Rev. Dr. Ron Rienstra Appointed Director of Church Partnerships at A Rocha USA

Western Theological Seminary (WTS) is pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Ron Rienstra, Professor of Preaching and Worship Arts, has been appointed to an additional role as Director of Church Partnerships with A Rocha USA, a national organization committed to creation care through practical action and theological engagement. A Rocha USA’s mission is to live out God’s calling to care for creation and equip others to do likewise. Its vision is to see Christians and churches in the US fully engaged in caring for creation as part of their discipleship and witness.

Dr. Rienstra will continue to serve on the faculty at Western Theological Seminary while contributing part-time to the mission of A Rocha. In this new role, he will help congregations across the country deepen their understanding of ecological discipleship and explore tangible ways to care for God’s creation in their local contexts, as well as spearhead sustainability initiatives at WTS and offer continuing education opportunities related to creation-care and eco-justice.

“This is a natural extension of Ron’s teaching and scholarship,” said Dr. Felix Theonugraha, President of Western Theological Seminary. “He has long invited students to think theologically about creation care as an act of worship and justice. We are thrilled to see his work extended in this new way.”

A Rocha USA is part of an international family of Christian organizations that engage in scientific research, community-based conservation projects, and education—all rooted in a theology of hope and restoration. As Director of Church Partnerships, Dr. Rienstra will help build relationships with pastors and congregations, equipping them to respond to ecological challenges with faithful and biblical imagination and courageous action.

“I believe caring for the earth is central to Christian witness,” said Dr. Rienstra.

“This new partnership with A Rocha is an exciting opportunity to support churches in responding to the environmental crisis not with fear, but with love, justice, and hope in Christ.”

Dr. Rienstra’s dual role reflects Western’s commitment to forming leaders who are deeply engaged in the pressing issues of our time. His continued presence in the classroom will ensure that future ministry leaders are equipped to integrate creation care into their theology and practice.

To learn more about A Rocha USA and their work with churches, visit arocha.us.