May 19, 2025
An Interview with Professor Sarah Stenson
Kairos Affiliate Professor; CEO, Luther House of Study
What inspired you to pursue your field of study?
My journey has taken me through corporate law, family life, and proclaiming the gospel, and I’m passionate about each of these areas. After earning my J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, I practiced as a corporate attorney at Honeywell Inc. and Kmart Corp. headquarters. However, life took a different turn when I became a stay-at-home mother.
That shift in priorities also deepened my faith and led me toward theological education and ministry. I’ve been involved with the Luther House of Study (LHOS) since its inception, dedicated to teaching and preparing pastors. My calling is centered on ensuring that those who stand in the pulpit are well-equipped to proclaim the Gospel.
How did your academic journey lead you to Kairos University?
My work with LHOS has always been focused on raising up Lutheran pastors who are rooted in the proclamation of Law and Gospel. That mission naturally aligned with Kairos University’s vision for accessible, high-quality theological education.
LHOS has always emphasized pastoral care and sound theological training, not for the sake of academic excellence alone but because right doctrine serves the purpose of pointing people to Christ and His forgiveness. This is a critical aspect of my teaching and leadership—holding fast to the distinction between Law and Gospel while remaining deeply engaged with people and their faith communities.
What excites you most about your discipline?
Luther once said, “Love yields all, faith yields nothing.” That statement has been foundational for LHOS. Our work is not about clinging to doctrinal purity for its own sake but about ensuring that everything we do serves the preaching of Christ’s forgiveness. It’s easy to become wrapped up in theological debates and forget the purpose behind them: to proclaim the good news of Jesus. That is what excites me—helping form pastors and leaders who will faithfully deliver this message to their congregations.
It’s been remarkable to see the growth of LHOS, from just Chris [Croghan] and me in the beginning to a strong team of faculty and students who share the same heart for this mission. The expansion of LHOS means that more pulpits are being filled with pastors trained to preach Christ crucified. That is deeply humbling and incredibly rewarding.
What books, theologians, or resources have influenced your work the most?
Martin Luther’s writings have been central to my work, especially his clear emphasis on the Law-Gospel distinction. His teachings remind me that theology is not about intellectual debate but about delivering the Gospel to real people who need to hear it.
Beyond Luther, I have been shaped by the broader Lutheran tradition and by engaging with pastors and congregations who wrestle with these teachings in their daily ministry. Theology is never abstract—it’s always connected to the lived reality of faith communities.
What do you hope students take away from your teaching?
I want students to walk away with a deep understanding of the Law-Gospel distinction and the confidence to proclaim Christ without hesitation. There is a great temptation to focus on theological precision for its own sake or to get caught up in institutional concerns. But at the end of the day, what matters is whether pastors are faithfully preaching the Gospel.
My hope is that students will not only gain theological knowledge but also a heart for serving the people in their congregations. Ministry is not about defending an institution or engaging in academic debates—it’s about proclaiming Christ’s forgiveness. That’s what I want every student to take with them into their future ministries.
Final Thoughts
Professor Stenson’s insights challenge us to think deeply about how the Bible is understood across different cultures and learning styles. Stay tuned for more conversations with our faculty as we explore their unique passions and contributions to theological education.
Thank you for joining this conversation! Stay tuned for our next faculty interview as we continue exploring the stories, passions, and insights of those shaping theological education.