Pastor Craig Van Hill was ordained and installed as our new pastor on Sunday, October 26.
Pastor Craig grew up in Sioux Falls, SD. He attended Sioux Falls Christian High School and graduated from Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA, in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Business Administration. Even while attended Dordt, Craig had a heart for the youth and organized activities for the teens of NW Iowa.
After graduation, Craig moved to Oskaloosa, IA, to be the part-time Youth Pastor at Central Reformed Church. He also worked part-time as the local bank and funeral home. Juggling 3 jobs took its toll, so Craig decided to go into Youth Ministry full-time and accepted a position at Providence CRC in Cutlerville, MI. Two years later, Craig enrolled at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI, to attain a Master’s Degree in Educational Ministry. During those three years of study, the Lord brought Dominique Buchholz into his life. They were married in 2001, one week after his graduation.
Dominique grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, and attended Grand Rapids Christian High School. After high school, she enrolled in the Special Education program at Calvin College and Grand Valley State University. Dominique graduated in 2002 and accepted a position at Byron Center Christian School.
In the meantime, Craig began working at Graafschap Christian Reformed Church in Holland, MI. It wasn’t a good fit so he resigned and worked in a factory for a year while he sorted out where God was leading him. After much prayer and direction from various people, Craig went back to Calvin Seminary to become an ordained minister.
While there, the Lord answered Craig and Dominique’s prayers for a child with the birth of Parker Grant on March 3, 2007.
Last summer, the Lord called Craig as the intern here at First CRC, Waupun. After a wonderful summer together, Craig returned to Michigan to finish up his studies and later accepted our call to be our pastor.
Pastor Craig requests your continued prayers as he leads us in God's service.
