Kevin Goertzen appointed as VMC Conference Minister

It is with grateful hearts, joy, and excitement that we share this important announcement regarding the Conference Ministry position.

Kevin Goertzen has accepted the Conference Council offer for the Conference Minister position (3/4 FTE). Kevin’s three-year term will begin on October 15. The current Conference Ministry team will work with Kevin to bring him up to speed in his new position and keep the Conference office running in the interim.

Kevin comes to us with a wealth of experience in church leadership, administration, and pastoral care, having served in VMC and the broader Mennonite church. With his focus on building trust, bridge building, and working for all people in the conference, we are confident that he will be a great asset to our Conference.

In addition to pastoring three congregations in different conferences, Kevin has served on the Constituency Leaders Council and Executive Board of Mennonite Church USA and was a Church Relations Associate with Mennonite Mission Network for six years. Most recently, Kevin has been a host at the Corhaven Retreat Center in Quicksburg. His familiarity with VMC comes from serving for 10 years as pastor of Springdale Mennonite Church in Waynesboro and chairing the Ministry Support Team for Armando and Veronica Sanchez.

Kevin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Bethel College and holds a Master of Divinity from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He served as Moderator of Western District Conference and has participated in numerous training events on conflict mediation, anti-racism, and intercultural development.

Kevin believes this is an exciting time for VMC with a new sense of hope, energy, and expectancy about the future. He is committed to listening to those whose voices have not been valued, empowering them to serve and lead.

Kevin will be introduced at the Summer Delegate Assembly on Friday, August 22, during the business meeting.

The Conference Council also extends its appreciation to the Conference Ministry Team – Staffing Task Team for their professional work, tireless effort, and dedication. Their hard work has paid off for the benefit of the conference.

Grace and Peace,
Steve P. Pardini
VMC Interim Conference Council Chair