By Dustin Jones, MA
Director of Communications
After a recruiting search of more than three months, Richie Brower has been tapped to oversee the new Serve One More initiative throughout Upper Columbia Conference. Brower, currently the associate director for club ministries, youth, young adult ministry, and Camp MiVoden, will begin the transition to his new role as associate director for Serve One More effective immediately. However, due to major events on the club ministry calendar, the transition will not be complete until September 1.
“Richie has a passion for service and an incredible knack for connecting with people,” says David Jamieson, UCC president. “This initiative is a critical piece of our strategic plan to reach every man, woman, boy, and girl in the Inland Northwest.”
The Serve One More initiative was established as part of the 2023-2025 strategic plan with the goal of focusing lay people, pastors, teachers, and students in our churches, schools, Pathfinder Clubs, Adventist Community Services agencies, and other UCC entities on Christ’s method of mingling with, ministering to, and serving others in our local communities. Brower’s new role will help direct Serve One More funds to new community service initiatives as well as to provide much needed training and resources into our field to encourage innovative community engagement.
Brower has already demonstrated a keen passion for community engagement in his now previous role as Pathfinder leader for the conference.
“I am very excited to help our churches, schools, Adventist Community Services groups, and clubs effectively connect with their local communities and understand how we can serve them best,” says Brower.
Brower will be instrumental in encouraging pastors, members, teachers, and students in engaging in community activities and events that will bring the presence of Jesus into the life of the communities all throughout our conference.
“As this exciting initiative unfolds, it will encourage our members to effectively engage with their local communities, and we believe each person they interact with will learn more about Jesus and fall in love with Him,” says Jamieson.
Brower has spent his career in Upper Columbia Conference, both as a pastor and chaplain, and more recently focusing on youth and young adults. Brower and his wife, Timi, have three boys and love to speak as a team on topics related to marriage and relationships. They live on a small farm in the Palouse.