Laura Widstrom

Associate Professor


Christian Ministry, School of Theology & Christian Ministry

Dr. Widstrom teaches in the Department of Christian Ministry and Theology focusing on youth, children’s and camp ministry courses. 

After growing up serving at a Christian camp, Dr. Widstrom began her professional career as Director of Youth and Christian Ministries at Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford, IL and served for 13 years where she developed an extensive camping ministry and composed experiential-based Confirmation curriculum used by the ministries she led. 

Prior to coming to Olivet, Dr. Widstrom was Associate Professor of Ministry at Spring Arbor University in Michigan for 11 years where she was also active in the foster care community. As a licensed parent for 7 years, Dr. Widstrom cared for 7 children and adopted 3 who now provide ample illustrations for course lectures. 

Dr. Widstrom is a member of the Association of Youth Ministry Educators and contributes to the Journal of Youth Ministry. 

 In her free time, Dr. Widstrom and her children enjoy soccer, running and everything at the beach.