An appreciation of Charles Ringma on his 80th Birthday

 Last Friday evening about forty friends of  Charles Ringma gathered in Brisbane to celebrate his 80th Birthday. There was a lot of creativity and laughter in the personal tributes that were presented. Here is my tribute.

Integrity and hospitality are two words that describe what I appreciate and respect about Charles. Integrity and hospitality, in the broadest and deepest sense of both words.

Charles embodies integrity. Charles’ head, heart, and hands act in harmony and synergy. There is consistency between what Charles believes, what he says, what he writes, how he acts, and what he loves. This may be why Charles has been such an influential teacher and leader. 

Charles embodies hospitality. Charles and Rita have opened their home to diverse people over decades. But this is just one dimension of his hospitality. Charles also models intellectual and relational hospitality, including to people with different theological backgrounds and perspectives. Charles has been hospitable to me, inviting me into spaces, conversations, and initiatives.

When I read church history, over two thousand years I am struck by two things. First, how people who claim to be following Jesus do an amazing job of stuffing things up at every level: how they act, what they believe, and what they love. At such times it is hard to see how the church is the body of Christ, embodying his presence in the world. The sin of humanity abounds in breadth and creativity. Second, despite these abysmal failures, in every age and context, our merciful God raises up individuals, communities, and institutions that restore some sanity, integrity, and spirituality to the church. The church then becomes an instrument of blessing and a positive change agent for society.

Charles is a beautiful example of an individual who for his adult life, God has used in diverse contexts to be a shining light in communities and institutions to help guide them back to Jesus and the Kingdom of God. This influence may be because Charles draws from the best thought and practices from two thousand years of church history and from the global church.'

I have only known Charles since 2014. When I reflect on my own Christian pilgrimage, I am struck by two things. First, how I often mess things up, just like the church. Second, God is merciful and at crucial moments God brings me into contact with individuals, communities, and institutions that, just like the church, I need to get back on track and progress. Charles has been such a gift from God to me. Around 2010 I came across Resist the Powers, Charles devotional book, based on Jacques Ellul, and it resonated deeply with me. Hence, I was very happy when in 2013, Paul Mercer told me about a theology reading group led by Charles in his home each month. That then led to being involved in Theology on Tap, and being part of the “holy” scribblers, an eclectic writing collective.

Charles, best wishes. Thank you for your friendship, your partnership, your wisdom, and your example. I hope the LORD grants you many more birthdays.