WELCOME TO THE FAMILY.
Chaplain Ben and Chaplain Courtney's ministry together began almost as soon as they met in seminary: leading worship, combining music and theology (like their 2012 hit single, a baptismal theology parody of TSwift's "Shake it Off"), learning from each other's strengths and supporting each other in their weaknesses. That teamwork continued to grow as they did their seminary internships (where God first gave them a passion for campus ministry), first calls in Nebraska, and later serving congregations in Pennsylvania. Doing ministry as a family, and seeing the WVU community as an extension of that family, is central to their calling as chaplains and baptized children of God. They are passionate about helping others to realize God's unlimited loving grace and encouraging that message to radiate from the central act of worship into our campus and wider Synod.
Their greatest privilege is parenting Alice Ann and Charlie (our youngest LCM'ers!) who embody Joy and Peace, and have taught them so much about God's love and faithfulness. The Erzkus family enjoys exploring new places (especially through their stomachs), gardening, making music together, dancing in the kitchen, and spending time with two dogs (someday chickens, goats... maybe an alpaca and donkey, too).
Oh, and it's pronounced "URZ-kus" )
CHAPLAIN BEN ERZKUS
Adopted from Seoul, South Korea to Franklin, WV, and later growing up in Cumberland, MD, Ben is right at home here in the Appalachian Mountains. He is a graduate of Frostburg State University (BSW '10) and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (M.Div. '15), and loves to discuss theology and the implications of our Lutheran Christian faith for daily life. He is a talented guitar player (although he won't admit it) and enjoys playing the drums, alto sax, kazoo, and many other instruments. On most days, you'll find him at the LCM talking to someone, or out on campus making friends of strangers. And if you hear someone cheering ridiculously loud on game day (whether for our Mountaineers or his beloved Buffalo Bills)... that's Chaplain Ben!
CHAPLAIN COURTNEY ERKZUS
Born in Western Massachusetts, Courtney spent most of her life in Schenectady, NY before heading to Messiah College (BA History '10) and then the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (M.Div. '15). Her life has been forever shaped by the year she spent living just outside of Bethlehem with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission program (where she experienced profound hospitality and the blessing of our Lutheran liturgy in a foreign language) and in being a cancer survivor. She enjoys singing, writing, traveling, and always has an art project to finish. Two of her favorite parts of campus ministry are walking with students, faculty, and staff in their discernments, and creating meaningful contextual worship experiences. She may not be a Mountaineer by birth, but she is one by heart!
