Katie Linthicum
she/her
Master of Divinity
What is your favorite memory of your time at LSTC?
My favorite memory at LSTC was travelling to Holden Village during J-Term in 2022 with Dr. Stewart. The most memorable part was each morning when we sang the Matins service at the top of Chalet Hill, watching the sun rise higher and higher behind the mountains. Because I started seminary in the fall of 2020, I wasn’t able to build relationships with most of my classmates in the way that I had hoped, but traveling to Holden bonded our small group together in a way that I will treasure forever.
What was the most meaningful class you took?
One of the most meaningful classes that I took at LSTC was Emotions, Justice, and the Church with Dr. Wickware. Thinking about the ways that emotions intersect with both interpersonal relationships within the church as well as with the institution as a whole was fascinating and has impacted the way that I view and attend to emotions in my own life and ministerial context.
How did you feel supported during your seminary journey? Were you the recipient of any major scholarships? What communities or people uplifted you during your studies?
I could not have made it through the last few years without the support of so many people, particularly my family, friends, peers at LSTC and from my undergrad at Wartburg College, my home congregation: St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Urbandale, Iowa, and the many professors and pastors who have accompanied me through my education. I am also grateful to have received the ELCA Fund for Leaders full-tuition scholarship, the Southeastern Iowa Synod Fund for Leaders scholarship, and the opportunity to be a Public Church Fellow at LSTC.
What are your post-graduation plans?
LSTC blessed me with a wonderful partner and fiancé, Eric Jensen, and after graduation we both hope to find calls within congregational ministry. In the shorter term, I plan on finishing up my internship in the Boston area, soaking in all that New England has to offer before jumping into first call.
How did LSTC shape you as a future leader of the public church?
LSTC has given me many tools and opportunities to become a leader in the public church. During each step of my seminary journey, I have been pushed to follow God’s call not just for myself, but also for the whole church. LSTC has taught me to be flexible, creative, and resilient in my life and ministry and maybe most importantly, LSTC has taught me that I will never do this work alone.
