From executive recruiter to seminary student… Two years after moving to Sioux Falls, Denise and her husband, Bill, both sensed that she was being “called” out of her professional consulting business and into vocational ministry. 

For the past 20 years Denise had worked as an executive recruiter for several large architectural design firms.   For many reasons it was not feasible to move to attend a Lutheran seminary.  Now what? With a little networking she found several Lutheran “second-career” pastors and chaplains in Sioux Falls who had traveled an arduous path of seminary studies through a combination of Sioux Falls Seminary and Luther and/or Wartburg Seminaries. It could be done. But what was most surprising to learn was that the Luther House of Study was a means of facilitating such a journey for students that are also tied geographically to this area, and who would not otherwise attend seminary.  According to Denise, both she and Bill  “felt as though it was a God- given bridge for us as well as others who will receive future calls from ELCA congregations.  It is quite exciting to be participating in the early years of LHOS.”

Q:  What do you most appreciate about being a student at LHOS?

A:  Entering seminary studies is a challenging and yet rewarding venture. I am so thankful for the intimate community of LHOS students, the hands-on teaching community of SFS and a well-balanced curriculum which incorporates Lutheran seminary classes on-line. I also appreciate Dr. Croghan’s mentoring and teaching.

 
Q:  What advice would you give people considering becoming a LHOS student?

A:  Take one of the LHOS classes, get to know fellow LHOS students through frequent “round table” type discussions and experience a very personal learning environment that just may change… everything.