Where did you grow up, and what first got you interested in studying theology?
I grew up in Belgrade, MN, and graduated in 1983. At that point, I didn’t really have an interest in studying theology, that would come about 40 years later, along with a call to serve God and neighbor.

What did you study as an undergraduate?
I graduated from Gustavus with a B.A. in Theater and a Latin minor.

What led you to pursue theological education here at Luther Seminary?
A few years ago, I was moved to look into the ELCA’s Synodically Authorized Minister (SAM) program to serve in the Northwest Minnesota Synod. During my interview, Bishop Bill Tesch asked if I had ever considered seminary. I responded no, but the seed had been planted. I consider being a Christian public leader a position of great responsibility. I first enrolled in the certificate program as a way to gain knowledge that would help me as a SAM and to see if I could do work and school. This past fall I switched to the M.Div. program and am hoping it will lead to ordination and being called to a church.

What is the best part of studying as a distributed learner, and what do you do when you’re not studying?
If not for the option of taking classes asynchronously, I wouldn’t be able to do this. It has made it possible for me to work toward the M.Div. degree. Until this January, I was a part-time student and an agri-business banker in Fergus Falls. I am now a part-time student, part-time SAM with 3 churches, and part-time agri-business banker. It has been a busy schedule, but when there is time, my wife Becky and I try to hang out with our kids and granddaughter.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I sing in a rock band.