Robert Rynders
United Methodist Campus Minister at Arizona State University, networker, speaker, husband, father.
I lead others in spiritual formation, building community, and developing critical thinking skills. I love to network and to use technology to bring others together around new, innovative, and creative ideas that aim to make the world a better place. I love blogging, traveling, Major League Baseball, and running.
Education: Claremont School of Theology (Mdiv), Long Beach State University (BA Psychology)
Contact: robrynders@gmail.com
Updates
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@PaulMShultz It's not the same without you, Paul!
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@kurtboemler Awww yeah :)
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Where are all the Groupon ads? Everyone loved them so much, last year.
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@kurtboemler How many of them were trying to hide their headphones?
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Just remembered I watched last year's #SuperBowl in a bar, in Nashville, with a bunch of #UMC campus ministers. Good times.
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Getting ready for the last worship service on the day then heading to @NCOUNTERAZ with students! #fb
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If you are interested, you can now subscribe to e-mail updates from my blog http://t.co/0MRnBEVw
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One awesome discovery I have made being up late/early with babies is BBC's "Top Gear." #fb
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@sarahepotts @brandonlazarus Yup! I love brainwashing, I mean, "influencing" people!
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@revdwheel You will find it very "persuasive," young grasshopper.
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@BrandonLazarus Yeah, so get in shape so we can go running in Vegas :)
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I think #touch has some major potential but I keep expecting Kiefer go all Jack Bauer on everyone. Maybe that's why it feels so intense?
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@flora132 @thecivilwars I'm still kicking myself for not going when they were in Phoenix a couple weeks back.
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@BrandonLazarus Cities can't be spiritual?
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@BrandonLazarus Do it! Running has become deeply spiritual to me. Even if I am really slow :)
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@revdwheel It would be fun. That's where I did my Mdiv. Loved almost every minute of it! Maybe Phd or Dmin… one day.
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@revdwheel Me too!
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I'm reading "Sex God" and I am convinced that Rob Bell is heavily influenced by process theology. Agree? Disagree?
Profile
Summary
I lead others in building community, developing critical thinking skills, and spiritual formation. I love to network and to use technology to bring others together around new, innovative, and creative ideas and projects that make the world a better place. I love blogging, traveling, Major League Baseball, and running.
Experience
- Jul 2007 - PresentExecutive Director / The Wesley FoundationInspire college students to have adventurous spirits, questioning minds, and compassionate hearts. Engage students in weekly worship through music, liturgy, sacraments, and preaching. Organize bible study, small group, service, fellowship, and discipleship formation opportunities. Mentor and disciple student leaders through weekly meetings, retreats, visioning and strategic planning. Lead board of directors in overseeing fundraising and budget management, alumni development, and execution of the mission and vision of the organization.
- Jun 2006 - Jun 2007Director of Youth and Family Ministries / Grace United Methodist Church
- Jan 2004 - May 2006Director of Youth Ministries / Claremont United Methodist Church
Education
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2003 - 2006Claremont School of TheologyMDiv in Theology, History, Pastoral Care, Biblical Studies, Non-Profit Management, Preaching
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2000 - 2002California State University-Long BeachBA in Psychology/ Minor in Religious StudiesActivities: Wesley Foundation, Crew Team
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1997 - 2000Las Positas CollegeAA in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Additional Information
Posts
The following letter was recently mailed to representatives of the Cal-Pac Annual Conference, regarding the recent decision to de-fund campus ministry in that conference:To the California-Pacific Annual Conference:We write to you on behalf of the United Methodist Campus Ministry Association (UMCMA) with concern around recent decisions being made which affect the spiritual care of students, the making of disciples of Jesus Christ and development of leadership for the United Methodist Church on college and university campuses in the Cal-Pac Annual Conference.This letter is to 1) communicate our concerns for the future of campus ministry in the Cal- Pac Annual Conference, and 2) raise awareness about Disciplinary process that govern changes in campus ministry units.THE 2008 DISCIPLINE AND PROCESSES THAT GOVERN CAMPUS MINISTRY
As we become aware of possible changes in deployment of clergy personnel to campus ministry and a possible move toward Wesley Foundations based in local churches, the Discipline of the United Methodist Church outlines specific processes that must be followed:1. BHECM or its equivalent recommends the policies guiding the annual conference in its program of ministry in higher education. (¶634.4a(2)) This responsibility cannot be appropriated by any other entity in an annual conference. We hope that as Cal-Pac conference leadership makes decisions for the future of their conference ministry, that due authority is given to BHECM in the development of policy regarding higher education.
2. BHECM authorizes any new (or change) in campus ministry units through an extensive and prescribed process. (¶634.4d(16))
3. Discontinuance of a Wesley Foundation or campus ministry(¶634.4d(19) and ¶2515)
a. Prior to a discontinuance BHECM shall conduct an assessment of the campus ministry’s potential
b. A discontinuance recommendation is made to the annual conference with the consent of a majority of BHECM and with the consent of a majority of the annual conference
c. Any proceeds from the sale of a Wesley Foundation or campus ministry shall be reserved for campus ministry needs in the annual conference
4. Staffing of Wesley Foundations is done through the local board following procedures established by BHECM. (¶634.4d(10) and (12))We trust that all processes outlined by the Discipline are being followed, and that BHECM retains authority in all matters regarding Wesley Foundations and campus ministry units.THE IMPORTANCE OF CAMPUS MINISTRY FOR CAL-PAC AND FOR THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The United Methodist Church states that one its four most important areas of focus is “Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world.” Campus ministry has demonstrated its effectiveness in developing leadership, where young persons hear and respond to the call to invest their lives following Christ and leading the church. According to a Lewis Center Study, “conferences that have the highest proportion of young clergy tend to have plans to introduce young people to a life of ministry.” The Mississippi Annual Conference tops the list with the highest percentage of young commissioned and ordained ministers. Mississippi’s leaders attribute much of this to their investment in campus ministry.Responding to short-term financial challenges, we worry that the church and the Cal-Pac Annual Conference specifically will make decisions that could compromise the ability of the United Methodist Church to have a long-term presence on our university campuses. Once we relinquish a campus ministry site, especially those on or next to a campus, the church does not and cannot regain the same access to that campus. Moving campus ministry away from proximity to campus takes it out of the context in which students live their daily lives.College campuses are one of the richest mission fields in the United States. Mission, by its very definition, means that we go to people rather than requiring people to come to us. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” He did not say, “Ask the nations to come to you.” The most effective form of outreach to college and university campuses takes place on those campuses. Other denominations and parachurch groups recognize the value of this missional approach and provide the financial and other resources necessary for visible and effective ministry on campus.In addition, we need to deploy the most skilled and committed staff to campus ministry. With the emotional, social and professional transitions facing young adults on college campuses, we need experienced and trained professionals who connect with young adults, can witness to the Christian faith, and can invite young adults to answer to the call of God on their lives.Take courage. For our shared work in reaching out to young adults and for our shared work in calling forth leaders for the church and for the world, we ask that you follow the process outlined in the Discipline that widens the conversation so that the annual conference as a whole can make visionary decisions concerning the ministry on university and college campuses.UMCMA is available to have a deeper conversation around these issues, as well as provide guidance as you consider the future of campus ministry in the Cal-Pac Annual Conference. The health and vitality of our local congregations rests on the continuing development and nurture of our young adult leaders on campuses.In faithful service,The Members of the UMCMA Coordinating Committee
Construction will begin soon for a "first of its kind" residence hall at Arizona State University. Located at the intersection of S Forest Ave and E University Drive, “Wesley Hall” will be one of the most conveniently located student housing options at the Tempe campus.
Upon completion, the facility will be operated by the Wesley Foundation, the campus ministry of the United Methodist Church. Rev. Rob Rynders believes that this project, “is an exciting step for our ministry, which we hope will result in a strong sense of community for ASU students who are seeking a more challenging and fulfilling college living experience. Wesley Hall will provide a safe and open environment where students will be encouraged, not only to engage in conversations about faith, but to explore ways to live it out in their communities and in the world.”
The facility is being developed in a partnership between Tempe First United Methodist Church and Newchapter. “We have spent the last two or three years developing this model of student housing and cannot imagine a better campus on which to roll it out”, says Nat Rassi, President of Newchapter. “The facility offers the perfect environment for students who love the atmosphere and energy at ASU, but who want to add spiritualexploration to their Sun Devil experience.”
The 89-bed facility, which will have 4 stories above grade plus a garden- level basement, will be open to all ASU students, including freshmen. There will be three Community Assistants and one live-in Community Director, allowing first-year students an exemption from the University's policy requiring residency in ASU housing.
Wesley Foundation member and ASU student, Cara Coleman, believes that “this residence hall is an amazing way for students to live out their faith within the ASU community. For students, this is an exciting project to be a part of and something we have been looking for.”
The Wesley Foundation is a ministry serving the students of Arizona State University. Tempe First United Methodist Church serves a diverse congregation and the Tempe community through worship, spiritual formation, and a number of outreach ministries. Newchapter finances, constructs and maintains Student Living Centers for student organizations.
If you’d like more information about this project, please visit http:// asuwesleyhall.com or to schedule an interview with Rev. Rob Rynders please contact him at rob@valleywesley.com
