About the Author: Rev. Stephen Tickner

Stephen has been proudly serving as Senior Pastor of Central Christian Church since January 2016. After receiving his Master's of Divinity in 2013 from Union Theological Seminary in New York, he was ordained into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by Park Avenue Christian Church in 2015 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Alvin O'Neal Jackson. In addition to his work as Pastor at Central, Stephen also serves as chaplain at Wooster School, an Independent K-12 school in Danbury. Stephen is passionate about serving God through the radical love ethic of Christ. Being a strong believer in servant leadership, he strives to be one of God’s artists carefully sculpting a part of the beloved community. He is married to Bianca and has one daughter, Kayden Noelle.

  • It’s not enough to not be racist, you have to be actively anti-racist

    By Published On: June 2, 2020

    I have been on a decades long process of dismantling white supremacy within myself. It has taken outward forms of protest and activism and inward forms of study and self-examination. It has been self-righteous at times and too docile at others; painful at times and thrilling at others; quiet at times and incredibly loud at others. But through it all, I have found love, grace, and hard truths.

  • Is the Confederate Flag Debate a Distraction From the Real Problem?

    By Published On: July 21, 2015

    The words of Bree Newsome rang out across the capital, “In the name of Jesus, this flag must come down.” Having scaled up the flag pole, Newsome did what many have been asking for since the shooting at Emmanuel AME church in Charleston, South Carolina. Newsome took action into her own hands and the symbol of an African-American woman removing the confederate flag that has flown over the state since the time of Jim Crow was a powerful action of resistance, power and pride.

  • Walking Boldly Amidst the Storms – Based on Matthew 14:22-33

    By Published On: June 23, 2015

    A troubling storm has engulfed the disciples. On a rickety fisherman’s boat in the early morning hours, a violent storm with terrible winds has surrounded them. The NRSV says their boat was battered, King James says it was tossed, the NIV says it was buffeted; whatever term you prefer, the boat is getting beaten up.