Campus Minister Hired at Ontario’s Fanshawe College

"In order to avoid the pitfalls of falling away from Christian roots, this identity must be carefully nurtured and maintained," he says. “The personal knowledge and nurture of Christian identity contribute to peace and an enduring commitment to the Kingdom of God.”

With that realization in mind, Sibthorpe is set to begin his new job as campus minister at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, this fall. Sibthorpe and his wife, Rev. Willemina Zwart, will be working together to enable students to connect with Christ and the local Christian Reformed community in London.

In advance of the fall semester, Sibthorpe’s wife has been working with students as part "Common Ground," an outreach program put on by the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College. The program, says Sibthorpe, facilitates Christian student connections and relational development in a “home away from home” atmosphere. Students meet with Zwart in the couple’s home.

"Providing opportunities for Fanshawe students to be cared for spiritually while developing a Reformed worldview is my ministry goal as campus minister," says Sibthorpe. "Creating safe places to talk, common community, worship, study of God’s word, and facilitating connections to the local CRC community are necessary functions of the campus minister to empower students to transition successfully from the college experience through to adult Christian living."

For the past six years, Sibthorpe has worked in pastoral care in Stratford, Ontario. He says that experience sharpened his use and understanding of foundational pastoral traits such as empathy and compassion.

"Deep listening and dialogue without offering advice too quickly are key in building relationships of trust that help people move toward personal growth and healing. Prayer follows naturally into this kind of ministry relationship and prayer means care," he says.

—Ben Van Houten, Christian Reformed Home Missions Communications