Gail Kenny
she/her
Master of Divinity
What is your favorite memory of your time at LSTC?
I began seminary online in fall 2020, during the pandemic. So, it was with a sense of relief and reconnection when I could wade through the water in the baptismal font in the LSTC 55th Street building chapel in fall 2022.
What was the most meaningful class you took?
Future of Creation with Drs. Ben Stewart and Gayle Woloschak. It gave me a solid foundation in how to talk with people about climate change from various theological perspectives. The simple fact is, we have reached the point of no return, but we can mitigate the damage we are doing to 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 supported by classmates, professors and staff, as well as my own family, friends and mentors. I was blessed with the support of my husband every step of the way, even when we had to live apart for five months between my summer 2022 CPE and selling our home in November 2022. I wrote prayer partner updates about once a quarter to family and friends throughout my seminary journey. I would not have been able to attend seminary without a full-tuition scholarship from LSTC.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I was called as pastor and began serving Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Iola, WI, in March.
How did LSTC shape you as a future leader of the public church?
The entire Master of Divinity program is built to shape graduates to be public theologians, advocating for the good news of Jesus Christ in our church, community, nation, and world. When many people are frustrated with the way Christians act today, my time at LSTC gave me the tools to teach justice, mercy, advocacy, hospitality, equity, and other concepts that are the ways we put our love of neighbor into action.
