Enrollment Team

Luke Bentz

Hometown: Fort Wayne, Ind.

Background: “I attended Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich., where I received a bachelor’s in social studies with a minor in biblical languages. While there, I participated in cross country, track and a pre-seminary church internship program at Peace Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor.”

Highlight from Seminary: “My favorite part of Seminary is getting the opportunity to learn more about God and how to shepherd His people within a great community.”

Advice for prospective students: “Talk to people around you whom you trust.”

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Benjamin Brenner

Hometown: Saginaw, Mich.

Background: “I went to Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich. I was an English major with a biblical language minor. While at CUAA, I interned at a church called Family of God. This church was in inner-city Detroit and served the homeless/drug addicted.”

Highlight from Seminary: “So far, my favorite part of Seminary is learning from all the professors who are so passionate about their topics of study alongside the wonderful community on campus. This experience to do life with all these future pastors is such a rare gift and I am so blessed to do life with them all.”

Advice for prospective students: “Read your Bible daily. It doesn’t have to be a lot but God’s Word is going to keep you going when you feel like you can’t, and it will remind you of our “Why” – Jesus. Also pray daily and seek to do God’s will no matter what — even if it doesn’t make sense — like uprooting your entire family to take a step of faith. God always provides where He is calling you even if we can’t see it until we get there.”

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Kurtis Hankemeier

Hometown: Giddings, Texas

Background: “After graduating from the Concordia system, I served the church as a Director of Christian Education (DCE) for eight years. After leaving full-time ministry, I continued to serve my home congregation as an elder and helped with youth ministry. Youth gatherings have been influential in my formation and passion. I am blessed to have been part of nine gatherings.”

Highlight from Seminary: “My favorite part of Seminary is the community. I have built amazing friendships with other seminarians and deaconesses. We are truly a family here.”

Advice for prospective students: “Not to be cliché, but just do it. God continues to call those that do not have it all together. Having left ministry years ago to have a second career, God continued to call me back into ministry. A person can put off following the “nudges of God,” but He will always direct your path of where you need to be. Be open, just do it.”

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Sofia van Hattem

Hometown: Antwerp, Belgium / St. Louis, Mo.

Background: “I grew up as a PK (preacher’s kid) in our sister church in Belgium. Theology and especially mercy work has always been a huge passion of mine. It has been a huge blessing to be here at the Seminary and I look forward to serving the church and its people more.”

Highlight from Seminary: “The community. Seminary is like a family to me. I couldn’t imagine a better place to study God’s word.”

Advice for prospective students: “Spend time in prayer. Talk to people around you. They might have some wisdom and personal experience. Come visit the Seminary!”

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Nathan Hoft

Hometown: Park View, Iowa

Background: “I grew up in LCMS Iowa District East as a pastor’s kid. I went to a public school and later graduated from Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, in communications and religious education. I worked at a Lutheran summer camp for 3 years and did an internship at Concordia Publishing House (CPH) for a summer. After graduating, I worked for a year as an interim youth director and a confirmation teacher for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Seward, Neb.”

Highlight from Seminary: “So far, the community has been incredible — meeting people who I already understand a lot because of their desire for the ministry. It’s just wonderful to be surrounded by the church every single day and being around so many wise professors and people in Lutheran circles. I have so much to learn and talk to people about.”

Advice for prospective students: “If you are feeling under qualified, that is good. That is a good attitude. If you search the Scriptures, you will find that God uses the most unlikely instruments for His perfect purposes because He is in control. Stay humble, check your heart and realize you have a lot to learn (which is a huge blessing). Church work is a joy and worth your energy.”

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Harrison Hulse

Hometown: Apex, N.C.

Background: “I studied in the pre-seminary program at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, from 2020-24, During that time, I delighted in learning about Lutheran theology, Greek and Hebrew while serving my peers through vibrant campus ministry programs.”

Highlight from Seminary: “I love our incredible professors! They all craft wonderful lessons to teach us how to handle the promises of God in Scripture and life. Most importantly, though, our professors remain pastors in the classroom and truly care about us as we are formed by God’s Word each day.”

Advice for prospective students: “You are not heading into a solo vocation, At the Seminary, you will discover a community of believers who will love and support you as you prepare for future ministry work.”

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William Jackson

Hometown: Oklahoma City, Okla.

Background: “I have spent the last 12 years working full time in outdoor ministry across the United States — working full time in Texas and Wisconsin and interning in Indiana. I spent my summers in Oklahoma. My undergrad was in kinesiology with an emphasis on outdoor and community recreation, and I have a master’s in religion from Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill.”

Highlight from Seminary: “My favorite part of Seminary has been making connections not only with other seminarians but also faculty and guests that have come onto campus. Also, St. Louis is great for my family. There are so many fun things to do.”

Advice for prospective students: “Be patient and listen for the whispers.”

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Eleanor Mroczenski

Hometown: Wausau, Wis.

Background: “I recently graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, with a degree in secondary science education and a theology minor. Over the past few years, I have worked in youth ministry through seasonal work at Camp Luther Wisconsin and at an LCMS child development center in Fairbanks, Alaska.”

Highlight from Seminary: “My favorite part of the Seminary is the welcoming community. There is so much joy as we gather in fellowship, whether through daily chapel or campus cookouts!”

Advice for prospective students: “Dig into what God is calling you towards through prayer and the scriptures. Learn as much as you can about the opportunity, and then lay it before the Lord.”

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Daniel Oberdieck

Hometown: Lanesville, Ind.

Background: “I most recently I served as a Director of Christian Education intern in Orchard Park, N.Y., just south of Buffalo. I have two summers of experience within the Lutheran camp system, and three years of experience in the student life office of Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward.”

Highlight from Seminary: “I love getting to dive deeper into the word of God with so many wonderful friends and role models.”

Advice for prospective students: “God will use you wherever you want to serve! Serving in the church happens to be a fulfilling, worthwhile and needful vocation. Talk about eternal impact.”

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Alexander Uttley

Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.

Background: “I’m from St. Louis. I went to Lutheran High School and Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon.”

Highlight from Seminary: “Community and classes.”

Advice for prospective students: “Talk to a current church worker and attend events for prospective church workers.”

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