Leadership
Director
Jim Dekker has worked in ministry and taught in Christian Higher Education for many years. He has been an active Spiritual Director since 2014. Now, as the Director of The Sanctuary, he looks forward to seeing God’s work in people’s lives. Jim has Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D degrees from various Christian colleges and seminaries. His Certificate in Spiritual Direction is from the John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction at North Park Theological Seminary. Jim has served in various forms of church and parachurch ministries since the late 70s and knows what it is like to live under the pressures such ministry brings. After 20 yrs of researching and teaching in the field of ministry, Jim transitioned to pastoring missionaries for the Christian Reformed Church (Resonate) in 2022. On days’ off, you will find him gardening, woodworking, fishing, generally spending time in nature. Throughout his career Jim has practiced pastoral listening and coming alongside those seeking deeper awareness of God’s work and transformation. Directing The Sanctuary is his ultimate dream job.
Board
Jennifer Andersson is, among other things, a Spiritual Director, Retreat leader, and advocate who finds great joy in seeing all people find safe hospitable space with God. Jennifer is the Director of the Journey Center of Michigan: https://journeycenterofmichigan.org/ ) Based in Detroit. In her 30+ year work life, Jennifer finds expression as a spiritual director (John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction), retreat leader, pastor (licensed), clinical social worker (LMSW), advocate, and most especially, beloved child of God. In April of 2023, Jennifer opened the “doors” of Journey Center of Michigan, based in the Detroit area and online, to make space for meeting people where they are on their spiritual journey, especially for those who don’t or can’t find expression in traditional settings. Jennifer is honored to come alongside the work of The Sanctuary at Grand Rapids as they, too, seek to support others on their walk with the Holy.
Philip Bustrum had a rich career in missions (Kenya) and as a professor of Intercultural studies and spiritual formation at Cornerstone University. Philip continues to serve as a Spiritual Director from his home in California. Dr. Philip Bustrum is a trained spiritual director working with pastors and students for the past twenty years. Before becoming a professor at Cornerstone University MI, Philip was a missionary in Kenya for 14 years doing theological education in a Bible college. Philip taught at Cornerstone U and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in the areas of missions and spiritual formation for 22 years before retiring in 2020.
Dr. Scott Morter is a professor of finance, teaching graduate finance courses at leading universities. Scott is a registered investment advisor, managing investments for corporate and individual clients.
Meri MacLeod has many years of ministry in the local church, nonprofit organizations and educational leadership in theological education.