ABOUT THE CENTER

Our Mission

To resource and support Christian entrepreneurs, leaders, university professors, pastors, tradesmen, and artists to see the connection between the virtuous life and human flourishing.
Our Vision

Our vision is to present Christ in a clear, convictional, and compelling way in every square inch of His creation.
What We Do

We resource by utilizing scholars to research and clarify today’s most complex issues.
How We Help

We analyze today’s cultural issues.
We advise leaders on clear, convictional, and compelling narratives.
We help to develop positive pathways to apply Christian principles for pressing problems.

The Center for Christian Thought and Ethics exists to resource and support Christians for a post-Christian world.

VALUES

Christ’s preeminence (Colossians 1:15–18)
Human dignity - As creatures made in God’s image, we value the personhood of every human being. (Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:14, James 3:9)
Transcendental Virtue - Goodness, Truth, Beauty (Ps 34:8, John 14:6, Psalms 27:4)
God’s work through human institutions (Genesis 1-2, Romans 13:1–2)
Sin and Grace (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:14, Ephesians 2:8–9)

AREAS OF FOCUS

Professional Engagement

For entrepreneurs, business leaders, and university professors:
a. Convening Social Labs
b. Theological Framing
c. Professional Training
d. Leadership Development (Excellence/ Virtue in the Workplace)
Church Engagement

For pastors and leaders:
a. Cultural Decoding (Pastor to Public, Public to Pastor)
b. Providing clear, compelling, and convictional analysis of cultural narratives. (ie. What’s going on and where are we going)
Cultural Engagement

For artists and political leaders:
a. Public Thought Resources
i. Writing
ii. Podcast
b. Advocacy in Public Policy
c. Bridging - Promoting dialogue across divides

CO-FOUNDERS

Dan Trippie

Founder and Director
Dan Trippie is a native of Buffalo, NY. He holds a Ph.D. in ethics from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Mdiv. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dan’s focus of study is in public theology with a special emphasis on religious freedom. Dan seeks to integrate theology into the public square dialogue. Dan and his wife, Gina, high school sweethearts, were married in 1995. He enjoys boating and trying to beat his twin sons in the game of golf.
Stephen Johnson

Founder and Contributor
Stephen Johnson serves as a pastor at Summit Church in Southwest Florida. He earned his B.S. in Finance and M.B.A. from Florida Gulf Coast University and holds an M.A. in Philosophy from the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. Stephen is a husband and father, and is thrilled to be a part of CCTE, working to promote human flourishing by presenting Christ in every square inch of his creation.