March 2, 2026
Meet Shan
Master of Arts in Educational Ministries, North American Baptist Seminary; Doctor of Ministry, Kairos University
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Director of Mobilization, North American Baptist Conference; Kairos Affiliate Professor; Served 25 years in the mission field.
We asked Shan a few questions to learn more about her journey at Kairos. Here is what we discovered.
What led you to Kairos University?
I grew up in South Dakota near North American Baptist Seminary and attended a North American Baptist Church. Our church had a close relationship with the seminary and often had professors or students as guest preachers. My father was on the seminary board for many years and, as a university professor who used technology in the classroom, he was excited about how Sioux Falls Seminary was progressing in the area of technology in the classroom and remote learning. When I was preparing to become a missionary with the NAB, it was natural for me to attend the seminary for theological education.
After completing my Master of Arts in Educational Ministries in 2001, I set out on a journey to Japan, which had been a life-long dream, goal, and calling. I was involved in a variety of ministries during my time in Japan, with the overarching ministry being church planting. After our 10 year anniversary, I began praying about what ministry God was guiding me into next. During some of those months of prayer, I attended a lecture and heard about the Kairos Project in person for the first time. I was also able to hear about the experiences of several Kairos students who were attending the lectures. Through what I learned at the lectures, the ministry shifts on the mission field, and talking with former classmates from my days at the NAB, I heard God challenging me to look into a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree through Kairos.
What moments or experiences at Kairos have been most meaningful in your journey?
I started my Kairos journey in the Fall of 2019, just before the world shut down. I was grateful to have time at the fall gathering to meet other DMin students, hear their hearts for Jesus and His kingdom, learn about their projects and stories, and be in a stimulating academic environment.
Throughout my journey as a student in Kairos, one of the things I appreciated most was interacting with other students. DMin students were not required to attend gatherings, however, I did as much as possible and was never disappointed. Even without being able to meet in person for a while, our online interactions during DMin presentations challenged, inspired, and encouraged me. At the first DMin seminar I attended, I met Kairos’ Steve Trefz and Larry Caldwell. Their commitment to the students, Jesus, and prayer, encouraged me as I started my Kairos journey.
My mentor team likely had the biggest influence on my educational journey. The three women who walked with me faithfully shared insights, hope, joy, laughter, and even some tears, as I studied, prepared for presentations, and completed my project. This is one of the most special points of the Kairos journey, not working through a degree alone, but walking together with a team who inspires you to seek God as you study and prepare for your ministry.
How has your love for Jesus grown during your time at Kairos?
My love for Jesus grew as I saw others’ love grow. For my project, I had a focus group of local Christian women. Seeing their love for Jesus deepen and their daily walks be deeply impacted by our times of study together, was humbling and inspiring to me in my own walk with Jesus.
The project I prepared was directly part of the ministry I was involved in at my local church in Japan. Another important point of the Kairos journey is the direct involvement in local ministry while studying for a degree. It reminds us that we are not studying just to study but that the work we are doing in the books and the classroom has a direct effect in ministry and in the community.
What advice do you have for someone considering attending Kairos University?
In faculty mentor meetings, we are always encouraged to pray early and pray often. I appreciated this wisdom as a student and now as a mentor, too. It is wisdom for not only study, but for all of life!