Caitlin Kurtz, Pastor at Zion’s Lutheran Church in Jonestown and President of the Northern Lebanon Ministerium, holds a BA in religious studies from the University of Virginia and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg. Initially serving as a pastor in New Kingstown, she joined Zion’s in 2016, a region with extreme poverty and limited resources. Caitlin engages both within and outside church walls to support residents.
Upon her arrival, she noted that the Northern Lebanon School District (NLSD) had four elementary schools partnering with local congregations. The closure of these schools in favor of a consolidated one prompted her to foster collaboration among district congregations, leading to the formation of the Northern Lebanon Ministerium in January 2023. This 501(c)(3) organization aims to address the physical and spiritual needs of the community through various initiatives, such as providing gifts, transporting Power Packs, offering education, and organizing community events.
The Ministerium also runs programs like Back to School Blessings, which supplies students with clothing and school items, and the NL Clothing Closet, offering free clothing. Caitlin’s advocacy extends to planning seminars for aging individuals’ care, supporting special needs children’s education, and establishing a Compassion Fund for essential community needs. She empowers volunteers and collaborates with charities, including Joy Food Pantry and Lutheran World Relief.
Moreover, Caitlin mediates conflicts within church organizations and county leadership, works to enhance the lives of women and girls, and mentors youth, especially females. Her leadership inspires others, fostering community unity and action. With her belief in collective effort, Caitlin identifies and nurtures talents in others, driving both obvious and subtle change.
Nominated by Joanna Guldin