Hello, everyone! My name is Noah Holtvluwer. With me is my lovely wife, Katherine, and our two children, Miriam (3) and Boaz (1). Only the keenest of eyes could spot the third child, whom we are eager to welcome this Spring, the Lord willing. Now you may be wondering, “Is he the son of the pastor?” or “Is his brother the one who does that podcast thingy?” Simply put, yes and yes. Rest assured, however, that aspiring to the ministry is not my attempt to escape their long shadows. In fact, I’m very thankful for such influences, for God has used many conversations with my family to develop my love for him and for his word.

Speaking of family, I am one of six kids born to a set of God-fearing parents. Together, we’ve been blessed to live in several provinces of this vast country we call Canada – one of the many perks of being a minister’s kid! From Aldergrove, British Columbia to Carman, Manitoba to the Golden Horseshoe of Ontario, the Lord has led me and my family and blessed us with many and varied relationships among the communion of saints. While my dad was serving at Spring Creek CanRC, I formed my most special relationship with Katherine, the girl in the neighbouring pew. We married in 2021, and for the past four years have been residing in Ancaster, ON, which is just a hop, skip and a jump away from CRTS.

My educational path toward the seminary was similarly short. Following high school, I spent a year working at Kitching Steepe & Ludwig Funeral Home in Waterdown, ON. That year was very formative for me, teaching me how to serve those who are grieving and in need, and learning the value of good service also in the small details. I became pretty efficient at washing cars too :). Ultimately, I chose to set aside my funerary attire and, instead, give university a try. The end result was that I graduated from McMaster University with a BA in History, having endured many an online class due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Needless to say, I was thrilled to begin my seminary education in-person.

In addition to the regular courses, I undertook several internships as part of my seminary studies. After completing year one, I spent two weeks with Rev. Joel Dykstra, minister at Wellandport URC in Ontario. After my second year, I went back to my roots to do a ten-week preaching internship in Aldergrove, BC, under the tutelage of Rev. Rob Schouten. The following summer, I commuted to Ajax, ON for two weeks, joining Rev. Brian Zegers of Word of Life Ministry in sharing the gospel with Muslims. Later that same summer, I filled the pulpit for six weeks at Grace URC in Oro-Medonte, ON. The Lord has used each of these experiences to mould and shape me, preparing me for life in the ministry, should that be his will. I will forever be grateful for the wise counsel and encouragement that I have received from classmates, professors, mentors, and a host of parishioners along the way.

It is my intention to present myself at Classis Niagara this Spring in the hopes of being declared eligible for call. In the meantime, I am content to leave all uncertainties with my heavenly Father, whose ever-steady hand will continue to guide all things for my good unto his glory.