his name and try to help new ministers man- age the cost of attending seminary,” he said. While at seminary, Montgomery and
‘These [donors] are
Schmidt gained insight into ordained min- istry through academic courses and intern- ship opportunities that took them overseas to Slovakia. Montgomery served her intern- ship year at an international congregation while Schmidt taught religion at a Slovak high school. “We experienced firsthand what an international congre-
gation is like,” Montgomery said. “It was great to see how the church—and how God—was at work in the Slovak culture.” Montgomery and Schmidt currently reside in Minot,
N.D., where she is a pastor of Bread of Life Lutheran Church and he serves Lutheran Campus Ministry at Minot State University. After four years in the area, the two said they have developed a strong sense of purpose. “The congregation has a heart for outreach in their
passionate Lutherans investing in some-
thing they believe in. This is God’s work,
and they want to be a part of it.’
imagine what God is doing in our midst —both in the congregation and the community.” Like his wife, Schmidt also feels called
to help his students understand their individual and communal identities. “My vocation is to help students recognize their God-given gifts and talents—within their communities, relationships, work and careers,” he said.
As a family of three, Montgomery and Schmidt said
they are deeply grateful for the paths that led them to each other, to seminary and to ordained ministry. And with a baby on the way, the couple is eager to continue nurturing the church to meet tomor- row’s needs.
DNA,” Montgomery said. “I feel called to help the church MASTER OF DIVINITY | MASTER OF ARTS | DOCTOR OF MINISTRY | MASTER OF THEOLOGY
Author bio: Clark is a senior writer and associate director of public affairs at Valparaiso (Ind.) University.
Watch Kristofer’s story!
FUTURE CHURCH LEADER Share Luther Seminary with a
For M.Div. student Kristofer Coffman, multiple paths in his life led him to seminary. By completing his degree at Luther Seminary, he honors a family legacy while pursuing his passion for rural ministry. Here, he will get the hands-on experience and classroom training that will help him be a true leader in the church.
Do you know someone looking to further their unique gifts for ministry? Tell them how they can nurture their hearts and minds at Luther Seminary in order to proclaim God’s love in new and exciting ways.
luthersem.edu/TL | 1-800-LUTHER3 AD1029-15 The Lutheran Ad November (Kris).indd 1 November 2015 47 9/10/2015 2:11:09 PM
ELCA/BRETT NELSON
AD1029-15
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