What led you to pursue theological education here at Luther Seminary?
I didn’t come to seminary to find Christ. I came because I wanted to learn more about the triune God I already know, love, serve, preach about, wrestle with, and sometimes have a whole lot of questions for.

I think about theological education much like I think about any healthy relationship. You can genuinely love someone and still discover that there is more to know about them. The deeper the relationship becomes, the more you listen, ask questions, learn their history, understand their character, and sometimes discover that what you thought you knew was incomplete.

That is part of what seminary is for me.

What degree program are you in at Luther Seminary, and what are you hoping to do with your seminary education?
I am deeply rooted in the Black Church, the African Methodist Episcopal tradition, and an increasingly intentional womanist theological lens. At the same time, studying at Luther has allowed me to sit at the table with traditions and theological voices different from my own. I don’t believe learning from another tradition requires me to abandon mine. Sometimes it helps me understand my own roots even better.

I came to Luther already ordained and serving in ministry but wanted my understanding to grow alongside my calling. I wanted to study scripture more deeply, wrestle seriously with theology, examine some things I had simply been taught to accept, and encounter perspectives outside of my own tradition. I am in Luther’s M.Div. program for all of those reasons and because a divinity degree is a requirement in the African Methodist Episcopal tradition to serve as an itinerary Elder.

Ultimately, I believe this experience will deepen my relationship with God, expand my understanding of the Triune God, and help me become more responsible with scripture and with the people I am called to serve.