On September 9, 2011, Rev. David Klompien was installed as Minister of the Word and Sacraments at Preakness Valley United Reformed Church in Wayne, NJ.

His father, Rev. Carl Klompien (emeritus, First CRC, Sioux Center, IA) read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13 and preached from verse 13 on “God’s Word for God’s People.” He focused on how God’s Word should be central in the church, with the minister preaching it rather than personal opinion, and how the Bible is God’s Word for His people. Rev. Klompien’s main points were that the Word of God is appreciated, is to be appropriated, and is applied.

Several URCNA ministers also participated in the service. Rev. William Kosten (emeritus, Preakness Valley URC, Wayne, NJ) opened with prayer. Rev. Andrew Eenigenburg (West Sayville Reformed Bible Church, West Sayville, NY) gave greetings from Classis Eastern US. Rev. Robert De Vries (emeritus, New Haven URC, New Haven, VT) led the congregation in a responsive reading. Rev. Paul Murphy (Messiah’s Reformed Fellowship, New York City, NY) read the installation form and gave the charge to the minister. Rev. Richard Kuiken (Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church, Pompton Plains, NJ) gave the charge to the congregation and led congregational prayer. And Rev. Steve Arrick (Zeltenreich Reformed Church, New Holland, PA) offered a prayer of thanksgiving.

Rev. David Klompien is a 2001 graduate of Westminster Seminary California who served the church that is now the New Covenant URC in Twin Falls, ID, from 2001-2004. He served as co-pastor with Rev. Richard J. Miller at the Dutton URC in Caledonia, MI, from 2004-2011.

Preakness Valley URC consists of about 52 families and had been vacant for about a year subsequent to the retirement of Rev. Norman Brower.

David and his wife, Angela, arrived in New Jersey on August 29 with their children: Micah (10), Elise (8), Jeremiah (6), Luke (4), and Levi (1½ ). He led his first worship service at the church on September 11. Sunday worship services are held at 9:30 AM and 6:30 PM at 480 Valley Road in Wayne, NJ.

Rev. Klompien hopes to convey to the congregation all that God’s call to discipleship involves.

“With God’s help, I pray that this church will be a place where God’s Word is central and the members are vibrant disciples of Jesus Christ,” he says. “He calls the people to be hearing the Word, reading the Word, studying the Word, memorizing the Word, meditating on the Word, and applying the Word. I hope this congregation will, by God’s grace, pursue these things and bear much fruit.”

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on page 16 of the October 26, 2011 issue of Christian Renewal.