Daily Bread for the Lennartz Family at Seminary

Hi there!

Thank you so much for taking the time to peruse this page as you consider the possibility of financially supporting us! Abby and I really appreciate it and you!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What is going on with the Lennartz Family?

2. Why seminary? And why Westminster Seminary California specifically?

3. What are our plans after four years at seminary?

4. Our Financial Needs

5. How will financial donations be used?

6. How will donations benefit us – the Lennartz family - and the world at large?

7. Are there any other needs we possess for me to consider?

8. Near Closing Thoughts

9. Other Methods of Financial Support

10. "My Abridged Calling "

1. What is going on with the Lennartz Family?

Near the end of June 2023, we will be moving to Escondido, California, where I (Francis) will attend Westminster Seminary California in pursuit of a four-year Master of Divinity Degree. We will be doing this from Fall 2023 through Spring 2027.

We feel that the Lord is calling me to serve Him as a Christian pastor, and I do not take this lightly. Eleven years in the making, this conclusion comes as a result of first sensing this call in the Spring of 2012.

*For more on how Abby and I came to this conviction in addition to personal distinctives and objectives we would bring to Christian ministry, please see “My Abridged Calling” at the bottom of this page.

In addition to prayerful reflection; many conversations with trusted counselors and friends; and seeing the Lord work all throughout the past eleven years including my time in college, early vocational years, and marriage to Abby, this is the time Abby and I feel we need to take the next step which is for me to pursue a full seminary education. All while seeking to faithfully raise two precious sons!

2. Why seminary? And why Westminster Seminary California specifically?

Why Seminary

A seminary education will serve two primary functions.

First, a seminary education will provide me a robust education in God’s Word. One of the primary roles a Christian pastor possesses is that of preacher and teacher. Preaching the Gospel, and teaching the whole counsel of God found in all sixty-six books of the Bible. This spiritual sustenance – God’s Word – is the means the Lord uses to save His people from their sins and to sustain them as they live in this world as sojourners and pilgrims seeking to be faithful to Him through obedience to His Word as they anticipate Christ’s return or their departing to be with Him after death. With spiritual life and death on the line, Christian pastors – like medical doctors – should receive the highest levels of training within their field. For a Christian pastor, that would be Biblical and theological training, and a seminary education would provide just that.

Second, a seminary education will help us continue to discern the Lord’s will for my life. Before shepherding a church as a pastor, a seminary education serves as a critical period where a calling to be a pastor can be tested, and his gifting examined. Do I have gifting in correctly understanding and teaching what the Bible says? Am I a man of character, able to manage my family competently, filled with the fruit of God’s Spirit? If I am, these things will be affirmed by the church in partnership with the seminary community. Green lights on pursuing the call to being a pastor! If I am not, these things will be lovingly pointed out to me with encouragement to follow the Lord’s will for my life in another calling.

Why Westminster Seminary California

Westminster Seminary California’s motto is “For Christ, His Gospel, and His Church.” It has the reputation of upholding God’s Word in the highest manner as expressed in the historic Presbyterian and Reformed confessions. Its Master of Divinity Program includes a robust education in the Biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew). This would further sharpen my ability to not only know God’s Word but to faithfully communicate it and its meaning to a church in a manner most faithful to God’s intention inspiring it. Lastly, Westminster Seminary California’s tuition and on-campus housing are substantially subsidized, making this education as affordable as it can be. Its proximity to my wife’s side of the family - and the gorgeous Pacific Coast -are appreciated bonuses for us, too!

3. What are our plans after four years at seminary?

Lord-willing, Abby and I would have me seek a call as an associate/assistant pastor for approximately three to five years. While a seminary education provides necessary theological training and mentorship alongside some practical experience, we see the wisdom in continuing to be mentored while serving alongside a seasoned senior pastor for some additional time.

From here, we would consider possibly planting a Reformed church targeting traditionally underserved communities within the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition (i.e. multi-ethnic communities, etc.). Our preference would be for a call in Arizona or California, which would keep us closer to family. But we will follow the Lord as He leads us.

If the Lord shows us He is not calling me to pastoral ministry, I praise God in this circumstance, too! I would aim to return to serve as an educator, perhaps teaching Bible or theology classes within a Christian school setting or in other capacities. Abby and I would strive for active involvement in our local church and surrounding community, utilizing the seminary education for the benefit of our brothers and sisters as well as the world around us, to teach, disciple, and evangelize.

4. Our Financial Needs

Important Note: We will need financial support for our entire four-year duration in seminary (2023-2027).

Right now we are asking for your support for our first academic year, 2023-2024.

Part A: Total Annual Need

(*Estimates are based on counsel from professional financial advisors, California residents, and the Westminster Seminary California Financial Aid Department)

Tuition, Fees, and Books = $15,860

Seminary-Subsidized Housing, Water, Sewer, and Trash = $16,980

Giving and Family Investment (Charity, Marital Counseling, Babysitting, Home Education) = $5,200

Food, Clothing, Transportation = $9,369

Insurances, Utilities, Subscription, Other Essentials (Household Products, etc.) = $9,930

Discretionary Spending (Spending Money, Birthdays, Holidays, Vacation) = $2,880

Total Annual Need: $60,790

Some of these numbers are egregiously small! Are you sure these estimates are accurate, Francis?

I hear you! God in His kindness has blessed Westminster Seminary California with many donors, whose generosity has made tuition and housing significantly subsidized.

Part B: Current Support

Multiple Scholarships, Grants, and Initial Support from Church and Few Friends = $11,990

Conservative Estimate of Part-Time Work = $6,250

Total Current Support: $18,240

Part C: Estimated Final Annual Need

$60,219 − $18,240 = $42,550

Part D: Adjusted Final Annual Need

*Factoring GoFundMe’s 3% + $0.30 deduction from each donation to cover credit and debit fees

FINAL NEED = $43,867

5. How will financial donations be used?

Our current support in God’s providence covers tuition, fees, and books, with a little extra to spare.

Your donations would essentially cover our family’s basic living expenses during our four-year stay at seminary. Food, clothing, shelter, transportation, insurances, household items, giving, continued marital counseling, the start of home-educating Drew, along with the other budget lines.

It’s a lean budget, but realistic. Checked, checked, and triple-checked by me and a few others gifted in finances. Thank you to those who have blessed me with your wisdom and expertise!

6. How will donations benefit us – the Lennartz family - and the world at large?

For the Lennartz Family

The effects would be truly astounding, invaluable, and beyond description. Your donations directly mitigate the need for student loans and for Abby and me to work a very significant number of hours alongside my full-time studies and raising our two sons. Our family’s quality of life would increase tremendously. Being fully-funded or close to the $44,000 in donor support would also allow me to (1) maximize my time as a student and (2) maintain a more manageable work-family balance in the here and now.

For the World

Seminarians with significant debt require significant income to pay off their debt, oftentimes upwards of annual incomes of $80,000. If the Lord blesses us with the opportunity to graduate debt-free or close to debt-free (an absolutely incredible thought!), I would - from a human perspective – be more flexible and able to serve the Lord in both large or small, affluent or impoverished, church contexts.

7. Are there any other needs we possess for me to consider?

I’m glad you asked! Absolutely.

Prayer. Not a cliché in the slightest. Prayer is the vehicle the Lord has ordained as a means of grace, a means of us receiving demerited favor. Not only the gift of reconciliation with Him, but “a competent portion of the good things of this life,” as the Westminster Shorter Catechism’s interpretation of “our daily bread” in the Lord’s Prayer aptly says.

Please pray for the Lord’s financial provision and also spiritual provision.

Pray for us that throughout this rigorous season, we would find ourselves closer to Jesus, walking with Him, obeying Him, and loving Him for Who He is each day. May we not abandon our first Love.

Pray for this season of studies to be a sweet time of growth in grace and knowledge of Jesus for me and my family.

Pray for a few close mentors in the faith to sharpen and equip us for ministry.

Pray for a few godly, reliable friends to sharpen, support, and encourage us in our walks with Christ, our young and sweetening marriage, and lifelong relationships we possess with our sons, Drew and Judah.

Pray for our marriage to continue to grow by God’s grace with wisdom from counselors and encouragement from friends.

Pray for the Lord’s will of direction to be made clear during our time in seminary.

Encouragement. We need encouragement! Please write us letters, send us emails or text messages. Give us high-fives and hugs when you see us! We know the season we are entering is a rigorous one, one that will require grit and perseverance. Please consider offering encouragement so we run these next four years with endurance, looking to Jesus.

Creativity. Sometimes you don’t know what you need! Please seek to support us in ways you feel we may need support. We will truly appreciate it!

8. Near Closing Thoughts

If you’ve made it to this line, I am indebted to you! Abby can testify how I need to grow in my abilities to summarize! With gratitude, we thank you for considering to support us. Feel free to reach out to either of us via phone call, text message, or email if you have any questions, comments, or encouragement for us!

Please note we do not have any social media accounts.

9. Other Methods of Financial Support

If you desire to support us outside of GoFundMe, such as a physical check or Venmo, that also works great for us! Please text message or call Abby for more details.

Thank you and God bless you!

-Francis, Abby, Drew, and Judah

10. My Abridged Calling

Growing Up. Growing up, I always felt the desire to love, help, and serve the people around me, especially children. As a young adult, I spent many summers as a youth camp counselor and eventually activities director; coached a few seasons of Little League baseball, volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, refereed youth soccer games, and then some. The Lord in His kindness saved me the summer between my sophomore and junior year of high school while serving at our local Christian church camp in Hereford, Arizona. He showed me starkly that (1) a life lived selfishly to make my name great is a vain life; (2) that I was a deeply flawed sinner in need of grace found in Jesus; (3) that I need to commit my life to glorifying Him with all that I am.

College. In college, I studied physiology and philosophy at the University of Arizona in pursuit of being a medical doctor. I simply desired to help people. It became clear to me that this was not the vocation and avenue the Lord would have me go. My first sign of the Lord possibly calling me to ministry came my freshman year of college, when, in Spring 2012, I attended a conference hosted by my church denomination – the Orthodox Presbyterian Church – called The Timothy Conference. It provided information concerning pastoral ministry and how a young man may determine whether the Lord is calling them to serve His church as a pastor and the necessary steps to take to ensure this calling alongside the church. In addition, I was advised to gain life experience: “Don’t graduate college and jump straight into ministry, let alone seminary.” And I listened!

Preparatory Vocations: Teaching and Packing Boxes. After graduating college, I became a middle school Latin teacher at a classical charter school for four years and absolutely loved it! I loved the children, the community of administrators and teachers, and the mission and values this school possessed: addressing the whole child, putting character development as fundamental to education, and the list continues! But with this calling, I saw clearly the brokenness of humanity and the limit to how I could serve the spiritual needs of the community I was in as a teacher. Yes, I could make a difference, but I could not provide answers to the most ultimate need each human possesses: reconciliation with a holy God. My wife and I were expecting for the first time, and COVID came, and with it - among a few other factors - a need to change jobs.

I applied to fifty-three jobs during the middle of 2020. You read that right. Fifty-three. I had six interviews. I received one offer: Amazon. Taking this job to pay the bills, it unexpectedly became an incredible blessing to me, my wife, and two kids the past two years in untold ways. The Lord blessed me with the privilege of meeting people from across the nations: Cameroon, Kenya, Morocco, Indonesia, China, and Mexico to name a few. Guys and gals from the American east coast, the midwest, the south, and the California coast. I absolutely loved the diversity! While packaging your most recent Amazon orders, the Lord provided me with many, many opportunities to have uninterrupted 2-3 hour conversations with (roughly 40-50) co-workers. The Lord gave me a spirit of courage and comfortability to actively bring up issues of faith in almost every conversation. Here I learned three things.

First, people are generally very comfortable talking about issues of faith. They want to! Makes sense given we are all created in God’s image and desire meaning and purpose, the way the Lord naturally wired us.

Second, most people I spoke with believe in God (“God” of course is subject to interpretation). Many identified as Christian. But the vast majority of my co-workers did not attend church regularly due to experiences ranging from perhaps petty disagreement to abuse.

Third, the vast majority of people that did not identify as Christian had the identical reoccurring objection: how can we know the Bible is the inspired Word of God? An objection I felt not fully prepared to answer while these conversations began happening, but one that drove me to prioritize philosophy, apologetics, and canonization of Scripture (i.e. what is the Bible? How do we know these books are true, let alone divinely inspired).

Amazon provided me two years of close living with those in the world – people of a wide range of social, ethnic, and religious backgrounds – in addition to a significant representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Through it the Lord gave me a deeper passion to reach these groups for Christ with the Gospel. True comfort cannot and will not be found in anything in this world: I know that first hand! It comes with belonging to Jesus by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone for His glory alone.

Today. I will shortly begin a paid three-month internship with my local church where I will be given opportunities to lead parts of a worship service, serve on various teams, teach Sunday school and/or other mid-week studies, attend leadership meetings, engage in rigorous studies, etc.

In Preparation for Seminary. I personally have had the privilege to complete the Reformation Study Bible; read seventeen books (approximately 4,500 pages) primarily pertaining to Christian theology; meditate and memorize the Westminster Shorter Catechism; and listen through multiple entire Christian podcasts.

As a family, we have engaged in near daily family worship, served our local church through hospitality (hosting lunches, baby showers, meal trains, providing room and board to a young man seeking to get on his feet, etc.), intentional engagement both during fellowship time on Sunday and throughout the week, some teaching, lots of praying, bringing close to ten new visitors to church, etc.

Theological Distinctives I Would Pursue in Pastoral Ministry

-historic, orthodox Reformed Christian faith (particularly Presbyterian)

-effective contextualization of Gospel and teaching to 21st Century America

-increased teaching on piety: applying doctrine to life

-increased teaching on

(A) philosophy (understanding the world, sharpening my approach to theology)

(B) apologetics (knowing what I believe and why I believe the Christian faith to be true), especially as it relates to

(C) the canonization of Scripture (e.g. “Is the Bible in my hand what was written thousands of years ago? Even if this is true, how do I know this is sacred?”)

-multi-generational family integration

-spiritual and doctrinal discipleship within each sex, especially female

-racial reconciliation and multi-ethnic unity within the Christian church

-an increased external focus via relational evangelism of lost