Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Stratton.
Hi Ryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story has always been about teaching, leading, and helping people grow. Long before he ever stepped into a pulpit, I discovered a love for guiding others while still a teenager. I trained in TaeKwonDo and poured myself into the discipline for fifteen years – attaining the level of 5th Degree Black Belt and also teaching it to children, teenagers, and adults. That passion for teaching would become a thread that carried through my life.
Toward the end of my time practicing martial arts, I began to sense another call rising in him – a call to ministry and leadership in the church. What started in youth ministry (in Luling, TX) grew into a full-time vocation as a pastor. Today, as an ordained elder in the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, I get to live out that calling with one central goal: to help people see beyond themselves and discover the purpose God has for their lives.
My academic journey prepared him well for this path. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University and later pursued a Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary. Both shaped my mind and heart for the work of shepherding and leading God’s people.
But even with all of his ministry and academic pursuits, my deepest joy is found at home. Life with my wife and four children is the center of who I am. When I am not preaching, teaching, writing (www.revryanstratton.com), or serving in community outreach, I am most content simply being with his family – sharing laughter, making memories, and cherishing the everyday moments that matter most.
Whether in the church, the community, or my own home, I hope my life tells a consistent story: a desire to help others grow, a faith rooted in God’s calling, and a heart devoted to the people he loves most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is not always easy. I like to say thing that is hardest to deal with in what I do is the people. The best part of what I get to do is the people. Through it all, I like to remember how we are formed through adversity and challenges. Whether it meant being a little older to finish my undergraduate degree, or taking the long road of seminary, or learning how to be married and raise incredible children, I am better because of the challenges I face. That’s the biggest thing I’d love for people to know, stay consistent with who you are and keep moving forward. If we can remember life has so much more to offer than we can see in the moment, we can keep moving and learn from mistakes and grow as a human.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a pastor I love to work with all kinds of people. Some of the things, I have heard, that set me apart is finding ways to encourage others to live into the gifts and graces God has given them. It is a true joy to help people find, and live into, what they love to do.
In seminary, I took courses in Church Planting (starting new churches). I had dreamed of starting new churches in different areas, but as I continue on the journey as a pastor, I am discovering great joy (and, yes, hard work) in helping existing churches get on a path of recovery and revitalization.
I love to write and give away what I write so other can be encouraged and equipped in their everyday life living as a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ.
I am really proud of the last book I had published called “Crossroads: Seeking God to Discern Next Steps; a forty day devotional.”
The book is about helping people make decisions.”When you have a decision to make, are you sure you’re asking the right questions? This forty-day devotional will help you think about where you want to be, who you want to be, and what you should be doing. Most importantly, it will help you learn more about who God is and how He is working in your life. As you read, you’ll consider questions such as: • Which way does God want you to go? • How do you know if you’ve made the right choice? • What is the best option right now? • What are the best options in the future? The author observes that when we must make a big decision, we come to a “burning bush” moment (see Exodus 3), where God tries to get our attention and speak to us. The right decision must be one in which we move forward with Him, seeking to do His work in the world. This is not a journey to ask God to bless any decision but a journey that will help you submit everything to God (Proverbs 16) and answer His call.”
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Patience and listening are skills that have to be learned. Taking time to listen to others helps them feel valued and appreciated. I have learned that people just want someone to care about them. No matter what you do, in life or as a vocation, it is wise to learn how to be present for others. You not only get to help others but you have a chance to grow and learn new things as well.
Pricing:
- $13.95 Crossroads book paperback
- $5.99 Crossroads book kindle
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.revryanstratton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revryanstratton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revryanstratton
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ryanstratton257
