Dear DRM Clergy,
I want to introduce you to the Rev. Joel Siebersma, who will be heading up the Mercy and Justice Ministry of the diocese (see below). This ministry, which is “housed” in the College of Deacons, is part of one of our priorities as a diocese: to ensure a holistic missional approach locally and to the ends of the earth. We want to help churches engage in consistent and relevant mission that lives out consistently and increasingly Jesus’ call to care for the “least of these”, pointing the way to Jesus as we love others in tangible ways; responds to the changing cultural dynamics within their communities in ways that draw the unchurched to a saving knowledge of Jesus, and is seen by their community as Jesus followers who reflect Jesus’ teachings.
You can reach out to Joel at joel@drm.church.
+Ken
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Hello, my name is Joel Siebersma and I have attended International Anglican Church for about 13 years. Six years ago, I was ordained as a deacon and have been serving in that role ever since. Around the same time that my family and I began attending IAC, I also started working at the Springs Rescue Mission as a counselor in the men’s residential addiction recovery program.
Over the past 13 years there have been a few transitions, first to Director of the rehab program and then to Senior Director of Health. That’s kind of a broad title so let me explain. I oversee activities that address medical health, spiritual health and behavioral health (which consists of mental health and substance use disorder) on our campus where about 600 homeless folks come each day. I work very closely with the Sr. Dir. of Housing and the Sr. Dir. of Work to bring whole person care to as many of our guests as possible.
To make this an official bio I should add I am a proud Dood! (Dad of only Daughters, 3 in all) and love all the stereotypical Colorado activities; Hiking, Fly Fishing, Running, Mountain Biking, trying to convince out of state guests that not everyone here smokes pot!
I am very excited to see what this new opportunity will bring. There is so much I don’t know about how it will look or what God has in store, but I do have a few ideas. I would love it if I could help with the following items….
- Bring some clarity to what we mean when we talk about justice and mercy.
- Gather information on all the activities in these areas that are already happening across the DRM.
- Help congregations identify local needs that could provide opportunities for engagement.
- Help congregations plan effective engagement in those opportunities.
I love digging into data to find local needs. County wide “point in time” counts and SAMHSA stats, love em all. I also get excited about finding creative ways to meet some of these needs, especially if it means working with existing local resources. At the end of the day, all I want to do is help each of us love each other better.
Outside of that, I am open to almost anything. I am ready and willing to help in any way I can. I look forward to getting to know all the churches in the DRM and the opportunities they have in their own community.