Gay parenting -- signs of the times.

Gay fashion designer Stefano Gabbana has stated that homosexual couples should not become parents. Click here to read the story and follow the comments.

Interesting that even in the midst of sin and error, there is still some sense of how things ought to be. Utterly depraved is always at war with created in the image of God.

Prospective Elder Training

2 Timothy and Titus lay out the qualifications for elders or overseers in the church. When I was a bit younger, I had the privilege of studying under Greg Scharf, now a Trinity Seminary professor, at our church in Fargo. He was going through a program he had put together to train men to meet the qualifications of an elder. Although we moved before I completed the whole two years of training, I view it as one of the most profitable "classes" I have ever been a part of. Greg has been kind enough to send me a copy of his syllabus, which I have been working to adapt for our use here at Chisholm Baptist.

Starting in January, I will be leading a group of men through a one year course of study that will focus on systematic theology, personal character issues, personal and spiritual disciplines, and ministry skills. I am asking men to commit to study 1-2 hours per week on the assigned topic and meet weekly to discuss the topic, to meet in accountability groups, and to pray. I am extremely excited about the potential this has for helping to develop leadership skills within our church.

Men, please prayerfully consider whether you are being called to participate in this training. Women, encourage, support, and pray for your husbands participation.

One final note of warning. When I went through this as a student, I faced some of the most intense spiritual opposition I have ever experienced. It never failed that on Monday night everything would fall apart at our house to make sure I was weary and groggy on Tuesday mornings when we met. If you participate, be prepared for opposition.

If you would like more information about the program or want a copy of the schedule, email me and I will send it to you. Kevin@chisholmbaptist.org

Thinking of Funerals

I have been to 3 funerals in the last 3 weeks. Not all funerals are created equal. The one I was at this afternoon was a really good funeral. Russell Hill died, at age 79, last Tuesday. On my way to Duluth Tuesday afternoon, I decided to stop at the hospital and see him. What I didn't realize at the time was that all of the children and grandchildren had gathered because they did not expect him to live much longer. I am so grateful that I had an opportunity to say "goodbye."

In the two years I have been here in Chisholm, I got to visit with Russell a few times and was impressed by his deep passion for Jesus. He enjoyed a lot of things, but his eyes lit up and he got extra excited to talk about Jesus -- more than any other topic. His passion and his love for scripture have been a true inspiration to me and I am thankful for his example to me.

All these funerals make me think a lot about my own funeral some day. Have you thought about what you want your funeral to be like? Especially, what do you want to be remebered for? Will your life be marked by the things that you possess, or the people you have influenced? What do you need to do today to work towards the funeral you want when you die?

PS: Welcome and hello to Karie Anderson who has been reading from Wisconsin but not typing in yet!