Kylee Bestenlehner
she/her
Master of Divinity
What is your favorite memory of your time at LSTC?
So many! Getting to celebrate fellow classmates, Wu Mee and Rajiv’s wedding and the yearly prom that started in 2023.
What was the most meaningful class you took?
The classes at LSTC really built well upon one another to form the faith leader that I am today. Church history classes connected me with the saints, Jesus within Judaism opened my eyes to the culture context of the gospels we hold so dear, and the public church curriculum gave me the language to better articulate my baptismal call to “strive for justice and peace in all the earth.”
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 was a recipient of the Fund for Leaders scholarship, as well as a Public Church Fellow. These scholarships and grants for real world experiences gave me the opportunity to attend seminary for free, without the burden of taking out more student loans. It was through the financial and emotional support I received from the church, staff and faculty, and my colleagues, that I felt the love of God assuring me I was right where I was supposed to be.
What are your post-graduation plans?
To seek a call as a parish pastor in the ELCA.
How did LSTC shape you as a future leader of the public church?
I believe LSTC did an excellent job at shaping me for life in public ministry. Pastor is not just one thing. I’m a preacher, teacher, caregiver, community organizer, administrator, activist, and lifelong learner. LSTC helped prepare me to be all these things.
