Introducing Our New Executive Director: Dr. Trygve Johnson
PreachFor Foundation Welcomes Rev. Dr. Trygve Johnson as Inaugural Executive Director
The PreachFor Foundation is thrilled to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Trygve Johnson as its inaugural Executive Director. A passionate advocate for young Christian leaders, Trygve brings decades of experience fostering their spiritual growth and empowering them to make a difference in the world. With a deep passion for ministry and proven leadership in Christian higher education and pastoral leadership, Trygve brings dynamism and vision to advance the mission of PreachFor.
PreachFor's Mission: Nurturing Young Leaders for the Church
PreachFor Foundation champions new leaders for the renewal of the church and is guided by the conviction that flourishing churches transform lives and grow communities of faith. The foundation provides resources, training, and encouragement to equip future pastors and lay-leaders for excellence in their calling.
A Word from Don Kanak, PFF Chairman
"Trygve’s heart for the gospel and his ability to inspire others align perfectly with PreachFor's mission," said Don Kanak, PFF Chairman. "Trygve is a proven leader, with the humble heart of a pastor, the mind of a scholar, and the courage of a leader. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding PreachFor Foundation into its future, as we work with churches to equip future leaders."
Dr. Johnson's Vision for PreachFor
"I am honored to join PreachFor Foundation as its first Executive Director," said Dr. Johnson. "I look forward to working with an extraordinarily committed Board of Directors following the Holy Spirit to renew leadership in the church and proclaim the gospel with passion and purpose.“
Dr. Johnson's Leadership and Experience
Trygve’s distinguished career has been marked by a deep commitment to mentoring and inspiring young people. As the former Hinga-Boersma Dean of the Chapel at Hope College, he oversaw the campus ministry program, fostering a vibrant spiritual community for students, staff, and faculty. He was known for his ability to connect with young adults and faculty, preaching with intellectual creativity, and providing guidance to grow in their faith and discern their callings. During his tenure, he spearheaded transformative initiatives, including:
The Van Andel Huys Der Hope Ministry Home: A place for students to gather, build community, and deepen their faith.
The Harvey Prayer Chapel: A dedicated space for prayer and reflection, enriching the spiritual lives of students.
Live-Streaming of Chapel services
Over 20 worship albums of Hope Chapel Music
Endowment of a Chaplain of Athletics: Providing spiritual support and guidance to student athletes
Hope's first African-American and Hispanic Chaplains and first female Senior Chaplain
Endowing the Campus Ministries Program: Ensuring sustainability and supporting students' spiritual development.
Furthermore, Trygve was instrumental in the renewal of Pillar Church, a local congregation adjacent to Hope College. Pillar has become a revitalized and a flourishing congregation. Trygve secured a $1.25 million grant with Pillar and Western Theological Seminary to promote compelling preaching.
Trygve is ordained in the Reformed Church in America. He was an All-American baseball player at Northwestern College and was inducted into the Northwestern College Hall-of-Fame for Baseball. He is a teaching fellow of the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary. He is passionate for gospel preaching, strategic leadership, and mentoring young adults in their Christian faith.
About PreachFor Foundation
PreachFor seeks to nurture young leaders for flourishing churches, thereby strengthening communities and leadership in the broader society.
For more information about PreachFor Foundation and its initiatives, please visit https://www.preachfor.org
