Larry (MDiv ’69) and Sharon Kuntz: An Inclusive Approach to Sharing Gifts
As a young American Baptist attending Christian Theological Seminary, the openness of the Disciples of Christ drew Larry Kuntz to his adopted denomination. His seminary experience—focused on learning and community building—also brought about significant spiritual development in his own life.
“The inclusiveness that CTS has always embraced reflected my own growth and theological openness to all people,” Rev. Kuntz reflects. “I have great appreciation for the spiritual development in my own life, and it’s one of the major reasons I show my appreciation through giving back.”
One of the features of the CTS experience that aided in his development was the ecumenical nature of the seminary. Talking about different faith traditions helped him think in a more inclusive nature.
“We who are Disciples—we are not the only Christians,” Rev. Kuntz says. “But we try to be Christians only. That brings a richness to our education.”
After graduating from Christian Theological Seminary in 1969, he served as a missionary in a national park in Hatteras, North Carolina. Afterwards, he served as a youth pastor in Bedford, Indiana, and after stops in Rochester, Minnesota and Flora, Indiana, he and his wife Sharon settled in Martinsville, Indiana, serving First Christian Church until his retirement in 2004. He’s proud of First Christian Church’s commitment to being open and affirming under his tenure and credits the courage he saw at CTS for helping show the congregation how to become open and affirming.
“God’s love reaches out to every person,” says Rev. Kuntz. “And the church needs to embrace every single person in its welcoming into the community.”
Larry and Sharon take the Christian idea of sharing gifts seriously, and their ministry often focused on giving.
“Our understanding of what it means to be a Christian and be a steward of all of our resources is important,” says Rev. Kuntz. “I take seriously what the Bible tells us about giving and possessions.”
The Kuntzes set aside money to give to many different charities—including CTS as loyal annual givers and by making a legacy commitment through their estate. They try to model their hope for Christians to become a more generous people by giving 20% of their income each year.
“We take our giving so seriously,” says Rev. Kuntz. “We find meaning in paying it forward and doing so as a part of a collective.”
Part of what encouraged the Kuntzes to make a planned gift is their hope for Christian Theological Seminary’s continued evolution—an evolution that shaped Rev. Kuntz’s early career.
“I hope CTS can become larger, stronger, and more inclusive,” said Rev. Kuntz. “I have my faith that CTS will be what it needs to be to serve God.”