Profile image for Jeffrey Rankin

Jeff Rankin, PhD

Acting Dean, College of Christian Studies
Department Chair, Christian Studies
864.977.2128
jeffrey.rankin@ngu.edu
Unit: Christian Studies, College of Christian Studies
Location: Tigerville

“The desire of my life and work is two-fold: to seek excellence in all things so God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (1 Pet 4:11) and to live a life that makes an eternal impact on others.”
  • Teaching & Education

    You will learn with me when taking courses in Christian Studies with a primary focus on the Old Testament.

    Degrees

    • BMusEd, University of Southern Mississippi
    • MEd, University of Southern Mississippi
    • MDiv Christian Education, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
    • MTh, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
    • PhD, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
  • Professional Experience

    My experience includes teaching music in two elementary schools in Mississippi for four years. Sensing a call to vocational ministry, I then entered seminary where I completed my graduate work while serving in two local Baptist churches in Louisiana for ten years as a youth minister, worship leader, and pastor. Since 2006, I have served on the faculty of North Greenville University and as a supply preacher and interim pastor in Baptist churches in North Carolina and throughout the Upstate of South Carolina. In 2019, I accepted an additional, administrative role as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Chair of the Department of Christian Studies in the COCS.

  • Selected Publications

    Publications

    • “Polygamy: A Biblical Consideration,” Baptist Courier. May 4, 2017.
    • “1 Chronicles,” MEV Bible. Translator. Lake Mary, FL: Passio/Charisma House, 2014.
    • “Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Old Testament,” Old Testament Survey: Part 2, OT 3104. Nashville: Seminary Extension, 2010.
    • “Oral Poetry,” IVP Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry, and Writings, co-authored with Walter Brown, 2008.

    Presentations

    • “Ethnic Language and Paul’s Audience in Romans,” Evangelical Theological Society Southeast Regional Meeting, March 15, 2019, Tigerville, SC
    • “Three Prohibitions and One Prescription: Deuteronomy 17, Psalm 1, and the Idealized King,” Evangelical Theological Society 68th Annual Meeting, November 15, 2016, San Antonio, TX
    • “Divine Reflections: A Functional Reading of the Image of God in Exodus,” Evangelical Theological Society 65th Annual Meeting, November 19, 2013, Baltimore, MD
    • “Holiness at the Seams: An Intertextual Reading of Exodus and Leviticus,” Evangelical Theological Society 62nd Annual Meeting, November 19, 2010, Atlanta, GA
    • “Neglecting the Commandment of God: A Re-evaluation of Mark 7,” Evangelical Theological Society 59th Annual Meeting, November 16, 2007, San Diego, CA
    • “The Function of the Inclusio Around the $lm hwhy Psalms,” Evangelical Theological Society Southwest Regional Meeting, March 12, 2005, New Orleans, LA
    • “The Son Who Speaks with Actions Rather than Words,” Evangelical Theological Society 56th Annual Meeting, November 17, 2004, San Antonio, TX
  • Selected Awards Received
    • 2014 – “You Make a Difference” Award, North Greenville University
    • 2010 – Wade Hale BSU Award, North Greenville University
    • 2000 – Southern Baptist Religious Education Association Award, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
  • My Network

    I will gladly involve you in my circle that includes ongoing relationships with several faculty members from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I have also worked closely with the Director of Missions for Three Rivers Baptist Association in Upstate South Carolina as a supply preacher and interim pastor. I am a member of Clearview Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, SC where I teach Sunday School, play guitar in the sanctuary band, and sing in the choir when not preaching or pastoring elsewhere.

  • My Story

    Since my earliest memories, I have always wanted to play guitar. After learning to play as a child and teenager, I joined several bands, studied classical guitar in college, and taught guitar lessons in a local music store. My goal was to become a professional musician; however, God had different plans for me. During college, I realized guitar had become an idol in my life and began to seek the Lord’s direction. Through the ministry of a local Southern Baptist church in Mississippi, I responded to God’s call to teach the Scriptures. Although I have ministered in many local churches during my career, I have always sensed a primary call to a teaching ministry, a call which many fellow Christians have affirmed. Since 2006, I have fulfilled that calling at NGU, and I hope to do so for years to come.

    Favorite Course to Teach

    I am passionate about teaching Old Testament Survey because I can help students understand and grow to love a part of the Scriptures often neglected among Christians while also exposing them to the beauty of the Hebrew language.

  • Related Links

    Explore more resources related to this field of study:

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