Fall 2024 Incoming Students

I’m excited to join the back-to-school season, even if I’m a bit late to the party. I’ve been living in and around New York City for quite a while, although I grew up on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio. I moved to New York to pursue acting, which I did for nearly 20 years. My roles ranged from the lead in Zombie Nightmare to acting in King Lear on Broadway. Later, I got into writing plays in coffee shops. I was in them so often that I decided to open my own spot—a large basement café on Broadway called COFFEELOUNGE with the tagline, “In search of higher grounds.” I consider myself still searching for higher grounds. This venture eventually evolved into a nightclub called The Underground, which I owned for almost 24 years before it had to close due to COVID. Now, I’m at a crossroads, reflecting on where God believes is best to serve his glory. I’ve been part of a small, transformative church for the past several years, which has had a significant impact on me. I feel that God is leading me into this new chapter—encouraging me to “walk in faith,” even if that journey involves some stumbling, all with his amply supplied grace.

My husband Trevor and I have been married for 16 years and have five kids, ages ranging from 13 to 3. I earned a B.A. in Music and in Biblical Studies from Trinity Bible College, and my M.A. in Theological Studies from Liberty University. I’m a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God. I’ve served over 15 years as a worship and creative pastor in a few different churches and a para-church organization called Bridging the Gap. I also teach Bible/Theology courses with a program called MNSOM. I’m planning on pursuing a Ph.D. in a few years when my youngest starts school. In the meantime, I’m trying to get clear on exactly what I want to research, either continuing down the Bible/Theology lane or making a pivot into Psychology. Taking biblical language classes starting this fall at LBS is part of that discernment process for me, as well as a prerequisite for at least one of the routes I may take.

I will be attending on-campus classes this fall. I am married to Dan Lawson and we have four children, ages 10-16. We have lived in Fergus Falls for the past 17 years. I graduated in 2005 from Minnesota State University of Moorhead, MN, earning my B.S. in Art Education and Ceramics. For the past 16 years I have been at home raising our children and running my small pottery business. My purpose in taking graduate courses is to deepen my understanding of the historical context of the Bible and how it relates to today, along with the study of root languages in order to someday write women’s Bible study materials for the Lutheran Brethren churches. I enjoy traveling, gardening and spending time with my family.

I am currently an associate Pastor, serving at East Kootenay Lutheran Parish, in British Columbia, Canada. I grew up in Camrose, Alberta, and now live in Cranbrook, BC. I graduated from the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute with a Bachelor’s in Parish and Young Adult ministries in 2022. I am now looking toward getting my Masters of Divinity. I will be taking a part-time class load as a student because I will also be working full-time as a pastor. I’m not sure how this will all turn out, but I’m willing to give it a shot and just see what happens. I pray God blesses everyone with safe travels and his joy and peace as we start the new school year together.

I grew up in Fergus Falls, graduating from Minnesota State Community and Technical College, and have taken a few classes at Minnesota State University Moorhead where I currently live. I have had the privilege of serving at Inspiration Point Christian Camp & Retreat Center for several summers where I first felt God’s call to me to pursue full-time ministry. I currently work as the PM Kitchen Assistant Director at Chick-Fil-A.

While I am attending seminary with the purpose to prepare for the role of pastor, I also want to keep my options open to see if there are any other variations of full-time ministry that I find my skill set and gifts would lend themselves more towards. I am definitely looking forward to this experience and what God has planned for the next few years!