Serving as one of the co-chairs of Rock the River in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Ketterling has devoted a huge chunk of time to ensuring that many lives will be changed when the tour hits Harriett Island on August 16.
Ketterling, who also serves as the lead pastor of River Valley Church, says he is “excited to be a part of Rock the River and to be able to help a ministry I love so much!”
He is ready to see teens from the church and their friends be transformed by the Gospel and have fun: “The youth are excited and, of course, my two sons are wondering if they can get backstage passes because I’m a co-chair. I know there is a huge buzz from the teens as they get ready to enjoy the music and see their friends hear the gospel.”
Youth need something to energize their faith, says Ketterling, and an opportunity to reach their friends. “Music is so powerful and so accepted that a concert can open the doors for them to talk about their faith with their friends and see what God can do through this event.”
A Unifying Force
Of course, what youth won’t see Sunday are the months of work and the collaboration among area churches required to pull it off.
At first, Ketterling was concerned that he and other pastors might be too busy to work together, “but as we moved forward, I saw first hand the unifying of the churches as we worked with BGEA.
“I have to say that I am now so encouraged by the unity I see, and the unbelievable work BGEA does with the local churches,” Ketterling added. “What others cannot accomplish, BGEA has been able to do in only a few short months! This is just another huge blessing for our city.”
Ketterling hopes in the future, that churches can “use this ministry time to launch other outreaches and shared ministry times. I know that when you get a glimpse at how it can be done once, it makes it easier to do it the second time. Walls come down between churches and ministries. I hope that we can do greater things together because of BGEA ministering in our community.”
On a final note, he says that Rock the River is “a must see event for the next generation. It’s hard to believe it’s already here; now we need to continue to pray for good weather!”
