DR. JELMER GROENEWOLD

DMin from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Jelmer Groenewold has been a pastor, student of the Bible, and Bible teacher for 37 years. He received a BA in History from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa (1974) and an MDiv degree in New Testament from Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan (1978). Jelmer was also able to take a number of graduate courses in New Testament at Calvin. After fourteen years in pastoral ministry, Jelmer pursued a DMin in Pastoral Ministry at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School—Deerfiled, Illinois (1997). He has continued to stay up to date in the fields of theology, Biblical studies, and pastoral ministry by taking courses and seminars in these areas.

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Jelmer has served four churches in his years as a minister of the Christian Reformed Church. He began his ministry as a solo pastor in Hospers, Iowa (1978-1984) and continued for another seven years in Leduc, Alberta, Canada (1984-1991). He returned to the states to serve as Senior Pastor of the Trinity church in Rock Valley, Iowa. For the last 14 years Jelmer has served as the Senior Pastor of Sunnyside CRC in Sunnyside, Washington. His major roles involve preaching, leadership, and pastoral care. As a pastor his goal is to present the marvelous grace of God in Jesus Christ that rescues us from sin and equips us to thankfully serve Him in all areas of our lives.

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Jelmer has had much experience mentoring, teaching, and training members so that they can utilize their God-given abilities in areas of ministry. He has also been used by God to equip a number of men for the pastoral ministry.

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Jelmer is thankful for his wife Diane and her support throughout their life together in the
pastorate. He is also thankful for their four children and two grandchildren. Jelmer and Diane enjoy visiting and being visited by their family. They also enjoy gardening, reading, camping, hiking, cross country skiing, and board games.