Where did you grow up, and what first got you interested in studying theology and ministry?
I grew up in a small village in Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan, in a deeply faith-oriented family. My grandfather was a martyr of the Second World War, and my father was a strong and respected lay church leader in our community. My parents lived their Christian vocation with determined faith and deep reverence for God. As devoted, Spirit-led believers, they provided a steadfast foundation for our family and shaped my own journey of discipleship. I was also profoundly shaped by the inspirational leadership of my uncle, whose mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support nurtured my faith formation and strengthened my path forward. His influence remains a cornerstone of who I am today. When I was in grade three in Sunday School, I experienced an inner shift that I still remember vividly. I began to look toward the future with unusual firmness and hope, feeling a sense of purpose that I could not fully understand at the time. Even then, I knew I wanted my life to move beyond the limitations of my surroundings and be anchored in something greater. As I have grown, I have come to recognize that this early conviction was closely tied to a calling toward ministry and mission. That childhood foundation, my family’s faith, the legacy of leadership I witnessed, and the early stirrings of purpose within me continue to guide me today. For this reason, I am deeply committed to pursuing theological studies. I believe that formal training will equip me to serve with greater wisdom, compassion, and clarity, and to live out the calling that has been shaping me since my earliest years.

What did you study as an undergraduate and where did you go?
For my early education, I attended a primary school run by missionaries, an environment that nurtured both my academic development and my spiritual foundation. Later, I continued my studies at the government high school in my village, where I built on that foundation, gained broader academic experience, and completed a master of arts. Although my formal education took place in modest local institutions, these settings played a significant role in shaping my character, discipline, and commitment to learning.

What led you to pursuing theological education here at Luther Seminary?
I completed a master of divinity in 2004, an experience that gave me a deep and systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and ministry. That foundation awakened in me a strong desire to pursue advanced theological education so I could grow further in knowledge, leadership, and service. Seminaries in Pakistan do not offer opportunities for higher-level theological studies, which made it difficult for me to continue my academic and ministerial development. For many years, I longed for a place where I could deepen my theological training and prepare myself for more effective leadership in the church. Discovering Luther Seminary was a turning point. The seminary’s strong academic reputation, its global vision for ministry, and its commitment to forming faithful and thoughtful Christian leaders resonated deeply with my calling. Receiving the Jubilee Scholarship has been an extraordinary blessing. It has opened the door for me to finally pursue the advanced theological education I have dreamed of for so long. Luther Seminary has given me not only an opportunity but also the support and encouragement I need to grow in wisdom, faith, and leadership for the future.

What degree program are you in at Luther Seminary, and what are you hoping to do with your seminary education?
I am currently a second-year student at Luther Seminary for Th.M. program. My time here has been profoundly transformative Luther Seminary is not only strengthening my theological foundation but also shaping me intellectually, spiritually, and pastorally for future scholarly work. Through rigorous study and meaningful community engagement, I am being equipped to refine my leadership and to grow in wisdom, humility, and clarity of purpose. With this education, I hope to serve the Church with greater depth and faithfulness, using my gifts, skills, and abilities to contribute to its mission in meaningful ways. I desire to become a leader who inspires, teaches, and walks alongside others, helping to build a more vibrant, compassionate, and theologically grounded Christian community. Luther Seminary is preparing me to fulfill this calling with confidence and dedication.

What has your student experience been like, and what do you do—professionally and otherwise—when you’re not studying?
I am a residential student at Luther Seminary. Being on campus has enriched my formation in meaningful ways through daily interactions with faculty, theological conversations with classmates, and participation in the worshiping community. These experiences have deepened my spiritual life and broadened my understanding of ministry in a global context. Outside of my studies, I remain actively involved in church life and community service, which keeps me grounded in the practical realities of ministry. I also devote time to personal reflection, reading, and building relationships that support my growth as a leader. These rhythms of study, worship, service, and community continue to shape me into a more faithful, compassionate, and thoughtful servant of the church.

How would you describe the value of Luther Seminary’s strength as an academic institution?
Luther Seminary’s strength as an academic institution and welcoming community lies in its ability to unite rigorous scholarship with deep spiritual formation, and this has been profoundly valuable for my professional, educational, and personal goals. The seminary’s commitment to thoughtful theological inquiry challenges me to think critically and faithfully, equipping me with the intellectual tools needed for meaningful leadership in the church. At the same time, Luther Seminary fosters a community where learning is not merely academic but also deeply relational and grounded in discipleship. This balance has expanded my vision of ministry, encouraging me to integrate research, pastoral care, and spiritual wisdom to shape both my mind and character. For my professional aspirations, Luther’s emphasis on leadership development has given me confidence to serve more effectively in diverse contexts. The faculty’s expertise and the institution’s strong curriculum continue to prepare me for further scholarly work. Personally, the environment of prayer, dialogue, and community life has strengthened my faith and clarified my sense of calling. In every way, Luther Seminary’s academic excellence has become a foundation on which I can build a future of faithful service, thoughtful leadership, and continued theological growth.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I am deeply passionate about music. I play the classical instrument tabla, which has been a meaningful creative outlet and a source of personal reflection throughout my life. Alongside music, I have a strong love for interfaith engagement, ecumenical advocacy, and theological reading especially in the area of systematic theology. I am particularly drawn to christology from a global perspective, and one of my favorite books is “Jesus and Divine Christology“ by Brant Pitre, which continues to inspire my academic and spiritual growth because it combines deep biblical insight, theological depth, and readable scholarship, all centered on a subject that is profoundly meaningful Jesus’ divine nature.