Rob Bell talks about his new book "Love Wins" at the Woodland Mall Barnes & Noble in April.GRANDVILLE — Network executives have confirmed that best-selling author and hell-questioning pastor Rob Bell will be working on a spiritual television drama loosely based on his life when he relocates to California.
Public relations staff said ABC Studios sold the drama “Stronger” by Carlton Cuse and Rob Bell to ABC, which is owned by Disney Corp.
The story revolves around Tom Stronger, a musician and teacher, and his spiritual journey as he becomes a benefactor and guide to others, according to ABC.
Bell announced plans to move to Los Angeles on Sunday to his congregation at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, although he didn't get specific about what he'd be doing there.
“I’ve learned over the years it's better not to promise anything and then deliver, than promise all sorts of things and not deliver,” Bell said at Sunday’s early service.
Bell said he’s been considering a departure since mid-July and called his move to California an “evolution” of the original calling by God to found the Mars Hill megachurch 12 years ago. Bell, a former musician who played with rock/gospel bands in the 1990s, moved from Los Angeles to Michigan in his mid-20s.
Mars Hill communications director Lee Jager said the church is not commenting on Bell’s deal because it doesn’t pertain to Mars Hill. Congregation members openly wept at the news of Bell's departure last weekend.
“Although we knew more information was forthcoming about Rob’s new venture, we did not know when that information would be released by Rob or his collaborators,” Jager said.
The script deal teams Bell up with executive producer and screenwriter Cuse, a heavy hitter in primetime TV circles who was most recently behind the smash hit series “Lost,” which got pseudo-spiritual in its final season.
"While based on biblical principles, Bell's brand of spirituality is not about hard-core evangelical, fire-and-brimstone teachings," New York Magazine reports. "Instead, his goal is to service folks' spiritual needs without the overlay of religious dogma."
The script deal has been reported as “hefty,” but ABC staff declined to disclose financial terms of the deal.
Bell's newest book, "Love Wins," questioned conservative Christian views on hell and a companion study guide for those wanting to delve deeper into the book's teachings was announced on Monday.
“Love Wins” ignited a firestorm of controversy within Christian circles and the resulting media tour launched Bell into Time magazine's 100 most influential people list. Bell and Cuse reportedly met at a dinner in New York because both men made the list.
Bell will continue to teach alongside Rev. Shane Hipps and other guest teachers into December at Mars Hill. Before he lands in California, Bell will going on a $35-per-ticket, eight-stop "Fit to Smash Ice" tour that launches in November in Toronto.
"Mars Hill is deeply grateful for the role and impact Rob has had on the Mars Hill community during the past 12 years," according to a Mars Hill statement. "The church embraces the support, encouragement and prayers of it’s community as it looks to the future."
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