Rev. Stephen W. Rankin, PhD, is the outgoing Chaplain and Minister to the University at Southern Methodist University.  After twenty-five years in higher education and fourteen prior years of congregational ministry, Steve is beginning a new mission called The Spiritual Maturity Project.  His focus is on helping people grow deeply in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ through his own teaching and writing, but also by putting people in touch with resources not usually accessible to lay people.  He is author of Aiming at Maturity: the Goal of the Christian Life and other articles and book chapters on Wesleyan theology and discipleship.

Steve is an ordained elder in the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church.  He is married to Joni Leeper Rankin and they have four grown children and five grandchildren.

Karen Ballard is passionate about Jesus, God's Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives. She is excited for her two adult children who are figuring out their own lives and loves that they include her in that process. She considers serving as pastor of Rome Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania the best job in the world and loves her people. 

A new journey for Karen commenced on December 1, 2022 when Barry, her husband of 30 years, died from a cardiac arrest.  Now it's all about finding the path and stride that is right for this season, and depending on the love and direction of the Triune God whom she seeks to serve.  She has started a blog (that was a new adventure!) which can be found at widowingwithrdkarenb.com - a fledgling pursuit! She is excited to be at the Ashram this summer to talk about how God reveals Himself through His Word!