Ragan Courtney
Ragan Courtney is a communicator. As a ninth grader he had his first poem published, and this event directed him into a study of literature and a career in writing. When he graduated from Louisiana College, he enrolled in The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, but left after one semester to study acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater in New York City. After graduating from the Playhouse, Ragan worked at various jobs in the city while working toward the goal of a career in theater. His break came when he and his cousin, C.C. Courtney, wrote and starred in the musical, "Earl of Ruston." After touring the south, the show opened on Broadway in the Billy Rose Theater, but it closed within a week. Devastated at this sense of failure, Ragan was deeply depressed; however, at his lowest point he had a profound spiritual experience that transformed his life. He found hope in the person of Jesus Christ.
After this epiphany, he began to try to communicate what had happened to him when he became a Christian. Out of that desire he wrote "Celebrate Life!" which went on to be very successful, selling a million copies. He then wrote, "Bright, New Wings," with his wife composing the music; and it, too, was a success. In addition to "Celebrate Life!" and "Bright, New Wings," Courtney has written and published the following church musicals: "Beginnings," "Lottie D.," "Acts," "In the Name of the Lord," "Song of Bethlehem," "Angels," " In Obedience," and "Room at the Inn" to name a few. He has also written and published five books of poetry. They are: Poems, published by Broadman Press, The Wind I Soar On, and Death Has Set My Mind On Fire both published by Triune Publishing, Suddenly Single published by Zondervan Publishers, and Three Voices published by Convention Press.
Prior to accepting the call to come to this church, Ragan worked with several denominational agencies. He taught at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; worked for the Baptist Sunday School Board in Nashville, Tennessee as a Drama and Worship Consultant, and was the Director of the Center for Christianity and the Arts at Houston Baptist University in Houston Texas. He has conducted countless workshops across the country on creative worship. In addition he has written, directed, and performed in plays and pageants including the remarkable presentation "A Christmas Spectacular" at Houston's First Baptist Church for nearly 25 years.
He is a traditionalist/moderate as far as Baptist polity is concerned. He holds firmly to the priesthood of the believer, soul competency of the individual, and to the doctrine that Jesus is the criterion by which we interpret scripture. He holds that scripture is "God breathed." He believes that "scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." He was ordained to the ministry in 1999, believes in the full equality of women in the ministry, and believes that the church must be open to all that ask to come in. He believes that the Holy Spirit woos, convicts, and calls us to repentance of our sins. In a church fellowship, we bear one another's burdens as we work out our salvation with "fear and trembling." He celebrates and preaches the grace of God.
Cynthia Clawson Courtney is his wife and co-pastor, and they serve together in this unique church. She has had a successful career as a singer. She is a frequent musical guest on Robert Schuller's "Hour of Power," and she often sings with some of the country's top gospel artists on Bill Gaither's videos. Her career has allowed her to make 18 recordings. During her career she has received a GRAMMY Award and five Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association. In August of 1999 Ragan and Cynthia moved to Austin, Texas, where they serve on the ministerial staff at Tarrytown Baptist Church. They led in the new direction of the church that precipitated the church changing its name to The Sanctuary.
Ragan and Cynthia are the parents of Will and Lily. Will is a musician and a songwriter. Lily after graduating from University of Texas in Religious Studies has joined her brother in their group Brothers and Sisters. You can contact Ragan at by E-mail or Phone.