The first elder we will hear from in our new series is Dave van Til! Follow along as he outlines how long he has served as an elder and what originally prompted him to become an elder. We are blessed to have Dave as an SDBC board member!
How long have you attended SDBC and how long have you served on the Board of Elders?
I started attending SDBC around 1999-2000. I had grown up in the Richmond Christian Reformed Church but was invited by some friends to come check out SDBC. I have been attending ever since. I first came on to the board in 2011 and was able to serve for six years before taking a couple years off. I rejoined the board in 2019 to start another three-year term.
What was it that prompted you to join the Board of Elders?
When my wife, Jeannette, was on the nominating committee, we had often talked about how it should be the aim of all Christian men to be willing and qualified to serve the church as an elder at some point. Not every man is called to serve on the board but having the qualifications to serve was something I recognized as an appropriate step in my Christian walk. When I was asked by Dayle Krahn if I would consider serving on the board, I was honoured and gave it a lot of consideration before I started the process of being affirmed by the congregation.
What is your specific role on the board?
Currently, I am serving as the board chair. I am also on the audit committee as well as the lead pastor assessment committee.
What does it mean for you, personally, to be a part of the Board of Elders at SDBC?
I consider it both a great privilege and great responsibility being on the Board of Elders. It is a privilege being able to have meaningful discussion with a group of men who are all focused on serving Christ's church and reaching our community for his glory. It is also great being able to seek God's leading and see where he is directing his church for the next few years. I also am aware of the great responsibility, together with the rest of the board and staff, to help protect, shepherd, encourage, and grow the church that God has placed us in.
How does being on the board both challenge and encourage you in your life and walk of faith?
Being on the board has given me the opportunity to hear many stories of how God is working in the lives of people in our community. It is encouraging to see and hear about healing and transformation, seeing couples get married and start families, and walk with some who are at the end of their life. It challenges me to continue to seek God in every area of my life and to share the love of Jesus with those around me.
Please remember Dave and the rest of the board in your prayers this week! You can click here to email encouragement to Dave.
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