Want to meet the person who may be your next pastor or Christian day school teacher? This series profiles the men and women who are in their final year of preparation for the public teaching or preaching ministry at our Immanuel Lutheran College and Seminary in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Age: 23
Program: Teaching Track
Year in School: Senior
Where were you born?
I was born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Married? Unmarried? Tell us about your family.
I am engaged to be married in August to Erica Oster, who is also in the teaching program. I have four siblings, a sister-in-law, and I am an uncle to two nieces and two nephews.
What hobbies, sports or extracurriculars interest you?
I enjoy disc golf, hiking, lifting weights, running, watching baseball and football, and shooting trap.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.
I have been to a total of nine countries in my life. I would like to visit many more in the future with my future wife.
Which academic subjects especially interest you?
History and science are two of my favorite subjects and I look forward to teaching them in the future.
How did you first come to consider the public teaching or preaching ministry as a career?
I’ve always wanted to have a career that would feel fulfilling and that would help others. Teaching could do both for me and it is also an opportunity for me to work in a Christ-centered environment.
What have you appreciated most about your time at ILC?
I have greatly appreciated developing strong Christian friendships. It has been a blessing to grow alongside others who share the same faith and values as I do.
What qualities do you think will most be needed by the future leaders of the church?
God tells us how, as leaders of the church, we have a lot of eyes watching us. So it is important that we devote ourselves to living Christ-like lives. The Bible says, “God is love,” so first and foremost future leaders should demonstrate love in everything that they do. It is also important for our future leaders to practice patience, humility, and respectfulness in how they deal with others, mirroring our Savior. Also, since the leaders of the church are living witnesses, they should show joy in all that they do so they can spread that joy to others.