The Rev. Samuel (Sam) Grottenberg is originally from Calgary and was called to serve as our minister in 2023. He was ordained a Minister of Word, Sacrament, and Pastoral Care in June 2019 by the United Church's Pacific Mountain Regional Council and comes to us with many years of experience in a variety of pastoral roles in United Church congregations as well as two other denominations.
He holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (New Testament) from Regent College, a Diploma in Denominational Studies (United Church) from the Vancouver School of Theology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Development from Rocky Mountain (Bible) College. Alongside of his ministry here at North Lonsdale, Sam is a part-time research student through the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, where he is working towards his PhD in Divinity/New Testament.
Sam is a self-described “Bible nerd” whose heart for ministry is centred around the interpretation of biblical texts for life in today’s world and shepherding people in discipleship to Jesus. He seeks to be used by the Lord in helping people to integrate the Christian tradition with intellectual rigour and robust spiritual formation, while also equipping them to live out God’s mission in their communities.
Together with his wife, Stephanie, Sam has three energetic young children. Outside of being a massive geek who loves reading theology books, he can often be found brewing speciality coffee, writing, cycling, or playing a round of golf.
