Kevin Goertzen began serving as conference minister of Virginia Conference of Mennonite Church USA on Oct. 15.

Interim Conference Council chair Steve P. Pardini said Goertzen has served in leadership, administration and pastoral care roles in Virginia Conference and MC USA. “With his focus on building trust, bridge building and working for all people in the conference, we are confident that he will be a great asset to our conference,” Pardini said.

In addition to pastoring three congregations in different conferences, Goertzen has served on the MC USA’s Executive Board and Constituency Leaders Council and was a Mennonite Mission Network church relations associate for six years. Most recently, he was a host at Corhaven Retreat Center in Quicksburg, Va. He served 10 years as pastor of Springdale Mennonite Church in Waynesboro, Va.

Goertzen has a bachelor of arts degree from Bethel College and holds a master of divinity degree from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He served as moderator of Western District Conference and has participated in training events on conflict mediation, antiracism and intercultural development. He is committed to listening to those whose voices have not been valued, empowering them to serve and lead.