Rebecca Ninke
Rebecca Ninke is Pastor at Brooklyn Lutheran Church outside of Madison, WI. She created Leader Guide content for re:form Traditions and Ancestors. A favorite quote of hers from a theologian is “The church must sound strange to the world if it is not to be dull” (Karl Barth).
Theological Training: Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary
Family: Married to Dave, mom to Reid and Kate
Voted the re:form contributor most likely to: Swear. Curse. Say something wildly inappropriate.
3 words that describe you: Irreverent | Funny | Trouble-maker (according to the rest of the team)
3 words that describe sparkhouse: Relevent | Progressive | Edgy
On your iPod: Faster by Matt Nathanson, Beauty in the World by Macy Gray, Hanuman by Rodrigo y Gabriela
Favorite ancestor: Jonah. And I like those stupid sheep.
What I learned from working on Traditions: Dangit, now whenever I think of Martin Luther, I picture him sitting on the potty. I was reminded of the revolutionary power of a good dose of solid theology mixed with humor, adventure, and constipation.
Dinner guest: Does my hot UPS guy count?
Essentials for a youth lock-in…on a desert island: Oh honey, I do not do lock-ins.
6-word story: More fun than a greased pig.
A favorite pop culture figure quote: Anyone who is good, is trouble. (I don’t actually know who said this.)
A favorite quote from your Mom: Mom’s advice on dating: “Keep your pants on.”
If your Sunday school teacher knew you’d be creating sparkhouse resources, what would he say? I was the kid who refused to memorize the books of the Bible for a candy bar bribe. (They are listed RIGHT THERE! Why would you memorize them?) He would be afraid.
Your work on re:form is a success if a youth responded by: Inviting his or her best juvenile delinquent friend to come check it out. Amen.