This fall, we’ll welcome an exciting group of new leaders to campus. The energy these new students bring is refreshing. We’ll also welcome back our interns. These students return to Luther Seminary after a year of applying what they learned in the classroom to hands-on ministry. They truly embody our strategic plan’s first goal of transforming leaders.
These students have life- and ministry-changing experiences on internship. One example is Kate Knutson of Richfield, Minn. She is pursuing her M.Div. degree with a concentration in children, youth and family ministry.
“I didn’t expect the wide variety of opportunities I would have,” Knutson says of her internship experience at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in North St. Paul. “My two pastors were willing and ready to learn with me. I was able to experiment with different types of worship, provide pastoral care in many settings, work with youth, help with administration tasks, seek outreach opportunities and learn to love preaching. A year ago I was nervous and uncertain about many things, but now I feel more confident and prepared to lead. Internship truly is transformational and monumental.
“On my first day I felt at home at St. Mark’s. The people were so welcoming, so full of grace, and so willing to walk with me as I walked with them. The days where people unexpectedly dropped by to chat were the days that I learned the most. I realized that everyone just needs someone to listen to them, love them and remind them in a gentle way that God is, and will always be, with them.
“My advice for others pursuing their internships is to do everything! I learned that if I got out of God’s way, showed up and let the Holy Spirit guide me, everything would fall into place. Talk to your supervisor and the other staff. Communicate. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Don’t be afraid to dive right in because that is the best way to learn. Love the people. Have the courage to do the hard stuff. Take care of yourself. The year will go fast and you will grow in ways that you don’t even know right now. Embrace it, enjoy it and allow yourself to lean into your call.”
I continue to be inspired by the rich experiences our students have at internship sites across the country. We are eager to welcome them back, to continue their learning as well as to teach us about ministry in God’s church and world.