My name is Robert Dean and I am an elder in the United Methodist Church. I am a father currently going through separation from his partner. I am still sorting out what the future looks like, but continue to enjoy being in ministry with wonderful people.

I began licensed ministry in 2008 within the United Methodist Church after several years of youth ministry while attending seminary. I graduated in 2010 from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, NY with a Master’s Degree in Divinity. I was commissioned a Provisional Elder of the United Methodist Church in 2010 and was ordained as an Elder and received my full membership in the Upper New York Annual Conference in 2012. I serve as a minister at the discretion of God with a lot of the details  and specifics handled through (and in consultation with) the ministry of the Upper New York Annual Conference and the leadership of her bishop and cabinet.

My professional interests include Spiritual Formation, Spiritual Direction, and local church leadership. I am particularly drawn to the spiritual disciplines and I am consistently seeking new ways to inspire the laity I serve with to enter into the traditions and personal/communal spiritual growth methods of the church.

My personal interests are poetry, cooking, and reading science fiction. This blog exists as a place of personal expression, professional engagement, and in order to continue to grow as a human being.