“Despite the vibrant, young faith I had from my youth group and confirmation,” recalled Tatianna, “I fell away from the church for years. Then I was moved to ‘church shop’ about 13 years ago and found a church I could call home. Within a year, my faith was rejuvenated. I went to my pastor and told her of my interest in ministry.” Tatianna shared this with her sister, who reminded her that she had spoken of a calling to ministry in high school, something she had forgotten.
Now Tatianna Heinreich is a third-year divinity student at Luther Seminary using their remote learning option that allows her to pursue her Master of Divinity degree while continuing her busy life in Las Vegas as spouse, mother, employee, and army reservist! “My biggest challenge is juggling life,” said Tatianna. “I was used to going to school full time while working full time, but the reading load for this program is more than expected. So, I sometimes feel like I’m drowning in all my commitments. My wholeness wheel is nowhere near balanced.”
“But it’s rewarding connecting with the other students,” continued Tatianna, “especially during the in-person focus sessions when I am at the school in St. Paul. We can share our hopes, doubts, and goals. I know my journey is like theirs.”
With more training ahead, Tatianna is still not entirely certain what path her ordained ministry will take. She’s considered military chaplaincy, but another area of interest is chaplaincy work with the LGBTQIA+ Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. “It’s something I am passionate about as I remember when I started having feelings for the same sex, and I was conflicted due to religion.” Tatianna continued, “I want to be that guide to bring people from the community into a loving, accepting relationship with God.”
“My ultimate call though is queer youth. I want to develop a bible study program that emphasizes God’s unconditional love for all people. So, if youth are conflicted like I was, I can reassure them that they are fully accepted in the arms of God. I want to offer this program widely in the city, reaching out to high schools with Gay-Straight Alliance clubs. I want to get the word out that we can be queer and Christian. We don’t have to choose one over the other.”
Tatianna Heinreich’s seminary education is supported by the Desert Hills Lutheran Church Foundation’s annual scholarships. Legacy gifts to the Foundation work to provide these scholarships to seminary students year after year after year. With a larger endowment, more students can be helped each year. That’s YOU making a lasting difference!