Ministry Consultants Support Churches
As congregations across the Christian Reformed Church experience shifts, changes, and sometimes uncertainty, Thrive’s eight ministry consultants offer a steady presence, practical tools, and Spirit-led guidance to help people move forward in faith.
Whether it involves nurturing faith in every life stage, cultivating safe and accessible worship spaces, or navigating transitions, ministry consultants are available to serve as trusted companions offering encouragement, insight, and a deep understanding of Reformed faith and congregational renewal.
“I love that our consultant team exists to walk with congregations – not just to drop in with answers but to listen, discern, and serve,” said Rev. Dave Den Haan, Thrive’s classis and church leader consultant. “We’re there to help people see what God might be doing in their midst, even during seasons that feel hard or uncertain.”
For Rick Zomer, Thrive’s faith formation consultant, helping churches to support the spiritual growth of individuals across generations is central to his calling.
“My role allows me to work with individual leaders, churches, and classis in supporting their faith formation efforts with individuals of all ages and life stages,” he explained. “Faith formation is both a corporate and individual process, and my role allows me to support both of these efforts.”
Zomer’s work includes one-on-one conversations, group training, resource sharing, and presentations. He said he especially enjoys helping churches imagine new ways to engage people in practices that deepen their faith and connect them more meaningfully to the life of the congregation.
Den Haan specializes in serving churches that are navigating transition or facing challenges, including conflict and leadership tension. He said that these seasons, while difficult, can also be powerful times of discernment and growth.
“I gravitate toward that work because it is a place where I can enter as a nonanxious presence,” he said. “I point people to God’s provision as well as good process, and help councils come alongside what God may be doing.”
Den Haan works closely with Rev. Sean Baker, Thrive’s church discernment consultant, Rev. Ben Van Arragon, pastoral well-being consultant, and Rev. Elaine May, congregational renewal consultant. They often partner with pastors, councils, staff, and congregants to help them name and understand their challenges. Sometimes that means assisting in the search for a specialized transitional minister, journeying alongside a congregation through a discernment process such as Crossroads or Next Steps, facilitating a course such as Thriving Essentials, or coordinating retreats for pastors and other ministry leaders.
“[Our] favorite tool is a good question,” Den Haan added. “A good question can be very effective for helping people to see their reality differently. But that only comes after really listening to the key voices in the congregation.”
Other consultants bring their unique lenses to equipping and encouraging congregations in vital areas. Rev. Tim Rietkirk, for example, serves as the chaplaincy consultant and endorser, providing support to over 150 endorsed chaplains across North America. He helps congregations understand and embrace the role of chaplaincy and connects pastors to resources for navigating complex vocational paths.
Rev. Reggie Smith, Thrive’s diversity and belonging consultant, works to help churches grow in racial reconciliation and biblical justice. He provides coaching, workshops, and theological guidance to support congregations in becoming more inclusive and welcoming communities.
Julia Rathbun, safe church consultant, helps churches focus on abuse prevention and response. She supports congregations in building systems and policies that create safer spaces for worship and community.
“I am passionate about supporting councils to create policies and systems that prevent abuse from occurring in the places where we worship,” she said. “I find joy in my work when I watch individuals and churches speak truth, stand with individuals who have been abused, and follow good processes.”
Rathbun also helps congregations find and implement practical tools and training. She stays current with best practices in abuse prevention and continually seeks out resources for survivors of abuse. Her work reinforces the critical truth that creating safe church spaces is an expression of God’s love and justice.
“Every church has a unique story, and each of us on the team respects that,” said Den Haan. “We don’t come in with a one-size-fits-all solution. We come with questions, tools, and time. And we trust that God is already at work in every community we serve.”
To learn more about Thrive’s ministry consultants or to connect with someone who can walk alongside your church, visit crcna.org/thrive/consultants.
