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Why I Don’t Like Labels: A Personal Story

I try to balance staying aware with not getting sucked into social media debates.  This week I failed.  On three separate UM groups, I saw these words: “extreme conservative evangelical” “gatekeeper” “white male” just concerned with protecting “white male” privilege.”

Stephen Rankin September 27, 2014 Ministry, Religion, The Church, United Methodism 11 Comments Read more

Identity and Acceptance

Identity and Acceptance by Steve Rankin

Sometime around 1985, if I remember correctly, in the middle of my seminary tutelage, I had a conversation with a fellow student that has stuck with me over the years.  I include the date so that the reader will know just how

Stephen Rankin August 10, 2012September 4, 2012 Religion, The Church No Comments Read more

The Double-Edged Nature of Denominational Control

So, here is how things stand in United Methodist world: 1.  People are still weighing in on the video wars between Bishop Scott Jones and Maxie Dunnam, et. al., on the “worldwide nature of the church” amendments.  Good News’ “Perspective”

Stephen Rankin May 8, 2009 Ministry, Religion, The Church, United Methodism 2 Comments Read more

The Sin in Our Own House

I’ve been struggling with some thoughts for a couple of weeks, now, on a very controversial theme.  Several recent experiences have coincided to prompt me to think about sexuality, especially homosexuality.   Let me give you pieces and then I’ll

Stephen Rankin April 28, 2009 Christian Life, General, Ministry, Religion, The Church, United Methodism 9 Comments 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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