Nathan Houstin
he/him/his
MDiv
What is your favorite memory of your time at LSTC?
I vividly remember my first semester at LSTC in the fall of 2019. As a new incoming student, I found a community in the LRWC where many international students would gather. Celebrating life together with weekly potlucks on Fridays with foods from all over the world, dancing to the beats of music from people’s countries of origin, and enjoying the company of so many wonderful peers and friends was an unexpected and yet beautiful experience.
What was the most meaningful class you took?
The most meaningful class I took was the graduate seminar on 1. Corinthians taught by Dr. Eunyung Lim. It truly fueled my curiosity and passion for New testament studies and allowed me to do some research that has been very helpful in my pursuit of further graduate studies.
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 lucky to receive the full-tuition ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship. In addition, I received a housing scholarship from LSTC which covered most of my housing costs. My home congregation (Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, WI) also supported me financially with yearly scholarships. To support myself financially, I also worked as a teaching assistant for three LSTC classes, as a learning partner in the LRWC, and as a respiratory care practitioner at the UChicago hospital.
What are your post-graduation plans?
This fall, I will be starting my PhD in Theology (New Testament and Early Christianity) at Loyola University Chicago. I received a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching fellowship for the next five years. I am also open to future opportunities for a part-time call to pursue my work in congregational ministry. For now, I will also continue to work as a respiratory care practitioner at Resurrection Medical Center.
How did LSTC shape you as a future leader of the public church?
Taking many classes at other ACTS school truly helped me to deepen my understanding of other Christian and faith traditions. This motivated me to pursue ecumenical work, especially at my internship site and for my internship project. I felt prepared to build bridges with siblings and colleagues from various denominations to unite in our efforts to do God’s work in the world.
