Ken Stoll
Jesus-follower, even when I don’t feel like one. Still a wretched sinner saved by scandalous grace alone through sheer faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone. Hopeful Protestant. Beggar letting others know where to find bread. Recovering self-help junkie. Crazy about a certain brown eyed girl named Stacey. Proud father. Average golfer. Wannabe chef. Loyal Detroit Tigers fan. Lost at sea on sailboat in a previous life. Can’t sing or dance, but would like to think I’m a decent writer. Fantasy interview would be with reformer Martin Luther. Currently seeking an agent for “The Blue Jean Gospel”: Not so typical thoughts on Christian spirituality and discipleship—unimaginable news for the rest of us.
My favorite meal would consist of a juicy rib-eye, lobster tail drenched in butter, tasty salad drowning in blue cheese dressing, baked potato smothered with sour cream, pint of Boddingtons, and some kind of decadent dessert made with dark chocolate.
My education includes being a graduate of Christ For The Nations Bible Institute in Dallas, Texas—where I studied theology, world missions, youth ministry, and pastoral counseling and leadership. I am a former youth pastor as well as conference speaker and director. Currently, I write and reside in Rochester Hills and attend Kensington Community Church in neighboring Troy, Michigan.
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. -Acts 20:24
Feel free to email me at kenestoll@yahoo.com
Hey Ken,
When were you at CFNI? I used to visit and hang out with folks there in the 70s, I was never a student though, and I hope you understand this, but I didn’t want to be after seeing what went on there (no scandals, just everyday stuff). I made some friends though, yet unfortunately as the years have passed I have lost touch with all of them.
Cheers and Blessings
You’ve got a good blog here, Dude!
yes, I was there, 88-90. Had my 1st daughter there too, she’s 20 now! I enjoyed my time there but I hear you on the every day stuff. I have come a long ways since then. I really appreciate your comments and encouragment Nathan. Good to connect again on this blog, I think you’ve visited another blog or two of mine some time back? Do you have a blog of your own, sorry if I asked before.
Ken
I am surprised that my blog address isn’t showing up, oh well, It is http://ifgodis4you.wordpress.com/
Yes, I believe I have commented on the old Nullus Extra Cruem and on the Blue Jean Gospel too. My blog is a little bit hard to quantify, I have creative things which the Lord has given me and there are also some more sermon like posts.
CFNI was pretty crazy when I was hanging out there. I was always amazed that a guy who was barely hanging on by working three jobs would be living next door to a guy from Venezuela whose folks were very well off, who didn’t have to work and who did not even know there were people living in cardboard boxes in his home town. It was pretty wacky.
Yes, at the time I was a charismatic episcopalian and I was convinced that I was headed for the ministry, fortunately I didn’t make it. I did get a year of Classical Greek in while I was “preparing” so I can actually read Greek instead of limping along with a “word study”, Strong’s numbers, etc.. I do not wish to make too much of that because I have learned that it can become a trap.
Over the last three years the Lord has been opening up the doors and windows of my heart in ways I never imagined. And as you may well understand it has to do with depending solely on Him.
I have the greatest regard for Scripture, but I am backing off of my former stance of almost worshipping the book. No, these days I feel that we are to move through Scripture into that amazing place of fellowship with God in His Spirit, hearing Him and augmenting the message of the Scriptures with His daily presence and guidance. In other words, before I was just figuring out what I wanted to do in light of the counsel of Scripture, now I am listening to Him. It is very different.
So enough about me, let’s talk about Him.
Come by my blog if you like, I think you will enjoy it.
Nathan
I would like to learn more about your story Nathan, or his story in your life… so email me at kenestoll@yahoo.com if you get a moment.
Ken
Mr. Stoll,
Ok, before I read a ton of your stuff and find out your a Calvinist , it has happened to me before.
Are you a Calvinist?
Thanks,
Chris
Thanks for stopping by Chris and for the note. I’m a hopeful Protestant (as my bio states) and a hesitant evangelical.
First and foremost, I identify with Christ and him crucified. As for your inquiring as to whether I’m a Calvinist or not I will say that I think John Calvin’s contribution to us modern day pilgrims was substantial and helpful. That said, won’t say I’m a Calvinist per se, although I have very few beefs with the 5 points (of which Calvin’s followers came up with I’m pretty sure). I prefer Luther over Calvin when it comes to my personal theological bent. I am very interested in the roots of the reformation and think Luther hit the nail on the head (no pun intended) with his 95 thesis and would have to say many of the problems and heresies Luther was contesting are concerns of mine within the greater evangelical movement today – Catholicism aside.
Ken
And one of those concerns is the doctrine of justification by faith plus nothing that I feel is currently under attack by many within the evangelical camp.
Thank you for the clarification. I can’t argue with anything you said.
I look forward to reading your blogs.
God bless.
Stumbled upon your blog while googling (trolling?) for some writing fodder. (Deadline is Monday and I’m hitting the wall with my head.)
I’ve bookmarked your blog and look forward to reading past articles. I’m on wordpress as well (livingtheblessing.wordpress.com) but haven’t yet pinned down where I want to go with the blog. My editor at Livingstone (I’m a staff writer–no one important) encouraged me to begin a blog just to get the creative juices flowing.
ANYWAY…
All of that just to tell you you may have a new fan, thanks to google… and my impending doom..er…deadline.
Have a great day!
Great to hear from you Carol. Hope you found something of use here and that you make your deadline today. I am no longer blogging here, new blog is…
http://bluejeangospel.wordpress.com/
Hi Carol,
What your editor may not have mentioned is that if you only have so much creative juice for the day, you may very well expend it on that blog. My wish for you is that you may be continually inspired, and write well and beautifully.
Nathan