Greetings creatures of earth. Hex has me blogging for the first time. Will wonders never cease?

Let's see what to talk about..?

O yeah, I am in the process of getting licensed to preach in the Methodist Church. How about that? I went before the PPR committee. Next I go before the Charge Conference. Then I go before the DCOM. After that God gets it.

This doesn't mean I'm making an immediate jump to pastoral ministry, but it does mean that I'm heading in that direction. At most it means I'll be a pastor in 5 years, but there is a possibility that I'll take a student pastorate along the way before that.

I'm staying with InterVarsity at least one more year and probably as many as three years which in IV circles is an eternity.

It's been a hard decision for me. I'm trying to hear from the Lord on it before I make any definitive moves.

On the human level I am very content where I am. The ministry is going very well. Our chapter at Southern Miss is in wonderful shape. We have fought through some theological disagreements that threatened our unity, but I think we are coming out on the other side of those debates. If we are able to get everyone on the same page the Southern Miss chapter will be something like a 70 member chapter. Almost the whole chapter is african american at this point.

The other groups are doing well enough. Tulane is back on the upswing under Myron's leadership, but UNO has struggled with Myron having to split his time between the schools. I'd say Myron is having about the same sort of impact I had when I was there.

Janet Russell (now Thompson) will be taking over as volunteer staff at the University of West Florida. Exciting to have her back in the mix.

We got charters at Loyola and Pensacola Junior College so the ministry will grow there next year.

I feel torn about making the switch to pastoral ministry because I feel fruitful where I am. At the same time I think I need to get myself into a position to be useful for the kingdom over the long haul. Not too many people do campus ministry for a lifetime.

I'm enrolled in Asbury Seminary's In Ministry program. That will allow me to take many classes without relocating to Kentucky or Orlando. I'll have to go away 2 weeks every year for some intensive classes in January, and I'll have to take some summer school classes on campus. For the most part we'll be able to stay in Mississippi.

I'm actually looking forward to going to seminary. I think it will be beneficial to go through seminary after going out an doing ministry because I'll know better what will be helpful and what won't.

Jordan and Erin are doing well these days. Jordan goes into high school this fall. Hard to believe. She is doing well with our church youth group, and has volunteered alot with the childrens program over the summer. You should see some of the drawings she is doing these days.

Erin is still plugging along at Bryan Nelson Lawfirm. Not the most peaceful of places to work. They do a high volume of cases, and her boss is one of the busiest.

Saw Batman Begins last night. I thought it was awesome. So much more compelling story of origins than Star Wars. Had good effects but relied more on character and dialog. It really reminded me of the book of Jonah. Brings up the question of justice vs mercy for a city.

Hope all is well with you peoples out there. Take care.

Chris