
Here To Serve
Diaconal Ministries Canada is staffed by individuals who are committed to promoting the work of deacons within the church and the community.
Our Staff
Deacons are charged to mobilize their churches in the areas of justice, compassion, stewardship, and community engagement. WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Board Of Directors
The Board of Diaconal Ministries Canada includes one (1) representative from each of the 12 Canadian Classis in the Christian Reformed Church.
- Michael Werkman (Classis Alberta North)
- Sharon Bandstra - Secretary (Classis British Columbia North West)
- Liz Tolkamp - Vice Chair (Classis British Columbia South East)
- Jeff Robinson (Classis Ontario South West)
- Peter Van Harmelen - Chair (Classis Eastern Canada)
- Mary Blydorp (Classis Huron)
- Rose Saller - Treasurer (Classis Quinte)
- Jeff Fernhout (Classis Toronto)

Partners In Ministry
Deacons in Canada have a long history of working in collaboration with each other and with the various agencies inside and outside of the CRCNA. Diaconal Ministries also models this in their work and ministry.

Diaconal Coaches
Diaconal Coaches are trained and experienced in diaconal work. Our coaches will work together with you to learn how to engage with your community, promote stewardship in your congregation, live justly and love mercy—and work out your calling in your church and community.
Don’t See a Coach in Your Area?
Contact one of our Regional Ministry Developers and they will be able to help you out:
- Mark Vanderwees – Eastern Canada (Manitoba to Maritimes); mvanderwees@crcna.org
- Rachel Vroege – Western Canada (BC to Saskatchewan); rvroege@crcna.org

Gary Veeneman
Gary is currently serving the churches in Agassiz, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Langley.

David Hornor
David is excited to serve the churches in BC, particularly in the northern regions.

Lucia Lam
Lucia is excited to coach the churches in Greater Vancouver and Vancouver island.

Marg Hoogland
Serving as a diaconal coach is a new adventure; one that she hopes will challenge her and the deacons of the churches in Central Alberta.

Jean deBeer
Jean’s focus is encouraging deacons in their role within the church and local community, bridging the isolation churches in Saskatoon and Regina can experience. She’s looking forward to connecting with the CRC’s in Manitoba (Winnipeg and Brandon) in her “official” capacity as the Interim Diaconal Coach for Classis Lake Superior (Manitoba churches).

Teda Heerema
Teda will be serving the churches in Thunder Bay and Emo, Ontario!

Mark Vanderwees
While Mark helps out as Diaconal Coach in parts of Classis Toronto, he is also Diaconal Ministries' Regional Ministry Developer for Eastern Canada (Manitoba to the Maritimes).

Terry Vanderhorst
Terry is the coach for the seven (7) churches north of Toronto (First & Covenant CRC, Barrie; Alliston CRC; Bethel & Holland Marsh CRC, Newmarket; Community CRC, Richmond Hill; and Living Hope CRC, Orillia).

Fred VanderSterre
Fred serves mostly in the western half of Classis Huron but is willing to help out wherever he can!

Jane Vander Velden
Jane aims to make connections with the deacons in Classis Huron and she is excited to share the resources of Diaconal Ministries' with her diaconates.

John Klein-Geltink
John primarily serves the church east of London in Classis ONSW.

Anita Plat-Kuiken
Anita looks forward to hearing stories of ministry and encouraging diaconates in showing God’s love to their communities. She serves as a coach in the greater London area, even as far as Sarnia!

Sam Kamminga
Sam is serving the Windsor and Essex churches - give him a call anytime!

Erick Schuringa

Diane Vandemeent

Winston Visser
Winston is primarily coaching the churches in Ontario and Quebec but has also travelled to the Maritimes as well!

TBA
Could it be you?
Send us an email and we'd love to chat!

Become A Coach
As a Coach, you will help diaconates in your area connect with resources, generate vision, set goals, and fulfill the greatest sense of their calling as church leaders. These part-time positions come with compensation and ongoing training.
If you are feeling the pull of the Lord’s leading, get in touch with us – we’d love to chat!