Kenneth Magnuson

Wife: Katherine (15 years)

Children: Karl (12), Haaken (10), Hannah (6), Broder (1)

Hometown: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.

Current church: Cedar Creek Baptist Church

Current local church ministry: Teaching

Ministry passion: To show that the truth of God is good news for those who trust Him; and to show that we need to discover (or rediscover) the incredible blessing of marriage and family as God intends them to be

How you became a Christian: Through the prayers, teaching and lives of my parents

Hobbies: Playing with my kids and attending their games; golf

Something surprising students might not know about you: I always wanted to be a professional baseball player. I only lacked talent and commitment.

An interesting fact about your family: Our children were born in four different places that we have lived -- Arizona, Minnesota, England and Kentucky.

Most embarrassing moment: In the U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel, I was sitting on the back of a folding chair in the balcony where our high school choir was. I broke the silence and solemnity of the service when I fell asleep and fell off the chair, crashing to the floor.

Most influential person in your life: My parents and my wife

What books, besides the Bible, have most influenced you and why: The writings of C.S. Lewis and John Piper, because of their vision of God, their ability to connect this to how we live, and their view that human happiness is not denied, but rather fulfilled, in a life lived in faithfulness to God.

What influenced your decision to come to Southern Seminary: The renewed commitment to biblical fidelity and cultural engagement and a superb faculty

Favorite author: G.K. Chesterton

Favorite course that you teach: Ethics and Human Sexuality

Favorite TV show: Get Smart (edged out The Mod Squad)

A word of wisdom for Towers readers: Learn the secret of contentment