Chaplain looks to help guide students in faith-based online Bible-study
Apr. 5—THOMASVILLE- Thomas University has appointed Dr. Stephen Rankin as the new university chaplain for online ministry.
Dr. Rankin, the director of the Spiritual Maturity Project, a ministry-based non-profit organization, will facilitate student-led online bible studies that focuses on spiritual enrichment.
During the semester-long bible studies, groups will tackle various philosophical questions from a Christian perspective, including what gives life purpose?
"Each week there will be either a video or a podcast to listen to," Rankin said. "There will be some readings, fairly brief readings, but it will be substantively and hopefully on target. Then, there will be a group conversation via Zoom each week, led by a student group leader.
"This is meant to be a place where we can ask the questions that we feel in relations to our quest for happiness, our relationship with God, and so on."
"Thomas University has a robust on-campus ministry program. We wanted to provide our online students with the same opportunities" stated Susan Backofen, Vice President for Enrollment.
Mariah McKinney, a junior, said she is eager to participate in the bible studies.
"I think it will bring some students together that don't really know the faith, and don't really know anyone else on campus," she said. "The purpose of Christianity is to spread the gospel of Jesus."
Dr. Rankin has 40 years of theological experience, including 25 years of experience working in higher education as professor, campus minister, interim dean, and university chaplain. He has a PhD in Religion from Northwestern University, Master's in Theology from Trinity International and Master of Divinity from St. Paul School of Theology
Thomas University is currently looking for students who are interested in attending TU and would like to participate in this activity both as participants and as Student Group Leaders. If you are interested, please contact Susan Backofen at sbackofen@thomasu.edu
Located in the beautiful historic city of Thomasville, Georgia, Thomas University is a regionally accredited, non-profit university whose mission is to provide an educational experience that explores and develops each student's full potential. Situated on 75 acres, just about 30 miles north of Tallahassee, Florida, TU offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and education specialist degrees at our main campus, online and at satellite locations in Tallahassee and across Georgia. More information can be found at www.thomasu.edu
