Greg Kaufmann Returns to LSTC’s Board: A Vision for Accessible, Lifelong Theological Education

When Greg Kaufmann MDiv ‘77 says he’s deeply rooted in both ministry and education, he means it. Over a decades-long career, Kaufmann has served as a pastor, educator, lay leader, innovator, and consultant. Now, as he returns to LSTC’s Board of Directors for a second term of service, he brings not just a lifetime of experience, but a vision for theological education that is both accessible and transformative for the church—and for the world beyond.

A Legacy of Leadership and Learning

Greg Kaufmann’s connection to LSTC began before he ever set foot on campus.

As a freshman in the now-legendary Seminex class that helped reshape the landscape of theological education, Kaufmann witnessed firsthand what it meant for an institution to stand in the gap for displaced learners. When faculty and students needed a new home, LSTC opened its doors. Kaufmann never forgot it.

Now, he returns for the second time to LSTC’s Board of Directors—bringing with him a career’s worth of experience in education, ministry, and innovative online learning. “I’ve always been deeply rooted in the teaching side of ministry,” he shared. “My reading of the Great Commission makes it clear: forming disciples requires both worship and education. You can’t have one without the other.”

Kaufmann has long championed theological education for both rostered and lay leaders. As a leader in initiatives like Select Learning and the ELCA’s Life of Faith Initiative and as co-founder of the lay school of ministry in his synod, he’s spent decades making theological content more accessible, more practical, and more transformative. He’s also been at the forefront of digital delivery. In fact, he served as Director of Fisher’s Net Select—an early online learning platform formed by the merger of The Fisher’s Net and Select Learning. Under his leadership, the platform supported 36 seminaries in delivering digital content to learners across the country.

Kaufmann’s commitment to education is also woven through his work teaching in lay ministry settings. Kaufmann believes learning should not be confined to the classroom or to traditional ministry paths. As he says, “If we can equip the baptized to live out their faith confidently—in their homes, workplaces, communities—we can change the world.”

Championing Digital and Distance Learning: Project Starling and Beyond

Kaufmann is quick to recognize how much the landscape of theological education has changed, making him an enthusiastic supporter of LSTC’s new Project Starling initiative—a move he sees as both bold and necessary.

“Project Starling is asking the whole LSTC community to reimagine how we serve our learners,” Kaufmann explains. “It’s not just about technology, but about meeting people where they are—whether that’s a doctoral student on campus, or a lay leader in rural Montana logging in after work. Our responsibility is to make sure every learner, in every context, has a seamless, meaningful experience.”

He challenges LSTC—at every level—to put the learner first. “Imagine if, whenever a decision needs to be made—by the Board, the faculty, the administration—the first question is always, ‘How will this benefit the learner?’ That’s the shift I hope we can achieve.”

Navigating Change with Courage and Purpose

Kaufmann’s willingness to confront tough challenges head-on earned him LSTC’s Distinguished Service Award in 2021. He knows the road ahead will require courage and faith—especially in an era when higher education, the church, and seminaries like LSTC face profound questions about identity, sustainability, and purpose.

“It’s never been easy to prepare leaders for the church,” he says, “but the present moment is unique. We have to ask: Do we have the right structure, the right programs, the right relationships—both within LSTC and across the wider network of seminaries?”

Kaufmann believes that LSTC’s future depends on collaboration, boldness, and a willingness to break down silos—for the sake of learners and for the mission of the church. “If I could wave a magic wand,” he says, “I’d get rid of every unnecessary silo—on our Board, among our seminaries, everywhere.” After all, our mission is too important for anything less.

A Return Rooted in Hope

As he steps back onto the Board for a new term of service, Kaufmann’s excitement is palpable. “I’m blown away by the skills and passion I see in my fellow Board members. If we can harness that wisdom, and keep the learner at the center, we’ll be able to navigate whatever comes next.”

For the LSTC community facing uncertainty and change, Kaufmann offers a simple but profound piece of advice: “Trust the promise. Bet your life on it. Live as if God’s presence and purpose are enough—and they will become enough.”

With leaders like Kaufmann returning to guide the way, LSTC is poised to continue shaping theological education that is bold, accessible, and grounded in faith—for all who seek it.