In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ final call is to go and make disciples:
- To become those who follow his life and teaching.
- To become those who fish for people.
- To live faithfully as those committed to his way.
Yet living as disciples is often hard in our day and age. We too often lead frenetic lives. Jesus invites us to slow down and to make space and to intentionally choose a different path.
He invites us to embrace zimzum and to be his disciples.
You may be asking what zimzum is, and what does it have to do with discipleship. You can learn more by joining me on our new three-year discipleship series on zimzum discipleship, of intentionally making space to live as a faithful apprentice of Jesus. Visit the new home for our zimzum discipleship series where you can find resources, community, and more at the link below!
I hope you and others in your congregation will engage in this invitation to live as followers of Jesus in this day and age.
The Right Reverend Phillip LaBelle
Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia
The Rt. Rev. Phillip N. LaBelle
The Rt. Rev. Philip N. LaBelle is the Ninth Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. The Diocese elected Bishop LaBelle on May 18, 2024, and he was Consecrated and Ordained on September 14, 2024.
Bishop LaBelle previously served as rector of St. Mark’s Church in Southborough, Massachusetts. During his time in the Diocese of Massachusetts, Bishop LaBelle did the following:
- Co-led the Mission Strategy Committee.
- Served on Executive Committee and Diocesan Council.
- Directed the Fresh Start program.
Additionally, Bishop LaBelle served in the Diocese of Colorado—where he was on the Commission on Ministry—and in the Diocese of Connecticut. Over his nearly 20 years of ordained ministry, he co-led more than a dozen mission trips for youth and adults. Before seminary, he worked in marketing communications and web development at multiple internet startups.
Education
In June of 2024, Bishop LaBelle received his Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Seminary focused on Christian Spirituality. His thesis work explored the theology and practice of zimzum and how to make space in our overly busy lives for God, others, and the natural world. He received his Master of Divinity from Yale University in 2004, along with a diploma in Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. Bishop LaBelle holds a Master’s degree in composition and rhetoric from Northeastern University, and a Bachelor’s degree in English with an additional concentration in theological studies from Gordon College. He has also received certificates in congregational development and religious fundraising.
Family Life
Bishop LaBelle is married to Dr. Melissa Tobey LaBelle, an Assistant Professor of Secondary Education at Bridgewater State University, focused on language and literacy development. Together, they have two young adult children:
- Noah, a recent high school graduate currently on a bridge year program in Senegal.
- Olivia, a high school senior who has been recruited to run track at college.
Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The Episcopal Church welcomes you.
