Who are the Council?
As part of the Reformed tradition generally, and the Christian Reformed Denomination more specifically, our church is led by our Council. The Council of Vogel Center Church is made up of six elders, six deacons, and the pastor.
While elders, deacons, and pastor are equal in authority as responsibility as they lead the church together, they have special roles.
- The best metaphor for our elders is that they are shepherds. They are responsible for the spiritual care and well-being of our church family and community. They also make sure that our worship, preaching and ministries are all faithful to the teachings of scripture.
- The pastor’s official title is minister of the word and sacraments. His primary calling is preach and teach God’s word and to represent God’s grace through the sacraments.* The pastor also works closely with the elders to provide spiritual care and with the deacons to serve in our church and community.
The officers of the Council include a chair of council, a vice-chair of council, a clerk, a treasurer, a chairperson of deacons, and a secretary of deacons.
Under the authority of the council are the following committees:
And the following staff:
* In our Reformed tradition, the two sacraments are baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Current Council Members
Elders - Den Agema, Phil Hoekwater, Larry Westmaas, Marv Bode, Dave Haverkamp, Al Westmaas
Deacons - Kenda Gernaat, Jon Lutke, Jerry Quist, Jared Huttenga, Jim Nienhuis, Tony Peterson