Our Leadership
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of His Church with sovereign authority to rule the Church as He wills (Matthew 28: 18). This true Church must be governed by the structure of spiritual leadership which our Lord has described in His Word. There must be ministers or pastors to preach the Word of God and to administer the sacraments; elders to teach, disciple, guide and correct the flock as the Lord has taught; and deacons to provide comfort to the needy and encouragement to all members to use the gifts God has given them (Belgic Confession Article 30).
We believe that all believers hold the noble calling of Christ to be His prophets, priests, and kings in this age as we exercise our gifts together. As prophets we speak the truth with a heart of love, as priests we serve with the grateful heart of one who has been set free, and as kings we have the authority of sons and daughters of the King!
Our prayer is that you will experience the blessings of church membership and receive with thanksgiving the care that is provided to you by your fellow members and those who labour under the calling to serve you as pastors, elders, and deacons.
Our Pastor
Pastor Bryce De Zwarte accepted our call to serve our church and community in January of 2020. He grew up in Pella, Iowa, and from a very young age he desired to preach to the gospel. Although he had never imagined at that time that his desires would lead him to serve in another country, Pastor Bryce is glad that the LORD has brought him here to Vineland!
“My prayer is that the LORD would bless the ministry of the gospel here, that our congregation would grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, and that all in Vineland would come to know Jesus also their Lord and Savior.”
Our Elders & Deacons
The elders are under-shepherds called to govern the church according to the Word of God and to address the spiritual needs of members in the congregation. Our elders continue to carry on the practice of Family Visits (an annual visit of the elders to the homes of our members to discuss matters of faith). They are responsible to judge the preaching on Sundays to ensure that it remains faithful to the Word of God.
The deacons carry out the work of mercy ministry within the congregation and care for the many needs that arise due to illness, unemployment, hardships, and distress. Our deacons also keep up contact with the many outreach & service organizations that we contribute to so that our charitable giving is directed to places of need.
Elders:
Jon V. (Chair)
Richard W. (Vice-Chair)
David S. (Clerk)
Bill V.
Dave T.
Shane K.
Louis H.
Deacons:
Dave B.
Caleb W.
Norm L.
“Appoint elders in every town as I directed you... He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.””
Questions?
Please don't hesitate to get in touch so that we can answer your questions!