I am Kirsten Tjernlund. My husband Bob and I have been learning the art of marriage since 1977. We have three grown children who, to none of my credit but only God’s grace, have turned out amazingly well. And we delight in the son-in-law and daughter-in-law they have brought into our family. Bob and I are also the household staff for four cats.
I graduated from Bethel College (now Bethel University) in St. Paul Minnesota with a bachelor of arts degree. It’s in psychology – I wish I had majored in Bible instead. I then attended Wheaton Graduate School at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois. Given that I worked part-time, volunteered at church, and dated Bob at the same time I was in school, it is a wonder that I graduated with an M.A. degree in church ministry. I received my M.A. and my MRS. degrees the same year. I have now been teaching the Bible for over 40 years and in various places and times from sixth grade Sunday school girls to being the – ‘older woman’ (yikes!) teaching the younger women. Where has the time gone?
My goal for women’s ministry is simple: that we would grow deep in understanding the doctrines of grace through which we are in Christ. My years of upbringing in the faith, my years of education and personal Bible study, my years of marriage, and my years of raising children (I blew it more often than I got it right) continue to teach me the overwhelming importance of God’s truths for our daily living. My desire is to teach the Bible to women so that they grow and deepen in Christian doctrine, faith, and practice. We desire that we know who we are in Christ, so that God will be honored and glorified in all of our lives, churches, and families.
Teachers who have greatly influenced me include Kay Arthur, John Piper, Francis Schaeffer, Nancy Pearcy, and many others. I also appreciate the ministry of our pastor, Ivan Truman – even though he loves dogs and tells too many hunting stories. I read constantly – theology, pastoral issues, cultural issues, history, and a little Agatha Christie. I love my home but hate to cook; love to decorate but hate to clean; love crossword puzzles (the perfect relaxation) but hate strategy games. My idea of a perfect time is to have a fire in the fireplace, a good book and a cup of coffee in hand, and a cat – or two, or three or four – in my lap. I look forward to all the times when all of my kids are home to visit. And I love to teach.