Pastor Ken Hall

In my blog a couple of days ago I made mention of a Pastor Ken Hall. Ken was the interim pastor at a small independent formerly “bible baptist” church where my brother and I were both on the board. If you know the Midwest you’ll know what I’m about to describe: a formerly full and active church has slowly watched members die off and not be able to attract any new members, the building is getting old and it’s now surrounded by a completely different demographic and it can barely sustain itself but refuses to sell the land and start over. 

Ken took the time over several months to meet with us and teach us the fundamentals of grace.  That experience has kept my brother and I motivated in discipling others. I’ve run a Facebook community page and this blog for a number of years as my way of doing that. My brother was more involved in a new church after we both moved on from the small church so he has been more able to actually disciple people. 

I met with Ken a few more times a few years later when I was struggling as a supervisor. His wise counsel was very helpful. He asked probing questions, kept me thinking. Where had I given ground to Satan? Where did I need to seek forgiveness? Where did I need to give it? 

“Do the next right thing”, he would say. He went to be with Jesus in 2013. That time spent talking about the formative issues of the faith have stuck with me. They’ve impacted the books I read and my perspective on Church and it’s functions. It all drove me deeper into following Jesus, of chasing Him at times. Only to find out I was the one being pursued. 

As I consider going to seminary, this formative experience along with others similar to it has me thinking. What gifts has God given me? What experiences has He given me that point to His purpose with my life? What discipline do I feel led to study? Where do I see God calling me in ministry? 

I’m strongly leaning towards Nashotah House, because Anglo-Catholic seems to be my “tribe” as it were. This probably would not have surprised Ken, he knew how high Church I leaned. 

I would be honored if you would please pray for me as I consider these things. 

Soli Deo Gloria 

3 Comments

  1. “Do the next right thing.” That is a good insight. Robert Morgan also speaks to that in his small book, “The Red Sea Rules.” I think he includes the words, “by faith.”

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    1. I think with Ken the “by faith” was implied. I think you’re right though, it should be explicit. The methods of a pastor from his generation didn’t make it necessary I would guess. Our assumptions of biblical theological literacy are now pretty much zero.

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