Meet our New Student Katrina Sidener

Hello, my name is Katrina Sidener, and I grew up in Arizona before moving to the Pacific Northwest about 12 years ago, where I now call Longview, WA home. I serve as the NextGen Pastor at Longview First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where I have the joy of walking alongside children, youth, and families as they grow in faith. Before entering vocational ministry, I earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education while preparing for a career in public education. During that educational experience, it became clear that God had different plans than I imagined.

When I stepped into ministry, I quickly realized I wasn’t simply planning crafts or filling an hour on Sunday mornings. I had been entrusted with helping shape children’s lifelong relationships with God, the church, and one another. That realization transformed the way I understood ministry and inspired me to pursue a Master of Divinity so I could faithfully serve the people God had called me to walk with.

I chose Fuller Theological Seminary because I wanted an academically rigorous education that would both deepen my theological understanding and challenge me to engage faithfully with people whose perspectives may differ from my own. My convictions are important to me, but I also believe effective ministry requires humility, thoughtful dialogue, and the ability to build authentic relationships across differences. Fuller has already begun shaping me in those ways while strengthening my commitment to Christ and the Church.

My home congregation, Longview First Christian Church, has become much more than the place where I worship. It is the community where I discovered my call to ministry, was encouraged to pursue seminary, and now have the privilege of serving as NextGen Pastor. When I found Longview First Christian Church and later read The Faith We Affirm, I realized I hadn’t found a new congregation to worship with as much as I had found a church that felt like coming home.

Outside of ministry and seminary, I enjoy spending time with my family, serving my community through volunteer opportunities, exploring the outdoors, and finding creative outlets. I care deeply about social justice and believe our faith is best expressed through loving our neighbors in tangible ways.

As I continue my studies at Fuller, I currently feel called to NextGen and family ministry, while remaining open to wherever God may lead in the future. Just a few years ago, I never imagined I would be serving in vocational ministry or attending seminary. That experience has taught me to hold my plans with open hands while trusting God’s guidance. Wherever that journey leads, my hope is to faithfully serve, help others grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, and build communities where all people can experience God’s love, grace, and belonging.