New Faces in Chaplaincy April 2019

Rev. Scott Van Voorst

Pastor Scott and his family have been serving God’s church in various capacities for over a decade. Scott is the pastor at Friendship Community Church in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. The Mission of Friendship is to be a compassionate church that connects people to Jesus. The emphasis on compassion for those who need care and connecting people to Jesus naturally result in ongoing cultivation of opportunities to share God’s love in the church and community.

Chaplaincy is a natural fit for furthering opportunities to connect with people as a presence of care and compassion. Scott sees the role he is working towards as a ministry of presence. By increasingly being available to those who may not normally seek out a pastor there will be opportunities for people to come into contact with the love of Jesus. In Matthew 5 Jesus said, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven." By being present in the lives of airman, by being a contact for compassionate care, by journeying with people who are struggling, Scott hopes to shine a light on the faith that gives strength when we would be weak and gives us comfort in life and in death.

Rev. Ken Krause

The Lord has provided an interesting and unique ministry for me. I serve as both a full-time pastor of Fellowship CRC in Big Rapids, Michigan, and as a part-time chaplain with Hospice of Michigan. As a hospice chaplain I bring the compassionate love of Jesus into the homes of patients who are dying. I also walk alongside of caregivers as they begin to grieve the loss of their loved one and have many fears and questions. Sometimes I initiate or lead families in having spiritual conversations around the subjects of death, dying, and life after death. It has been a very rewarding and meaningful experience for me. I am honored to extend the ministry of the church into my community in this way. Chaplaincy has also enriched my preaching and pastoral care as a pastor of a local church. I am a Navy veteran and I am married with three young children who keep us busy with their extracurricular activities.