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.