Joe Elkerton (left) will replace Bert Adema (right) as director of the Indigenous Christian Fellowship in Regina, Saskatchewan
Joe Elkerton (left) will replace Bert Adema (right) as director of the Indigenous Christian Fellowship in Regina, Saskatchewan. Photo: Victoria Veenstra (25 June 2025)

Joe Elkerton appointed Director of Indigenous Christian Fellowship

 — June 25, 202525 juin 2025
Victoria Veenstra, CRC News

The Christian Reformed Church’s Indigenous Christian Fellowship (ICF) in Regina, Sask., is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Elkerton as its new director, effective July 21, 2025. Elkerton will replace Bert Adema, who is retiring after 32 years of service.

“This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Indigenous Christian Fellowship,” said Albert Postma, the CRCNA’s executive director-Canada. “Joe’s diverse background and his clear sense of calling to this specific role truly excite us. We believe his leadership will bring vibrant new energy and direction as we continue to grow and serve the community in Regina.”

Elkerton is is a member of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and is an intergenerational survivor of the residential school system in Canada. As a child of the Sixties Scoop, he was adopted and raised by white parents and didn’t fully connect with his Indigenous heritage until later in life. He spent time living on the streets, he said, and credits “someone sharing Jesus” with him as a pivotal event that turned his life around.

He went on to earn a bachelor of religious education degree from Tyndale University and became a pastor, youth minister, and director of community ministries. Most recently, Elkerton was self-employed with Elkerton Consulting Services, where he engaged in public speaking on social issues and assisted not-for-profits with governance and development.

He has also served as the executive director for Project 417, developing outreach programs for Indigenous communities and projects for victims of human trafficking, and he has held leadership roles in various organizations focusing on supporting vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness and addiction.

Elkerton’s volunteer experience includes serving on the boards of Native Child and Family Services and the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies, as well as extensive involvement with the Kiwanis Club of Toronto.

Reflecting on his motivation for applying, Elkerton expressed that this opportunity felt like “the coming together of a whole variety” of his experiences.

Adrian Jacobs, senior leader for Indigenous justice and reconciliation, who served on the hiring team for the position, agreed: “Elkerton’s extensive consulting experience and his leadership in multiple urban environments make him a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to the vision and experience he will bring to the Indigenous Christian Fellowship.”

Elkerton will be relocating to Regina and will begin his role at ICF on July 21 to allow for some orientation and overlap before Adema retires.

Posted: June 25, 2025 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=14638
Categories: News • In this article: Christian Reformed Church in North America, Indigenous church Transmis : 25 juin 2025 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=14638
Catégorie : News • Dans cet article : Christian Reformed Church in North America, Indigenous church


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