Christian Perspectives Week
Spring 2008
Monday, March 24
Noon Indoor lunch on the Plaza, with music.
7:30 a.m. Movie "Amazing Grace." Stedman 200
Tuesday, March 25
10:00 a.m. Chapel Betty Sue Watson, District Superintendent of United
Methodist Church
11:30 a.m. Lunch with Rev. Watson with those interested in ministry
9:00 a.m. Bible Study in Holt Hall office
Wednesday, March 26
7:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Dr. Steve Rankin, Jesus We Know, but What About
the Church?
Willie Mae Koontz Recital Hall,
Swinney Conservatory
Dr. Rankin is a campus minister and member of the Religion faculty
at Southwestern College in Winfield, KS. Reflecting on his experiences
among students, he remarks that many college students have some notion –
and maybe even attachment – to Jesus, but that they have not thought
much about the significance of the church. The trends are for even young
people who think of themselves as committed Christians to be more
suspicious and critical of the church. As a result, alternative forms of
“church” are cropping up and there is considerable fragmentation in the
body for whom Christ prayed that we would all be one. His presentation
is expected to focus on a vision of the church from Paul’s letter to the
Ephesians.
An ordained minister within the United Methodist Church, Dr. Rankin did
undergraduate work at Kansas State University before attending St.
Paul’s Seminary in Kansas City for pastoral training leading to the
Master of Divinity degree. That was followed with a Master of Theology
degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School before attending
Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, to earn his doctorate. He has
been teaching at Southwestern College since 1995 and currently is the
Kirk Chair Professor of Religious Studies and Campus Minister. In
addition, Dr. Rankin has served in leadership positions at a number of
churches as youth director and pastor.
Thursday, March 27
7:30 p.m. Improvisation performance with local churches providing tables and
information - 4th floor SCC
Friday, March 28
8:00 p.m. Christian Band performance and Magician Josh McVicar the
Trickster in Eagle CoffeeHouse
Sunday, March 30
7:30 p.m. non-denominational religious service in Linn Memorial
