George M. Ricker

George M. Ricker, Pastor Emeritus of University United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.A. (with honors), Union Theological Seminary, N.Y. City with a M. Div. degree, and was awarded a D.D. by Southwestern University. He has taught religion classes at Texas State University and at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. For 12 years he has been leading seminars in the Continuing Education Department of the University of Texas. Ricker is the author of "The Faith Once Given," published first by Westminster Press and republished in 2004 by Eakin Press; "What You Don't Have to Believe to Be a Christian," Eakin Press, 2002; "A New Look at the Old Commandments," Eakin Press, 2005; "Something to Think About," Pen Point Press, 2007, and a sequel to the previous book, "More to Think About," Pen Point Press, 2011. His books have been used in study groups and Sunday School classes over a wide area. He lectures and teaches in many churches in Central Texas. Ricker has been a newspaper columnist and a radio broadcaster of one minute spots some years ago.

Ricker served four years in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and was honorably discharged as a Captain. He is married, has three children, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He enjoys tennis, plays bridge and attends, with his wife, Frances, cultural events in the Austin area.