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ruminations, fulminations, and cogitations on the spiritual life

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Billy: Grief and Gratitude

All of us who knew Billy (William J.) Abraham (1947-2021) were stunned last week when we received the grievous news of his death.  Since then, I have read several moving remembrances. Some of Billy’s seminary and graduate students have written

Stephen Rankin October 12, 2021 General, Ministry, Religion, The Church, Uncategorized, United Methodism No Comments Read more

Another View of the Pence/Billy Graham Rule

Having read a few opinions about the hoopla over Vice-President Mike Pence’s application of the so-called Billy Graham rule, I’d like to complicate this picture with a story from my own experience. But first: I firmly believe in and actively

Stephen Rankin April 1, 2017April 1, 2017 General 1 Comment Read more

What Makes Someone An Intellectual?

I had a stimulating phone conversation with a friend today.  She recounted that an acquaintance of hers, hearing a talk I gave some time back, described it as “not very intellectual.”  As is often the case, the conversation has sent

Stephen Rankin November 21, 2016 General, Religion, Uncategorized 2 Comments Read more

Little League Lesson with Big-League Impact

There is plenty of worry these days (mostly among us older adults) about entitled young people and not-very-resilient college students.  Because of the work I do, I feel a good deal of sympathy for emerging adults and wince at these

Stephen Rankin October 17, 2016 Emerging adults, General, Uncategorized No Comments Read more

“Clem,” Lesslie and J.R.W.: Examples to the Flock

In a congregation with a group of clergy recently, I said something I say often: “We (pastors) lead with our lives.” Our culture places much emphasis on competence and skill. Please, God, let us clergy show competence!  But, let us

Stephen Rankin April 24, 2015April 24, 2015 Christian Life, General, Ministry, The Church 1 Comment Read more
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Meet Steve

I serve as Executive Director of the Spiritual Maturity Project, a ministry some of us have recently started.  For 25 years I worked in higher education as a professor and chaplain and before that as a pastor.  I love to help people grapple with big and basic questions to grow into real ,grown-up Christian discipleship.

I ruminate on all manner of theological, biblical, historical, and cultural topics. I believe followers of Jesus need to be more like members of Issachar’s tribe, able to read the times. Read more

 

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