Roorda Ratified as Canadian Ministries Director
Rev. Darren Roorda is the new Canadian ministries director
Karen Huttenga
“I love Jesus, and I want everybody to know about him,” said Rev. Darren C. Roorda, introducing himself to Synod 2014. “That’s who I am, but the way I do it it is about to change.”
Roorda is leaving his role as lead pastor of Community Christian Reformed Church, a 900-member congregation in Kitchener, Ontario, to serve as the Canadian ministries director. Synod 2014 ratified his appointment by the CRC’s Board of Trustees.
“I am terribly enthused about the excitement of serving more people and more churches,” Roorda told delegates. “I’m also terrified.”
Roorda described himself and Steve Timmermans, who will step into his role as the new executive director, pending a successful interview by Synod 2014, as fools for Christ: “It’s a temptation to say ‘Look how ready we are,’” he said, “but there’s something about being a fool for Christ.”
He said he is aware of the challenges that the church faces, such as declining memberships. “I’m aware of what’s going on. I want to spend my life dying, living, and working for this cause.”
Like the apostle Peter, church leaders such as himself are small rocks that build upon the large rock that is Jesus, said Roorda, addressing the delegates.
“Small rocks get stepped on a lot of times, but put together they serve a great purpose. I hope that in the tenure of my stay in this position, you and your churches feel strengthened by the work of the Canadian ministries office.”
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