David Schwinghammer accepted an invitation Thursday, April 26, 2018, to become the next vice president for administration for the Oregon Conference. His invitation came after a joint meeting of the conference nominating and executive committees. He will replace Dave Allen, who retires July 1, 2018.
Schwinghammer has been serving in the Ontario Conference in Canada since 2016 as vice president for administration. Before that, he served in the Ontario Conference as a pastor, then as stewardship director. He brings a wealth of experience in church administration and leadership to his new role. He holds degrees from Burman University in Canada, the Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Michigan and Fuller Theological Seminary in California.
“It was a blessing to see God’s presence active in the Nominating Committee meeting, clearly guiding the whole process in the selection of David Schwinghammer as the next [vice president] for administration and executive secretary for the Oregon Conference,” says Dan Linrud, Oregon Conference president. “Pastor Dave will bring experience and dynamic leadership skills. His passionate spirituality also exemplifies our Oregon Conference mission of knowing, loving and serving Jesus and others and sharing Jesus with others. He is both an inspiring preacher and gifted musician who effectively leads others closer to Jesus. Further, he has high interpersonal aptitude and a strong business sense.”
As Linrud explains, Schwinghammer's skillset provides for a unique opportunity in church administration. “It is crucial that we be proactive with the coming wave of leadership retirements across the North American Division," says Linrud. "A key dimension of this position will be to help coordinate a new initiative of identifying, training and equipping persons who may be future conference leaders. This will be in addition to the traditional role of VP for administration [such as] performing administrative functions, serving committees and boards, and relating to personnel. Pastor Dave is well-equipped to help with this, as he has been active as a visiting seminary instructor.”
“I am thankful for the way in which the Lord has led in the past 22 years of ministry in the Adventist Church,” says Schwinghammer. “It has been a joy to serve along with others who have a passion for Jesus and see firsthand how God unfolds His vision for their lives. I’m honored for the opportunity to join the Oregon Conference family and am looking forward to seeing what God will do among us.”
Schwinghammer and his wife, Ingrid, have two children. Their daughter, Albany, attends Andrews University, while their son, Justin, is an academy student. Ingrid has served at Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Canada for more than 13 years.
“As Pastor Dave joins the Oregon Conference, I am confident that God has marvelous things in store for this leadership team going forward,” adds Linrud. “We are very pleased to welcome Dave, Ingrid, Albany and Justin Schwinghammer to our Oregon Conference administrative family.”
Schwinghammer is planning to begin serving the Oregon Conference July 1, 2018, and his family will follow.
David Schwinghammer has accepted an invitation to become Oregon Conference vice president for administration when Dave Allen retires in July.
