Established in 1991 by the Luther Seminary Alumni Council, the Faithfulness in Ministry Cross Award recognizes individual alumni who have demonstrated exemplary ministries as a symbol of the multitudes of Luther Seminary graduates who serve faithfully through the years wherever they are called. The council presents awards to individuals nominated by their peers who graduated within the past 10 years, the past 25 years or more than 25 years ago.
The 2016 Faithfulness in Ministry Cross awards will be presented to these recipients at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2 during the 52nd Mid-Winter Convocation at Luther Seminary. Read more about these recipients online at www.luthersem.edu/fim.
More than 25 years of ministry: Timothy P. Kellgren, ‘71
Timothy Kellgren has made a lasting impact on the community of Petaluma, Calif., through the many social ministries he has founded and supported in more than 25 years of ministry with Elim Lutheran Church. Senior housing, food resources, a homeless shelter and a medical clinic are just part of Kellgren’s work in the community. His impact is so profound that the city of Petaluma voted Kellgren as 2014 Citizen of the Year. This community work, the congregation’s work with a partner congregation in Tanzania and the creation of an annual mission to build houses in Mexico is all driven by his faith. Kellgren is a truly gifted leader, talented preacher, effective teacher, and a man of many accomplishments, but his legacy will be his unwavering faith in Christ that is central to his ministry.
More than 25 years of ministry: Rachel Thorson Mithelman, ‘83
Rachel Thorson Mithelman is a vibrant leader whose passion is helping congregations extend a welcome to the communities beyond their doors. Following 10 years in rural and small town ministry, she spent over 20 years in two downtown congregations, Our Savior’s in LaCrosse, Wis., and St. John’s in Des Moines, Iowa. In these congregations extending hospitality has resulted in congregational renewal. A parishioner says, “Pastor Rachel provided the moral and spiritual guidance that helped us see the face of Jesus in all those who came to our door, a reminder that we were not burdened but privileged to serve others.” Mithelman’s leadership invites congregations to renewal and growth by exploring their history, their context and their dreams. This process has led to downtown congregations beginning vibrant and thriving social ministries with their communities—feeding, clothing and loving their neighbors in ways they couldn’t when they didn’t see the needs.
Less than 25 years of ministry: Nijhar Jharia Minz-Ekka, ‘96
Nijhar Jharia Minz-Ekka is a true pioneer in women’s ministry in India and will be an inspiration to women in India for years to come. Minz-Ekka holds the honored distinction of being the first woman to be ordained in her church body and the first woman in the North Western Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church in North India to earn a Ph.D. Minz-Ekka is a fourth generation Christian leader in northern India, a region where the church is still being established and ministry can be dangerous work. The Christian community in Ranchi, India, works not only to build the church and share the gospel, but also to build a Christian seminary to educate the whole community. Minz-Ekka’s work is grounded in faith and relationships. She particularly seeks to interact with women in her contexts, regardless of their faith. By listening to their stories, she gives them dignity and helps them understand their value and see the importance of their work despite a culture that tells them otherwise.