The Wesley Foundation of Kalamazoo has hired Andrew Stange as the new director and campus minister.
The Wesley Foundation of Kalamazoo is excited to introduce Andrew Stange as the new director and campus minister. He will begin in this new role later in the spring. With a rich history at Wesley, Andrew’s journey began in 2006 as a dedicated student at Western Michigan University, evolving into a committed volunteer post-graduation and, most recently, as a valuable member of the Wesley board of directors. In the face of the challenges posed by the pandemic and several director transitions over the past three years, the board made the strategic decision to appoint Andrew internally, ensuring stability during this critical time.
Andrew brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at New Buffalo: Water’s Edge UMC, First UMC of Rolla, Missouri, and Holland: First UMC. He also provides communications support for the Michigan Conference at annual conference and general conference. This experience makes him uniquely qualified to lead Wesley into its next chapter.
An announcement from the foundation notes, “We extend a warm welcome to Andrew, who, alongside the board, remains steadfast in upholding our core values of forming community, exploring faith, and seeking justice.” Andrew shares, “This is an exciting new chapter in both my personal journey and the life of Wesley of Kalamazoo. I look forward to what the students and I will be able to create through collaboration in ministry together. Here’s to the next 100 years of ministry at Wesley of Kalamazoo!” The campus ministry celebrated its centennial in 2023.
The board of directors at Wesley of Kalamazoo remains steadfast in its dedication to anti-bias/anti-racism initiatives, fostering an inclusive environment through collaborative decision-making rooted in prayerful discernment. They are committed to amplifying the voices of those historically marginalized, guided by the abundance of God’s grace, and striving for transparency in their communication processes while upholding personal integrity.
The foundation shared its mission and vision as it looks to the future: “Over the next year, with our new director, we are actively shaping a comprehensive plan for anti-bias/anti-racism training, education, and actionable steps. Together, we embark on a journey to fulfill God’s vision for Wesley to be an ‘authentic, transforming, Christ-centered community.’”
The Wesley Foundation of Kalamazoo is an inclusive campus ministry serving college-aged young adults in Kalamazoo, including those at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The Kalamazoo Wesley Foundation Ministry Center and office is in the heart of the Western Michigan University campus on Ring Road North. The Wesley Foundation of Kalamazoo is one of the eight campus ministries supported by the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Last Updated on March 28, 2024