“I smiled at the thought of God’s faithfulness,” says Pastor Laurie DeJong Zuverink about her first impression of GR Initiative for Leaders (GRIL). God had revealed the very thing that Pastor Laurie was looking for, to grow leaders and partner with an organization that is focused, committed to the vision, personable and intentional about change. After an introduction to GRIL Executive Director, Denise Fase, Laurie knew GRIL was a place where there would be accountability and responsibility.
As the Executive Director of the DOCK (Discipling of Christ’s Kids) in Grand Rapids, she is being a real life example to the students she serves. Pastor Laurie is going through the Adult Leadership Program at the same time her students go through the GRIL U program. Pastor Laurie graduated from Calvin College with a degree in education, but never made it to the K-12 classroom. She later received her master of divinity degree in 2010. Though she didn’t really see herself teaching anymore, she knew that a large part of her work would be outside the walls of the church. Through her work with youth, she has learned that “your heart needs to be open to witness the resiliency of the kids.” This is why Pastor Laurie is so committed to leadership development at The DOCK and within her community.
Since her first class with the Adult Leadership Program, she Pastor Laurie has learned so much about herself and her life calling. During the opening activity, the Community Maze, she learned that one of her greatest strengths is the ability to help others navigate through the mazes in their lives. Her mission in life is to create holy space so that people can experience and have an encounter with a Holy God. It’s no surprise that Pastor Laurie has served in multiple pastoral roles within her lifetime. Though she has been a blessing in various capacities, she is looking forward to a great work with youth in the next five years.
Pastor Laurie is “GOING BIG”. She believes that there will be a whole cultural transformation that will infiltrate our school systems and transform the lives of our youth. She knows that a statement like that is a huge request of God, but she has put both feet in and is ready to do the work. When asked what she would tell someone who is thinking about donating, volunteering or partnering with GRIL she confidently says, “Do it!” She encourages people to “go in without expectations, preconceived notions and biases. Have an open heart and mind and commit to examining your own heart.”
Pastor Laurie is enjoying the Adult Leadership Program and anticipates great growth for her and her students. She credits Henry Bouma of the Navigators, Trevor Rubingh of New City Kids and Denise Fase of GR Initiative of Leaders as great influencers. She believes that she is in good company and in the right place at the right time.