Kevin David Rose

Kevin David Rose, 58, was Minister of Discipleship and Mission at Cumberland First Baptist Church, Indianapolis, where he ministered for three decades. A graduate of Greenville College with a double major in Education and Philosophy/Religion, Kevin held a Masters in Elementary Education from Indiana University and the Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville. He was past-president of Educational Ministries, American Baptist Churches, USA, and held positions of leadership with both AWAB (Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists) and ICON (Interfaith Coalition on Nondiscrimination). Kevin’s faith and life outlook were formed and nurtured through both a devout home life and formative influences in the world of human endeavor and ideas. During college, Kevin had the opportunity to work in a mission in downtown Chicago—an impactful life experience to which Kevin traced his lifelong devotion to the pursuit of justice. This expressed in both formal commitments and informal advocacy of any who faced injustice and discrimination, a commitment that never wavered. Kevin was an avid fan of baseball, visiting with his husband, Dan, 23 of the 30 major league baseball parks across the country. He developed a love of travel and of theatre, not surprising given his own early theater background. Kevin was a singer, pianist, writer and storyteller. But Kevin’s greatest passion was as teacher and interpreter of faith. Whether brilliantly connecting with children through countless Sunday children’s sermons, helping youth navigate the rough and tumble of adolescence, or equipping adults of all backgrounds and walks of life to relate anew to the gospel of love and grace, Kevin brought a unique acumen and energy to the task of imparting faith with relevance in the modern age. He was a staunch advocate of living in the questions of faith—not the solace of easy and pat answers. Kevin’s greatest commitment was to the stories of faith, which he believed transcend both page and historical context, continuing to speak to each generation with truth and inspiration. Kevin is survived by his loving husband Dan Von Pein, his devoted parents, David and Celest Rose, and his sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Neil Trout. His legacy will live on through each of these, as well as his faith family at Cumberland FBC and the countless individuals who carry the imprint of his strength, wisdom and compassion.

Tributes

Kevin David Rose

July 24, 1960 - September 23, 2018