Panel Discussion: Great Cloud of Witnesses by Dr. Jackson Lashier
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Deets Library
Topic: Critical Responses to Dr. Jackson Lashier's Great Cloud of Witnesses: How the Dead Make a Living Church (Fortress Press, 2023)
Moderator: Dr. Jacob L. Goodson, Professor of Philosophy & Chair of Social Science Division, Southwestern College
Panelists: Dr. Stephen Rankin, Dr. Cheryl Rude, Dr. Brad Elliott Stone
Panelist Bios:
Dr. Jackson Lashier (PhD, Marquette University) is Professor of Religious Studies and the Director of Discipleship at Southwestern College. Formerly, he served as Chair of the Social Science Division at SC. He is the author of Irenaeus on the Trinity (Brill, 2014) and Great Cloud of Witnesses: How the Dead Make a Living Church (Fortress Press, 2023).
Rev. Stephen W. Rankin is Chaplain Emeritus at Southern Methodist University. Since 1995, Steve has worked in higher education, both as professor and chaplain. He is author ofAiming at Maturity: the Goal of the Christian Life and other popular and scholarly articles and book chapters on Wesleyan theology and Christian discipleship. He loves to work in church and academy, linking sound ideas with faithful witness. His scholarly and pastoral interests revolve around young adult spiritual formation and theological education. Steve received his PhD from Northwestern University and is an ordained elder in the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Dr. Cheryl Rude is Emeritus Professor of Leadership Studies and former Chair of the Social Science Division at Southwestern College. Currently, she serves as Director of Campus Programs & Operation for the Institute of Discipleship on SC's campus. She coordinates the Institute’s on-campus programs, including oversight of the Visiting Scholars, Bishops Scholars, Summit, Builders in Ministry, and Bridges to the Future conference. Cheryl also works with the Institute’s Board of Directors, Southwestern College faculty and staff, and supports church relations efforts with the United Methodist Church and its clergy. Cheryl received her PhD from the Union Institute and University.
Dr. Brad Elliott Stone holds a Ph.D. from the University of Memphis. He serves as Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University. Brad heads the FEAST program (Faith Enrichment and Spiritual Training) at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. As the head of this Christian education program for adults, Brad has instituted the “Six for Supper” program; he leads a Bible study called Bible 101; and he heads up the God Talk Book Club, reading such Christian Classics as Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castles. Brad has been certified by The Right Reverend J. Jon Bruno to preach and does so several times a year.
