Credentials

The Clergy Support Memorial Church Board was in full agreement to certify the Rev. Timothy De Jonge to the Office of Ordained Minister–Critical Care Ministry on April 28, 2025. Rev. Tim’s background in ministry and his dedication to critical care patients is respected and appreciated by those whom he supports. He is the embodiment of a thoughtful and kind humanitarian, with a firm belief that although the patients, family members and coworkers he cares for might never attend church in a building, he is there to show support and God’s love. We are enthusiastic about his joining our church as an outreach minister.

Academic Credentials

• Certified Clergy Support and Pastoral Care, Canadian Ministers Institute, 2025
• Certified Spiritual Care Practitioner, Canadian Association for Spiritual Care, 2017
• Master of Divinity, Calvin Theological Seminary – Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2003
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1999

Pastoral Care

Rev. Tim focuses his ministry on critical care, in a hospital setting where people experience physical pain, emotional suffering and spiritual distress. He says he usually meets people on the worst days of their life. He meets people who have been in a car accident, or have had a stroke, or are dealing with a major disease. Tim is a calm, friendly and confident person who understands and supports people and their families as they grapple with their emotions, fears and challenges of their health situation.

Tim also has extensive experience in his community with wedding and end-of-life services, and on rare occasions he will baptize a patient when requested.

Professional and Spiritual Wellness

Some of the care Rev Tim provides is for staff members and co-workers. Being a healthcare professional attending to a critical care issue can be stressful. The demands are high, physically, mentally and emotionally. He has provided workshops on active listening and palliative care with lay people and physicians to grow their specific skills. He also believes informal conversation and praying with people nurtures their mental well-being.

Hobbies and Joys

Tim enjoys his daily walk with his wife Heidi and their dog. He finds the ritual and the physical effort help him stay grounded and allow him to process his day.

Like many people, he enjoys chatting about online word puzzles like Wordle and Connections with his co-workers around the tea cart. He champions a program called Tea for the Soul and his department owns a cart stocked with tea and cookies.