Students come to Luther Seminary with a wide range of
experiences and needs. They come seeking validation and knowledge to support
their spiritual call. Read about the value that Luther Seminary provides to
their lives and ministry:
Yasir Bilgin
What would lead a Turkish Muslim student to Luther Seminary? Why, Google, of course.
Yasir Bilgin will begin his second year in Luther”s Islamic Studies program this fall. Although the Lauderdale resident frequently drove past Luther, it took a web search for him to discover it.
Bilgin is a native of Bursa, Turkey, a city about three hours southeast of Istanbul. Born into a traditional Islamic family, Bilgin earned an undergraduate degree in theology and started a master”s degree in Qu”ran interpretation. But a time of self-reflection led him in a different direction. He had a keen interest in other cultures and faiths, thanks in part to his involvement in the Fethullah Gulen movement. This Turkish religious scholar won countless followers by encouraging Muslims to embrace such ideals as tolerance and democracy. Gulen”s message of parental respect and academic achievement had an immediate impact on the then teen-aged Bilgin, who rose to third in his class after joining the movement.
So, inspired by Gulen”s call for Turks to introduce their culture to the world, Bilgin put his graduate studies on hold to travel to the United States. After his April 2001 arrival, he spent some time in Pennsylvania, where Gulen now lives and teaches. Two years later he moved to Minnesota at the invitation of friends who are graduate students at the University of Minnesota.
Bilgin then decided to take up graduate studies once again, this time looking at psychology programs. While attending a conference of Abrahamic faiths at Hartford Seminary, a student there suggested he attend seminary, where he could gain a religious rather than secular understanding of human beings. “It made sense to me,” he said.
So he began researching his options. His internet search led him back almost to his own front door, just five minutes from Luther. He was surprised to learn that what he thought was a church was actually a seminary. He met with Dr. Mark Swanson and was encouraged to learn he could incorporate pastoral care classes into his studies. Despite the obvious religious differences, Bilgin was convinced Luther was the right place for him to continue his education.
“Science is a science, regardless of the religious collar on it,” he said.
It”s been a year of discovery for Bilgin. He learned that his fears about “how are [students] going to look at me, how are they going to think of me” were for naught. He”s found that Luther is a good fit for him in more ways than he first realized, noting similarities between Gulen teachings and the seminary”s emphasis on cross-cultural education and youth ministry.
But perhaps the most surprising part of the story is that Bilgin served as a Christian chaplain during spring semester.
Although not a requirement of the Islamic Studies program, Bilgin participated in the clinical pastoral education program at Fairview last semester. At first he was uncomfortable talking with and reading the Bible to patients. But as the discomfort waned, his ability “to put myself in other people”s shoes” grew. “It was a really life changing event for me,” he said.
He especially appreciated one elderly woman, whose depth of faith impressed him. Like many, she saw the events of Sept. 11 as a divine warning; however, she saw it not as a pronouncement of judgment but as a call to spread the Word. Likewise, Bilgin sees sharing the love of God as the right way to counter terrorism. He quotes his mentor, who says that a terrorist is not a Muslim and a Muslim is not a terrorist.
While not an evangelist in the traditional sense, Bilgin apparently feels called to spread a spiritual message – the message of a tolerant, peaceful Islam.
He hopes to do so by remaining in the United States for the foreseeable future, pursuing a doctorate in counseling or psychology. He plans to continue to serve in the Turkish Muslim community by leading prayers and Qu”ran studies while at the same time fostering inter-religious understanding.
Each religion has its “own personality, own richness.” Islam teaches that God revealed himself through creation and the holy books, as given to the prophets – Adam, Moses, David, Abraham, Jesus and Muhammed. “According to the Qu”ran, Islam is the last and most completed religion in the sight of God,” Bilgin said. Even so, “As a part of our faith someone should believe that these messengers received the true message from God and they reflected God`s purpose and carried it to human beings in their time,” he said.
The stated purpose of Luther”s Islamic Studies program is to “encourage awareness of the Islamic reality” and to “prepare Christian leaders for meaningful involvement with Muslims.” By attending Luther, Bilgin has provided just such opportunities, for those in as well as outside the Islamic Studies program.
“I have had a wonderful time getting to know Yasir,” said Liz Olson, a student in Luther”s Master of Social Work program. “He has been patient as he teaches me of his faith tradition, from sharing his experiences at morning prayer to enjoying Turkish food together.” The experience has caused her to ask, “How can we as Christians better receive those of varying faiths?”
One cannot find the answer to such a question on Google, but in “meaningful involvement” – involvement that is possible right here at Luther, thanks to Bilgin”s presence.
Tony Ede
Since his early teenage years, Tony Ede has been fascinated with the church, and felt a gentle but insistent call to ministry culminating in his current studies in the Masters of Divinity program at Luther. Tony explains the difference that riveted him to study of the church. “There were farmers, bankers, school teachers and John Deere tractor assemblers who were all a family on Sunday morning, with aunts uncles, brothers and sisters all around. It was different learning than what was happening at school.”
His active awareness of God”s call began when he was in high school in Maynard, Iowa. “It was about my sophomore year that I got a job in a radio station in the next town over. My pastor said, “You know, Tony, you really have a gift for communicating.” My job was to announce the news and the weather and that put gas in my tank ... but because of my previous involvement in church, I began to see how a calling to ministry was coming into play.”
As Tony began looking at college, he had to choose between football and music scholarships, knowing that the two directions would lead to very different careers. “Through lots of discussions with my pastor, I decided music was best for two reasons. First, I couldn’t get my face bashed in playing tuba; and second, only one-third of one percent of college ball players go to the NFL, and I was going to be the smallest guy on the team. But I knew I could play music for the rest of my life.” So Tony attended Waldorf Lutheran College on a tuba scholarship, where he eventually served as chaplain of the wind symphony. It gave him “the opportunity to be a pastor, to care for and preach to my classmates,” he said, adding, “About then I knew that I was going to go to seminary, but there would be lots of rows to hoe.”
The first major 'row” for Tony was learning Greek. “I knew this was going to be tough but I was going to do it!” Tony enlisted the aid of a professor at Waldorf to help him with his Greek language preparation. The tutoring was so successful that Tony says, “I went through Greek class here at Luther with no problems.”
Though Tony was originally very interested in Old Testament scholarship--and even considered becoming a teacher--his calling to parish ministry was confirmed during his first few classes. “I knew for sure then that I wasn’t called to be a scholar. There is so much more to roll around in here at Luther than just the Old Testament. I wanted to be a pastor, to be in a congregation, trying to help the people with all their needs.”
Tony describes his first two years at Luther as a mix of both pleasant surprises and a few uncomfortable speed bumps. “Sometimes in college the “aha” moments were few and far between, but it seems like in every class here at Luther we”ve had moments that are so unexpected, where it”s like ”wow!” And it energizes me as a student every day.” Mixed with these energizing joys was a hard period of transition, as Tony and his wife, Leanne, “graduated from college, got married, moved and started classes all in three months.” Tony appreciated the warmth and unexpected caring of the campus community through the transition. He adds, “(Seminary Pastor) Bob Brusic didn’t know me, but provided a lot of pastoral time for us as we struggled. I was so surprised. I didn’t expect the supportive community we experienced and continue to experience today.”
Meta Herrick
As Luther Seminary”s Health and Wellness Coordinator, Meta Herrick is very excited to blend her passion for social justice, personal health, and love of Lutheran traditions into her Masters of Divinity studies here at Luther Seminary. She says, “It”s easy to get lost in the books and rules and forget about our own spirituality and wellness, healing and wholeness. It”s great for me to have an outlet to remind and encourage the student body to care for themselves.”
Herrick grew up in a small ELCA Lutheran congregation in San Diego for most of her childhood. In this community, “tons of religions, cultures and traditions were represented, and this helped me identify what my own traditions were. Diversity had me asking a lot of those questions from an early age.” After moving with her family to Minnesota, Herrick attended Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, where “religion classes reminded me of my spiritual and cultural curiosity; so I got called, even in high school to investigate that part of me.” She went on to double-major in Women”s Studies and Religion at St. Olaf College. Herrick”s love of diversity is fueled by her appetite for travel: at age 23, she has already studied on every continent of the globe.
Asking questions is a lifelong theme for Herrick. The very church she loves is also a source of tension for her, as the trusted pastor of her cozy childhood congregation in San Diego was later jailed for child molestation. Shocked by this news, Herrick spent her subsequent college years asking, “How can I trust the church?” Nevertheless, her deep attachment to Lutheran theology and her love of the liturgy have coupled with her passion for social justice to bring her to Luther.
Herrick”s call and passion today revolve around studying feminist theology. “When the lectionary excludes so many of the biblical stories of rape and abuse of women, what does this say to such a big group in our culture who can’t escape having experienced stories like these in their own lives?” She adds, “I feel called to work with women who feel oppressed by their religions, or who think religion doesn’t speak to them.” Herrick hopes to eventually work for Global Health Missions or Women in the ELCA, but is quick to add that, “I”ve never been so open to parish ministry as I am now. I realize that every career that I want is a part of being a pastor.” Herrick concludes, “The possibilities are endless.”
Though her primary passion at Luther Seminary is theological, Herrick warmly describes herself at the same time as “a nerd about the liturgy.” She will be traveling to Bangladesh this winter on an independent Cross-Cultural Missions study, where she plans to create a photo documentary of Lutheran worship services. Though not a musician herself, Herrick loves traditional Lutheran worship and cannot wait to study Worship and Church Music next year.
Luther Seminary”s community has delighted Herrick with “diversity in a sense I had never experienced before.” She sees her classmates as “people with families, people who have had several careers, people who have been here part-time for years and people coming back for doctorates. I find it fascinating to study with people who all live together in St. Paul but come from such different experiences and from so many countries.” She adds, “I never get bored with hearing their call stories, I feel like I have so much to learn!”
Herrick summarizes her call at Luther: “I”m really passionate about human rights and social justice issues and I”m excited to work. At the same time, I”m here to learn the Lutheran roots so I can go out and move with the people effectively.”
Amanda Weitzel
Amanda Weitzel wears two hats as a senior Master of Arts student in the Youth and Family program at Luther Seminary. She is both a student and a mentor of students. This is what brought her to Luther Seminary in 2003, and it anchors her learning now.
Amanda described how she decided to go into youth ministry: "I was working after college but didn’t know whether I wanted to apply for law school or get a graduate degree in English to teach at a university, and I was praying all the time about it. Then one night I found a book about a girl who converts to Orthodox Judaism, then Christianity. The last chapter was about listening for God. I read it and said, 'Okay, that's what I'm going to do; I'll just lay off and listen for a little bit.'
"I woke up the next morning with an idea that I should be doing something in youth ministry. That afternoon I got an e-mail from our church, asking for chaperones. My sister looked at me and said, 'We can do that!' So I started out helping with events and chaperoning. The more I did, the more I knew that this was what I was supposed to do; but I also wanted to be good at it, and I had no background in education or youth work."
So Amanda began researching graduate programs. She liked what she found out about Luther. "The first thing that appealed to me was that you do the internship while you”re in classes, so you get paid!" she said. "The minute I got on campus ... I knew this was the right place for me."
The concurrent youth and family internship not only helps pay the bills, it also provides context for her coursework, Amanda said. Moreover, through internship she has discovered a personal theme for her ministry: "We don’t need to be at camp to do great things!"
Amanda appreciates the youth and family ministry faculty at Luther for being so approachable. "We hang out together, we have lunch, we talk about golfing. They are good about being available. Like partners in education, they want you to succeed at what you do."
As Amanda completes her M.A., and the candidacy process for associate in ministry, she finds her call as a youth mentor getting stronger. "Teenagers want to know God and have a relationship; and if nobody helps them figure that out, then they aren’t going to do it!"
Noah Johnson
Spending time with youth and getting to know their lives is how Noah Johnson found his way to Luther Seminary. As a camp counselor at Lake Wapogassett Lutheran Bible Camp Johnson enjoyed, “finding hope in the youth”s lives, and sharing where I find my hope: in Jesus Christ.”
Currently, Johnson is master of divinity student at Luther Seminary, with a concentration in children, youth and family ministry, and a youth director at Salem Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis. As a student he loves his professors. “I don’t think I”ve ever had better profs. When I go to a new class, and I think it can’t get better, it often does,” Johnson said. As a youth director Johnson finds joy in sharing what he learns in class. “Being a youth director is stellar! I can learn about the Trinity that day and share it with my youth group that night.”
His two favorite classes so far have been Jesus the Savior, to which he adds, “The title says it all. Anytime you start with Jesus you can’t go wrong.” He also enjoyed Hebrew with professor Throntveit.
Through his classes, work as a youth director and life, Johnson says he has learned a lot. He is excited to continue working within ministry and proclaiming the love of Jesus. Working with kids, the youth, and the family are his favorite parts of ministry. “I love walking with them through their ups and downs in life.”
Besides studying and working, Johnson is writing a children”s book and is the self-proclaimed foosball champion and social coordinator of Bockman Hall. Signing off Johnson would like to say, “Luther Rocks! The seminary and the theologian.”
Nicholas Barootian
Nicholas Barootian has firsthand understanding of music”s complex role in contemporary parish ministry.
Nicholas graduated from Carthage College with a double major in music and religion in 2002. Though everybody around him was picking majors based on what they wanted to do for the rest of their lives, Nicholas majored in music and religion because he enjoyed them, “trusting that they would go somewhere.” After college Nicholas studied choral conducting at Boston University for a year, then changed direction to join a Lutheran Youth Encounter music and youth ministry team that traveled the Southwestern United States visiting churches, nursing homes and detention centers to lead worship and perform contemporary Christian music. He describes integrating this contemporary worship with his more traditional musical background as a 'real growing experience.”
On the ministry team, Nick felt a strong external call to attend seminary as “people kept talking to me saying, 'Hey you should be a pastor.”” He adds, “The internal call has always been a part of me, but hearing it from other people is what really convinced me to come to seminary now.” Nick says that worship is one of his favorite parts of ministry, but wants to do more than music alone. “A big part of my call and discernment recently was realizing that I didn’t like feeling limited to music as my only ministry.”
One of his favorite classes is Pentateuch with Terry Fretheim, whom he says, “has an amazing ability to manage the classroom to effectively facilitate discussion.” Nicholas also enjoys Walter Sundberg”s clarity in communication and his “tendency to break into preaching” in the midst of lecture in his Ancient Church History class.
Nicholas has never been too nervous about his future. As he trusted his undergraduate degrees to lead him somewhere, he trusts God with his calling after graduation. “Lots of things seem like possibilities. I”ll probably be in parish ministry as a pastor or perhaps as a worship pastor, or even as a minister of music.” Nicholas doesn’t feel a need to specify right now; he”d rather get to his studies.