Excerpts from Ms. Karen Stetins Biography

2008/09 Grace Intern Pastor

Hello! My name is Karen Stetins. I have been an active Lutheran all of my adult life. In the Lutheran tradition I have found the true meaning of grace. My faith community has always been a blessed support for me in times of difficulty and joy and a place where I can use my gifts in service to others.

I grew up in Chicago, where I also spent most of my adult life. I have been blessed with two wonderful sons, Adam (25) and Ryan (24), who live in California & Nevada (respectively). They are both in college pursuing their dreams.

I am a second career seminarian; however, I have worked professionally in the Church for the last 19 years. I have been aware of God calling me to ordained ministry for a long time, but used family responsibilities, lack of time, and lack of finances as excuses to postpone answering the call…While the years of professional ministry have been a blessing in my life, I have always known God was calling me to a different role in the church. The years of ministry have been an opportunity for me to get to know the many aspects of ministry—its joys and pitfalls. Through it all, I have come to love the Church in all its expressions more profoundly…

I am a firm believer in God’s presence in every aspect of our lives and feel passionate about relationships in which I can bring that gift to others. I all the experiences of my life, ups and downs, I have been able to look back and see God at work. Through this awareness, I have come to recognize how truly blessed I am—even if the world around me may not see it that way. It is also with this awareness that I am able to respond with generosity.

I look forward to internship and the opportunity to learn from the community of faith more about what it is they need and want in a pastor and how my gifts and skills might meet those needs. I believe I am called to the whole Church and trust that the Spirit is at work in the process of assigning Internship sites. I know that wherever God is calling me to serve will be a place where God is at work, where I can learn and develop my pastoral leadership.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.