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Rev. Kate Van Valkenburg

Kate Van Valkenburg

Director of Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop

Phone

(517) 321–5066, ext. 3

Email

dem@mittensynod.org

As a graduate of Hope College and Trinity Lutheran Seminary, I have served in a variety of ministry contexts – including congregational ministry, campus ministry, and outdoor ministry.

I have been married to my spouse, Brad, for 7 years. We have a dog named Stella and will be welcoming our first child later this year. From completing my CPE rotation in Oregon, to internship in Rhode Island, Brad and I found our home in Grand Rapids, MI. Since then, I have served as the Pastor at Bread of Life Lutheran Church in Hudsonville and as the Mission Developer and Director for United Campus Christian Fellowship – an ecumenical college ministry.

I have a passion for congregational development and innovation. I love asking the question, “What if we tried this…” when thinking about the ever-evolving church. One of my favorite books that has impacted the way I approach ministry is the book Growing Young, by Brad M. Griffin, Jake Mulder, and Kara E. Powell. I am excited to accompany congregations and ministries in the synod in this role.