Where did you grow up, and what first got you interested in studying theology and ministry?
I grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota, and went to the University of North Dakota for my undergrad. I earned an elementary education degree in 2003. I didn’t do any formal teaching until I started teaching Sunday School and eventually became children’s ministry coordinator at House of Prayer Lutheran Church in 2014.
What led you to pursue theological education here at Luther Seminary?
After leading the children’s ministry program for several years, I felt called to do more. I didn’t know what that looked like, but God and my senior pastor did! I started a full-time position—as minister of discipleship—in the church as a lay leader in 2021. I got a phone call from the Western North Dakota Synod inviting me to apply for Luther Seminary’s Graduate Certificate program in June of 2023. I was hesitant but also felt highly encouraged, and I’m so glad I did apply.
What program are you in at Luther Seminary, and what are you hoping to do with your seminary education?
I recently changed my Graduate Certificate to the M.Div. and am awaiting my candidacy interview. This isn’t something I ever expected to do and certainly never expected to love. But I have had some great mentors and serve an incredible congregation. I feel blessed that I get to minister to people as a job.
What has distributed learning been like for you, and what do you do—professionally and otherwise—when you’re not studying?
I love RFS time. The time on campus with other learners—people of many different denominations and who all love and want to serve the Lord—is a beautiful, life-giving experience. I’ve met wonderful classmates and teachers and am thankful for that intense, intentional, in-person learning time. However, taking classes, working full-time, and being a wife and a mom to three teenagers isn’t easy. I am thankful for online learning opportunities. I never would be taking classes if it wasn’t so convenient to do from North Dakota.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I love to run, walk my dog, play pinochle, watch my kids do what they love to do, and support my husband in his running and biking adventures. I ran marathons until I got COVID in August 2021 and was sidelined for 3 years. I was able to start running again last winter, which has been a challenge but also a gift to be able to get out there again.