Ted Porter's flipping of the coin may not be as unscriptural as some may think.

It is essentially the same as casting lots, and the Bible is full of examples of it being used, apparently with God's approval.  Do a word search for "lots" or "lot" and you will find many references.

For example, Matthias, Judas' replacement, was selected by casting lots (Acts 1:24-25).

Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Note that they prayed first.

"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD" (Proverbs 16:33, NIV). 

"Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart" (Proverbs 18:8). 

Way to go, Ted!

Of course, the inner voice of the Holy Spirit is best, but in some situations I would not rule out casting the lot.  If done by faith, based on the biblical precedent, God will honor it, and by faith, as with Matthias, we accept the answer.

But don't be like a guy I once knew whose denomination was so legalistically anti-gambling that they believed the method of Matthias' selection was a sin and that is why he was never heard from again.  I don't think so.  After they prayed, and using biblical precedent, God would not have allowed the original disciples to make such a huge mistake.  God says, the lot's "every decision is from the LORD."

Jim