New Students, Fall 2006

Christoph Schmidt

I'M A CHILD OF GOD AND A CRADLE LUTHERAN, and have spent most of my childhood in churches. My father is an ELCA pastor, my mother a church musician and worship planner. Growing up in the church exposed me to the beautiful joys, struggles, and sorrows that clothe the Body of Christ -- and it taught me the meaning of Christian hospitality. All along, the church was a source of encouragement and formation -- a place that was preparing me for future ministry in Word and Sacrament.

Like most pastors' kids, however, I needed to spend some time avoiding the church and my call to ministry. Most recently, I served as a youth director for Lutheran Youth of North Seattle, a non-profit youth ministry cooperative of ten Seattle congregations. Working with these youth was a privilege, challenge, and joy, and it has affirmed my call to pursue seminary study.

I chose to attend LTSP for its academic tradition and strong sense of community. Having lived in several intentional Christian communities, I knew what kind of environment I was looking for -- one with a commitment to meaningful worship, shared meals, and opportunities for diverse fellowship. I have found all three here in Philadelphia. The professors are topnotch and passionate about what they do, and they make a real effort to get to know their students. Fellow students work to create a climate of cooperation and support. Seminary buildings support learning with both beauty and function, and are staffed by dedicated and faithful employees.