Trinity Christian College Names New Chaplain

“The primary focus of the chaplain is to come alongside students with faculty and staff to encourage and equip them to cultivate a deeper and broader imagination for what God has planned for them,” said Trinity Christian College’s new chaplain Dr. Bill Van Groningen.

Van Groningen, who began serving in his new role onSept. 17, is described as a man who has “lived and ministered broadly and deeply,” a practice he hopes to encourage in students as they discover who God created them to be.

He was raised in Australia by missionary parents. His father, Gerard, later served Trinity as president (1980-84).

Van Groningen earned a bachelor’s in mathematics and philosophy from Dordt College in Iowa, a master’s in humanities from Western Kentucky University, and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Most recently, he served as director of ministry development for North America for Christian Reformed Home Missions, leading a team of five specialists to explore social and intellectual trends with a view to mission opportunities.

Van Groningen’s broad range of experience includes serving as a campus ministry director, professor, and pastor; he was ordained to ministry in 1988. Most important for Trinity is the new chaplain’s heart for ministering to students.

“I want students to know that I am present and available to all of them,” he said, “and hope that students find in me a friend.”

Trinity Christian College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture. The college, located in Palos Heights, Ill., has been educating Christian leaders in the liberal arts for more than 40 years.