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: Education
Year in School: Senior
Where were you born?
Mankato, Minnesota.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Eagle Lake, Minnesota. It’s a small town right outside of Mankato.
Married? Unmarried? Tell us about your family.
I’ve been married for almost three years to my wife, Dani, whom I met in high school.
What hobbies, sports or extracurriculars interest you?
I like to spend time outside when the weather is nice enough. I like playing basketball, soccer, and football. I also like to go for walks. If I can spend time outside, I try to do it.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.
I was born and raised with the last name Gessner. However, before getting married, my wife and I decided to change both of our last names to Hanel, which is my mother’s maiden name.
Which academic subjects especially interest you?
I enjoy teaching science and Bible history.
How did you first come to consider the public teaching ministry as a career?
Since high school the thought of teaching was always in the back of my mind. However, I didn’t want to pursue a degree, so I put teaching on the back burner. The summer after I graduated, I taught VBS in Valentine, Nebraska. It was when I was there that I felt a strong calling to teach.
What have you appreciated most about your time at ILC?
I’ve really enjoyed the lifelong friends I’ve made at ILC. But the thing I’ve most appreciated is how in-depth we get in all our religion courses. I’ve learned so much from them, and have had the opportunity to grow in my faith.
What qualities do you think will most be needed by the future leaders of the church?
A strong foundation of faith and love for God’s Word will always be the most important thing for our pastors and teachers. For teachers specifically, a love for the children is an essential that will always be needed. For pastors, being personable and being able to address people’s problems is something that I believe is very important.