EXECUTIVE SECRETARY transition

It is with both excitement for her, and sadness for us, that we announce the transition of Reverend Marijke Strong out of her role as the Executive Secretary of the Regional Synod of Canada, to pursue further training as a leadership coach and consultant. Marijke has been in her role with the Regional Synod since 2016.

​We are pleased to announce that after an extensive interview process, the Reverend John Kapteyn has agreed to take the position of Interim Executive Secretary for the period of one year while the Regional Synod reviews its purpose and structure in light of the changes that are taking place in the RCA. John was previously the Executive Secretary of the Regional Synod of Canada from 2007 to 2016, and brings to the job a wealth of experience, as well as many gifts of strategic planning, leadership, and pastoral care. We are so blessed to have him back! And we are excited to have someone of John’s experience and proven skill to help us navigate the coming season.
 
The Regional Synod Board of Directors has created a transition plan in which Marijke will reduce her hours at the end of June, after General Synod. At that point John Kapteyn will join her for the summer (they will overlap for July and August, both at part time hours). In September, Marijke will exit completely and John will take the helm as Interim Executive Secretary for the coming year.
 
The board is deeply grateful for Marijke’s strong leadership of the synod and wishes her well in her future endeavors. She has been a blessing to so many of our churches and to our Classes as well.  She has served with authenticity and integrity; always with love and compassion.  Thank- you so much, Marijke.                        - Rev. Al Plat, on behalf of the board
 
Marijke says: “I am so grateful for your love and encouragement over the past six years. I love the Canadian RCA churches, and have been deeply honoured to work with the Classes to support the churches in mission and ministry. You have blessed me and enriched my life beyond measure. I’ll miss you all, and will be praying for you in the coming season. May God bless you and keep you.”

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ABOUT the new INTERIM
executive secretary

John Kapteyn has a heart for the local and global church – not as an institution but as the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world.  His vision for the church is that we exist “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:12).  “Our task to mobilize people for mission”.
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In response to God’s call, John left his work as a professional accountant at the age of 37 to attend seminary and then pastored three churches in Ontario – Welland, Chatham and Hamilton. In 2007 he became the Executive Secretary of the Regional Synod of Canada and served in that capacity until 2016 when he retired. John is a relational leader who loves to be a pastor to pastors and work with churches seeking to live out their mission. He would ask pastors and churches “What is your God-given dream and how can we help you as you seek to make that a reality?”

John feels called to again serve the Regional Synod as we navigate an uncertain future as a Synod. He sees pastors, leaders and churches that are heavily burdened with the challenges of leading others through the pandemic which has often led to division.

​He knows the decisions facing pastors and churches regarding the decision to stay or leave the Reformed Church will add on to that burden.  He sees his role as one to encourage pastors and leaders through these uncertain times and to offer himself and the Synod, as a helper to all through this process, regardless of their decisions.

Above all, John’s desire is that we glorify God and show respect to those we disagree with and that we are a vibrant witness to the world as we reach out in word and deed.
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John and Margaret have been married for over 48 years and they have three children and five grandchildren. Margaret and John enjoy travelling all over the world and hiking (Camino, Bruce Trail). Margaret’s hobbies include knitting, crocheting, and card-making. John enjoys reading, making puzzles and connecting with friends and neighbours.

John and Margaret are chaplains to retired pastors and surviving spouses in Ontario and cherish their annual visits with them. In retirement John has been active in leadership positions in his condo complex and local church.

John covets your prayers for him in the coming year as he seeks to serve God and His people.

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If you have questions about the transition plan
or the work of the Regional Synod of Canada,
​please contact our board president, Rev. Al Plat at arcminis@telus.net. ​