My ministry is what is referred to as bi-vocational, which means I have the flexibility of not being on staff at a church and have a more control of my weekend schedule than many other ministers. I try to use my vacation time for family, chaplaincy, and continuing education opportunities. That said, I am trained, qualified, experienced, and available to provide the following ministries:
Weddings
I require pre-marital counseling, but I am available to officiate weddings. Poor communications and financial disagreements are the primary reasons for marriages falling apart. On the other hand, good communication skills and a basic understanding of family finances can lead to a lifelong marriage. Spiritual unity is a major component and great foundation for a lifelong relationship as well. Due to my own conscience and deeply-held spiritual convictions, I will not perform a marriage of a believer in Christ to somebody who is not, nor with couples who refuse to discuss their relationship with Christ, nor same-sex weddings. There is no charge for an initial consultation however, and I don’t believe in beating anyone over the head with a bible either. In some cases, that may be as simple as one meeting prior to the wedding, and in certain cases could be done online or over the phone. That said, Christ is the foundation for my ministry and I want you to know that this will come up in conversation.
Please note: If we have met through my role as a chaplain serving you in a difficult time, my preference typically is to try to connect you with a local pastor or other official to officiate your wedding. I serve as a chaplain for the purpose of serving the suffering in Christ’s name, and want to be certain not to confuse people into thinking I am doing so to build an income with weddings.
Funerals / Memorial Services / Celebrations of Life
Whether your loved one attended a church regularly or not, I would be honored to help you and your loved ones navigate this difficult process and officiate a service tailored to your needs. I will listen to not only what you tell me, but to your heart. I will show utmost respect, provide emotional support, and officiate with dignity.I myself am an Evangelical Christian but you will find me non-judgmental in how I treat you, not using a funeral or memorial service to proselytize against your will. For Christians who want me to however, I am happy to talk about the hope we have and offer opportunity for discussion about that as much as you feel comfortable about me doing that. I can assist you with finding appropriate locations for services if needed, though memorial services can be done in any almost location where there is sufficient space and dignity. I currently serve as a “staff minister” with Omega Funeral Home on 122nd in Portland, OR.
Please note: If we have met through my role as a chaplain serving you in a difficult time, my preference typically is to try to connect you with a local pastor or funeral home to officiate your loved one’s ceremony. I serve as a chaplain for the purpose of serving the suffering in Christ’s name, and want to be certain not to confuse people into thinking I am doing so to milk suffering people out of their hard earned dollars.
“Pulpit Filling”
Pastor, are you taking a vacation, attending a weekend conference, or for health reasons in need of somebody to fill in for a worship service or Bible Study? My primary spiritual gifts are encouragement and teaching. One of my 2 undergraduate majors at Dallas Baptist University was Biblical Studies with a solid ground work in hermeneutics, theology, philosophy, Biblical background, and NT and OT coursework. I enjoy opening the Word of God in a way that is relevant to our society without degradation to the high view of Scriptural inerrancy to which I hold. I do not use preaching opportunities to push political agendas, Calvinism discussions, or end time theology. I believe in the immanent return of Christ and our need to be found ready, and in the need for us to prepare others, but do not push a particular dispensational viewpoint. References are available upon request, or you may call the Interstate Baptist Association in Portland, Oregon for a reference.
I regard preaching opportunities as gifts from God and do not have a fee structure for these. I appreciate gas/meal assistance for opportunities outside of the Portland area, but depend on God to provide when He tells me to serve.
Interim Pastoring
If your church is “between pastors” and you need somebody to fill your pulpit for an extended period of time, please contact me only after you have prayed about this carefully. Interim pastoral ministry is not something I am pursuing, but I am open to God’s leadership in this area and would enjoy the challenge and opportunity if God leads in that direction.
Example sermon may be heard if you click here.
This is Kenton, how may I help you? 