Jacqueline Miller
she/her
Master of Divinity
What is your favorite memory of your time at LSTC?
I will especially remember the community of welcome, love, and authenticity in student housing. To share one particular memory: The first time another LSTC student invited me to anything, it was the week before orientation when Olivia—who I had only just been introduced to very briefly—invited me to dinner by shouting from a neighboring stairwell. She pointed out her back door, and I came at the time she said. She poured me a bowl of soup as I came through the door and invited me to sit in the living room. I sat down next to someone I didn’t know, though he quickly introduced himself as Juan Manuel Arias-Perea. We then had an extremely brief conversation that progressed like this: “What’s your name? When did you move in? Do you affirm LGBTQ people?” Before I could swallow my soup to say something worthwhile, Olivia did not miss a beat as she yelled from the kitchen, “Well, she’d better! She’s eating my food.”
What was the most meaningful class you took?
While this may be recency bias, I think the singular most meaningful class I’ve taken is Ministry of Administration. It was very helpful to have such practical guidance on leadership in a congregational context, and the material on the inner life of a leader was especially meaningful for me.
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 have been financially supported by LSTC, the Greater Milwaukee Synod, my home congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kenosha, and my family. I’m especially grateful for the student community here and the many wonderful faculty members who’ve encouraged and supported me the last few years.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be starting a PhD in liturgical studies in the fall! I remain endorsed and plan to pursue internship and Word and Sacrament ordination once I am settled into a PhD program.
How did LSTC shape you as a future leader of the public church?
The lesson I’m most taking from my time at LSTC is that justice starts at home—we need to cultivate a culture of trust and integrity within our faith communities if we hope to challenge those communities to reach beyond their conventional walls.
