As an intern at Como Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn., John Klawiter is already giving back to the church. Midway through the year, Klawiter, a Master of Divinity student, says he has found internship to be a great place to try new ways to do ministry.<\/p>\n
“As an intern you’re growing, but also giving to the congregation. You give of yourself for that year to really help ministry happen,” he said.<\/p>\n
For Klawiter, making ministry happen has meant meeting people where they are—ranging from a Theology on Tap ministry for young adults to a weekly men’s Bible-study breakfast with a group that is mostly of retirement age.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s really important for people to know they are loved and they can have a place where they can express that,” he said.<\/p>\n
Through his internship, Klawiter has found affirmation in his call to be a pastor. However, he humbly acknowledges that with a wife and three young children, attending seminary wouldn’t be possible for him without generous scholarship support.<\/p>\n
“Without scholarships, it would be really difficult for me. I still have to take out quite a bit of financial aid; that covers the bare minimum,” Klawiter said. “Scholarship support has been critical to help me pay for classes and books. … When I had a full-time job (before attending seminary), I was able to provide for our family. Scholarship support has been critical to supplement our income so we can get through.”<\/p>\n
While serving at Como Park Lutheran, Klawiter is already working to pay the generosity of others forward.<\/p>\n
“The gifts that donors have given me through scholarships are already being reinvested back into the congregation and the church at large. Everything I do is to further support the mission that inspires the donors who have supported me to give.”<\/p>\n