Mandy Oleson
Age: 30
Hometown: Lima, Ohio
Home congregation: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
Undergraduate study: Bachelor of Arts in history, Wittenberg University
Degree program: Master of Divinity

“Trinity cares about the overall development of students as faithful people. The seminary is concerned with incorporating faith into all we do.”

Mandy went to London in 2005 to attend graduate school. Over the next three years she did a lot of soul searching while worshipping with a Lutheran congregation in London. She attended a vibrant and diverse church with members representing 30 different nationalities. She was called through them and through the pastor who “walked with her” during this time. At the start of the Lenten season her pastor asked, “Have you ever considered being a pastor?” She couldn’t respond at first, but by Easter Sunday the answer was clear.

She looks forward to internship and life in a congregation again, and to the opportunity to walk with people through their own journeys in life and faith. “I have a passion for the church—as people of God and community. It is among the gathered faithful where God has promised to meet us,” she said.

“Trinity cares about the overall development of students as faithful people. The seminary is concerned with incorporating faith into all we do.”