.
November 14, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Psalm 18: "To the merciful you show yourself merciful;
to the crooked you show yourself perverse."
Once again, the bible has something to say about our culture today.
to the crooked you show yourself perverse."
Once again, the bible has something to say about our culture today.
I was so grateful for this thoughtful interview with Kenny of WTC, in the U.K.
Truly creative preaching with fresh improvisation for our context is rooted in the tradition of Scripture & the inspiration of the Spirit. More from @markglanvillejazz.bsky.social on the latest episode of TheoDisc:
Watch - youtu.be/2o8fZS-sVBY
Listen - wtctheology.org.uk/theodisc-pod...
#theosky
Watch - youtu.be/2o8fZS-sVBY
Listen - wtctheology.org.uk/theodisc-pod...
#theosky
November 13, 2025 at 6:03 PM
I was so grateful for this thoughtful interview with Kenny of WTC, in the U.K.
Early morning practice is good for the soul.
Early morning UV light is good for the sleep.
Are you free this Friday evening? Come out and hear our soul duo, in support of Jacob's Well, a communal living room in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside!
doorandtable.raiselysite.com?fbclid=IwY2x...
Early morning UV light is good for the sleep.
Are you free this Friday evening? Come out and hear our soul duo, in support of Jacob's Well, a communal living room in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside!
doorandtable.raiselysite.com?fbclid=IwY2x...
November 13, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Early morning practice is good for the soul.
Early morning UV light is good for the sleep.
Are you free this Friday evening? Come out and hear our soul duo, in support of Jacob's Well, a communal living room in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside!
doorandtable.raiselysite.com?fbclid=IwY2x...
Early morning UV light is good for the sleep.
Are you free this Friday evening? Come out and hear our soul duo, in support of Jacob's Well, a communal living room in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside!
doorandtable.raiselysite.com?fbclid=IwY2x...
Reposted by Mark Glanville
On the latest @wtctheology.org.uk TheoDisc episode, @markglanvillejazz.bsky.social riffs on preaching with improvisation, harmony in community, and staying tuned to the Spirit’s movement 🎹
Watch: youtu.be/2o8fZS-sVBY or search “theodisc” wherever you get podcasts. #theosky #bible #preaching
Watch: youtu.be/2o8fZS-sVBY or search “theodisc” wherever you get podcasts. #theosky #bible #preaching
October 29, 2025 at 10:27 AM
On the latest @wtctheology.org.uk TheoDisc episode, @markglanvillejazz.bsky.social riffs on preaching with improvisation, harmony in community, and staying tuned to the Spirit’s movement 🎹
Watch: youtu.be/2o8fZS-sVBY or search “theodisc” wherever you get podcasts. #theosky #bible #preaching
Watch: youtu.be/2o8fZS-sVBY or search “theodisc” wherever you get podcasts. #theosky #bible #preaching
When invited to speak, I often try to add a music event.
Music almost always opens something fresh and surprising at a conference or retreat. Music can heal relationships when there has been distance or harm. It can calm us down and open our imagination to something new in our work.
Music almost always opens something fresh and surprising at a conference or retreat. Music can heal relationships when there has been distance or harm. It can calm us down and open our imagination to something new in our work.
November 10, 2025 at 12:41 AM
When invited to speak, I often try to add a music event.
Music almost always opens something fresh and surprising at a conference or retreat. Music can heal relationships when there has been distance or harm. It can calm us down and open our imagination to something new in our work.
Music almost always opens something fresh and surprising at a conference or retreat. Music can heal relationships when there has been distance or harm. It can calm us down and open our imagination to something new in our work.
Perhaps the greatest sin of the MAGA movement is that they break the Third Commandment:
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)
October 18, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Perhaps the greatest sin of the MAGA movement is that they break the Third Commandment:
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)
I'm delighted to announce that Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul, has won best Academic Christian Book of the Year award, with highly reputed The Word Guild!
www.ivpress.com/improvising-...
www.ivpress.com/improvising-...
Improvising Church
Englewood Review of Books Best Theology Book of the Year Plenty of books diagnose our post-Christian malaise. Here's a dynamic solution. The post-Christian cultural turn is creating the conditions
www.ivpress.com
October 8, 2025 at 10:16 PM
I'm delighted to announce that Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul, has won best Academic Christian Book of the Year award, with highly reputed The Word Guild!
www.ivpress.com/improvising-...
www.ivpress.com/improvising-...
Many conservative American Christians support Trump’s moves toward autocracy because he delivers on issues they see as moral imperatives. In this video I assess autocracy itself in light of Scripture, specifically the law of the king from Deuteronomy 17:14-20.
October 7, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Many conservative American Christians support Trump’s moves toward autocracy because he delivers on issues they see as moral imperatives. In this video I assess autocracy itself in light of Scripture, specifically the law of the king from Deuteronomy 17:14-20.
Wednesday PM a bunch of us in Vancouver gathering at UBC to chat about the future of the church.
Come join:
Dr Chris James
Beth Carson-Malina, Open Way
Diana Gee, Faith Community Christian Church
Sam Voo, Granville Chapel
Filipe Balieiro, Westpoint Grey Baptist
www.eventbrite.com/e/1417622088...
Come join:
Dr Chris James
Beth Carson-Malina, Open Way
Diana Gee, Faith Community Christian Church
Sam Voo, Granville Chapel
Filipe Balieiro, Westpoint Grey Baptist
www.eventbrite.com/e/1417622088...
August 5, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Wednesday PM a bunch of us in Vancouver gathering at UBC to chat about the future of the church.
Come join:
Dr Chris James
Beth Carson-Malina, Open Way
Diana Gee, Faith Community Christian Church
Sam Voo, Granville Chapel
Filipe Balieiro, Westpoint Grey Baptist
www.eventbrite.com/e/1417622088...
Come join:
Dr Chris James
Beth Carson-Malina, Open Way
Diana Gee, Faith Community Christian Church
Sam Voo, Granville Chapel
Filipe Balieiro, Westpoint Grey Baptist
www.eventbrite.com/e/1417622088...
"Jazz deals with what is. It discerns the truth about the world: it grieves what is broken in the world and it celebrates life. We might reflect that jazz grieves what Christ grieves, and it celebrates what Christ celebrates."
christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/jaz...
christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/jaz...
Jazz, Justice, and the Gospel: Why Artmaking Belongs in Christian Activism
Justice isn’t only about protest and policy. In this lyrical reflection, jazz pianist and biblical scholar Mark Glanville explores how artistic intuition—especially through jazz—reveals truth, fuels j...
christiansforsocialaction.org
July 23, 2025 at 4:08 PM
"Jazz deals with what is. It discerns the truth about the world: it grieves what is broken in the world and it celebrates life. We might reflect that jazz grieves what Christ grieves, and it celebrates what Christ celebrates."
christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/jaz...
christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/jaz...
I'm delighted to be shortlisted with other Australian authors for the SparkLit awards, Australian Christian book of the year prize.
July 3, 2025 at 11:28 PM
I'm delighted to be shortlisted with other Australian authors for the SparkLit awards, Australian Christian book of the year prize.
The Psalms are full of wisdom and warning for this political moment.
Psalm18
“With the merciful you show yourself merciful;
with the blameless you show yourself blameless;
with the pure you show yourself pure;
and with the crooked you show yourself perverse.”
(Vs25-27)
Source of Jesus' beatitude
Psalm18
“With the merciful you show yourself merciful;
with the blameless you show yourself blameless;
with the pure you show yourself pure;
and with the crooked you show yourself perverse.”
(Vs25-27)
Source of Jesus' beatitude
June 19, 2025 at 12:41 AM
The Psalms are full of wisdom and warning for this political moment.
Psalm18
“With the merciful you show yourself merciful;
with the blameless you show yourself blameless;
with the pure you show yourself pure;
and with the crooked you show yourself perverse.”
(Vs25-27)
Source of Jesus' beatitude
Psalm18
“With the merciful you show yourself merciful;
with the blameless you show yourself blameless;
with the pure you show yourself pure;
and with the crooked you show yourself perverse.”
(Vs25-27)
Source of Jesus' beatitude
Join the Mark Glanville Jazz Trio for the Cookie Jar House Concert, held in the cosy living room of the Glanville house.
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/1417801184...
Come out and support local musicians:)
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/1417801184...
Come out and support local musicians:)
June 18, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Join the Mark Glanville Jazz Trio for the Cookie Jar House Concert, held in the cosy living room of the Glanville house.
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/1417801184...
Come out and support local musicians:)
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/1417801184...
Come out and support local musicians:)
Grateful to The Pastor's Workshop for posting my piece on preaching. Guidance for preaching in post-Christian contexts.
Preachers need ask: How can we display the wisdom of Christ and the beauty of Scripture in contexts where these can’t be taken for granted?
thepastorsworkshop.com/blog/preachi...
Preachers need ask: How can we display the wisdom of Christ and the beauty of Scripture in contexts where these can’t be taken for granted?
thepastorsworkshop.com/blog/preachi...
Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Po…
What does preaching in a post-Christian community look like? Mark Glanville explores
thepastorsworkshop.com
June 17, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Grateful to The Pastor's Workshop for posting my piece on preaching. Guidance for preaching in post-Christian contexts.
Preachers need ask: How can we display the wisdom of Christ and the beauty of Scripture in contexts where these can’t be taken for granted?
thepastorsworkshop.com/blog/preachi...
Preachers need ask: How can we display the wisdom of Christ and the beauty of Scripture in contexts where these can’t be taken for granted?
thepastorsworkshop.com/blog/preachi...