Introducing...Ron deVries

We have already introduced you to three of Faith Formation Ministries' Regional Catalyzers--Lesli van Milligen, Liz Tolkamp, Jill Friend and Laura Keeley. Today we introduce you to Ron deVries, who serves as a Regional Catalyzer for Faith Formation Ministries in Alberta.

Come back next week for our interview with Regional Catalyzer Mike Johnson.

Ron, you work as a Youth Ministry Consultant for Classis Alberta North of the Christian Reformed Church. You are also a facilitator for Youth Unlimited’s “Compass 21”. What trends do you see in youth ministry right now?

I see that people—adults, leaders, and students—are longing to understand their roles, and perhaps more specifically, their identities in the world. They also see them seeking to know HOW to live in that reality as a child of God.

I see that technology is a reality in our lives, and this impacts greatly how we do ministry.

Finally, I see that God is doing some amazing things in our churches right now through SERVEice, and intentional Soul Care.

Who are the key people who play, or have played, an important role in your faith formation?

My grandparents and parents were huge faith influencers in my life. So is my wife, Monique.

How does your work as a consultant for youth ministry intersect with your work as a Regional Catalyzer for Faith Formation Ministries?

The two roles feel as one. My youth consultant job description is described as “to support those leading in ministry for those aged 12-25”. Faith Formation is youth ministry, and vice versa. Being a Catalyzer, though, has given me additional tools to walk with, challenge, and support local churches.

If we're sitting here a year from now celebrating what a great year it's been for you as a Regional Catalyzer, what did we achieve together?

I would hope that the language of Faith Formation and Discipleship become commonplace in our churches, and that we have learned informative concepts/ideas from the three congregations in my area who had completed the Building Blocks pilot project.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it in your role as a Regional Catalyzer for Faith Formation Ministries?  

My favorite superhero is Spiderman. His powers are awesome. For me, it isn’t the choice of which super power to have, but it is the statement, “with great power comes great responsibility.” I would hope to inspire our churches to become, for we are all called to be, wait for it…Covenantal Faith Formationers!