New Intercultural Leaders Hired

In an exciting development for the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), Sebastian Maldonado and Jeremiah Bašurić have been appointed to share the position of senior leader for Intercultural Ministry in Canada. This coleadership model brings together the extensive combined experience of these leaders to further the support of churches already experiencing multiculturalism within the denomination, and to carry on the work started by Pablo Sun Kim, who left the role earlier this year.

Maldonado and Bašurić worked with Sun Kim by serving as part of the Decolonization and Antiracism Collective that advised and supported Sun Kim’s work. 

“Jeremiah and Sebastian bring a wealth of experience and complementary skill sets to their new role,” said Al Postma, the CRCNA’s executive director-Canada. “We’re excited to see how they will help our churches in Canada grow and deepen as healthy intercultural communities.”

Together, Maldonado and Bašurić have over 15 years of combined work in campus ministry, hospital chaplaincy, local church copastoring, leadership training, youth mentorship, and supporting BIPOC communities. Their professional backgrounds include facilitation of intercultural projects for organizations such as Therefore Go Ministries, Resonate Global Mission, the Jane-Finch Church Coalition, and the Interfaith Council at York University.

The diversity of their backgrounds—Maldonado as a South American leader in Classis Toronto and Bašurić as a second-generation biracial leader from Classis Alberta North—ensures a wide-reaching impact across Canada. Their appointment comes at a time when these two classes are among the most diverse in the country, positioning them well to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the CRCNA.

Maldonado and Bašurić’s work has also involved mentoring university students, supporting at-risk youth, and developing programs aimed at dismantling systemic barriers for marginalized communities. Bašurić, who is soon to be ordained as a minister of the Word in the CRCNA and is a qualified administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), brings high-level decision-making expertise and a deep understanding of structural racism and social justice frameworks. Maldonado, a first-generation Canadian with roots in Classis Toronto, offers significant experience in youth-focused initiatives, grassroots organizing, and community-building efforts.

Shifting the intercultural ministry to a coleadership model brings with it a number of advantages, which is why Maldonado and Bašurić decided to apply together. Maldonado explained, “We realized that collective leadership is a model that brings unique insights within a team and that it leads to creative problem-solving and resilient strategies.” This approach distributes responsibilities more equitably, reducing the risk of burnout and preventing the tokenism that can result when a single individual is tasked with representing a diverse community.

Bašurić, reflecting on their joint application, added, “Experts have noted the many strengths of a coleadership model, including increasing efficiency, transparency, and capacity. The coleadership model is more inclusive to BIPOC constituents as they often have many initiatives and projects on the go in their lives.” By working as a team, Maldonado and Bašurić aim to ensure that the work of intercultural ministry remains holistic and sustainable.

Their dedication to fostering intercultural ministry is evident in their past work and future vision. “As BIPOC leaders who bring a wide range of perspectives and unique skills to the table from our previous ministry experience, we considered that a team-based intercultural ministry leadership would encourage the exchange of knowledge and strategies that can benefit the entire church,” said Maldonado. He emphasized their commitment to creating spaces where diverse voices are not only heard but also empowered.

“We recognize that the work of intercultural ministry can only be done with the support of local congregations,” said Maldonado. “We are looking forward to working in partnership with them to create spaces where diverse voices are valued and empowered.”