Getting to Know Our President, Al Reimche

GW: When did you decide that you were going to join the ministry?
AR: "My Dad was a pastor, so obviously there was a positive influence from him. Early on, I grew up thinking I would also be a pastor one day, however, as a teen, I began to resist the idea. By the time I attended Walla Walla College, I studied education and theology, but had no intention of actually being a pastor."

GW: What did you do after Walla Walla?
AR: "Well, I actually did a number of things. While at Walla Walla, I ran a small business as an electrical contractor, and for a short time after WWC, I even drove a log truck in Northern British Columbia. One of my first calls came to teach third and fourth grade in an Adventist elementary school in Newfoundland. It was a fun experience, and I learned a lot!

"Later on, Beth and I became involved helping with a church plant in British Columbia, and were involved in some health programs for the community. While there, an ABC mobile book van visited the area, and I thought, "That would be fun." Not long after, we received a call that put us on the road bringing Christian books to believers all across the Western provinces of Canada. It was a great experience, and before long I was invited to be the assistant manager for the Western Canada ABC."

GW: How did you and your wife, Beth, meet?
AR: "Although we may have bumped into each other at a camp meeting in Canada at some point, the first time we formally met was at Beth's birthday party while we were both attending WWC. We dated for two months just prior to summer break. When we returned to school that fall, we began dating again and became engaged within a couple of weeks. We have two wonderful children who are both happily married. Our son Jonathan (Angela) works for Price Waterhouse Coopers in Toronto, and our daughter Jayne (Jason) works for the Oregon Conference as the events coordinator. Beth is presently a practicing speech-language specialist in the Woodburn area and greatly enjoys working with her students.”

GW: When did you receive your first call to become a pastor?
AR: "During my tenure as assistant manager of the ABC I began to feel it was time for a change, but didn't know exactly where the Lord wanted Beth and me to serve. I prayed for the Lord's guidance, and even gave Him a deadline when I needed to make my final decision. I am confident the Lord answered my prayer because it was on the exact day of my "deadline" that a call came that provided my first opportunity to be a full fledged pastor."

GW: Where did God call you?
AR: "We were called to serve in two churches in southeastern British Columbia. We led those churches for about five years, and then took a youth pastor position also in BC. We then moved to Alberta and pastored the same church where my father had spent many years as a pastor. For me, the call to preach was a faith affirming call. These days, I reflect back and recognize that every position I held was instrumental in my development and preparation to be a pastor, and eventually equipped me to take on ministerial leadership. God has the ability to give each of us the gifts, the opportunities, and wisdom to do what He needs us to do!"

GW: How did you arrive in Oregon?
AR: "While pastoring in Alberta, I received the call to work in the conference as the director for the ministerial and family life departments. It was a blessing to work creatively and help pastors reach their congregations and communities. A few years later, a call came to return to pastor a church. I answered the Lord's call because it seemed to me that ministerial leadership at the conference level needs to stay connected to the local congregation. This time I accepted a pastoral position in Pendleton, Oregon.  Five years later, in 1998, the Lord opened a new door that gave me the opportunity to direct the ministerial department at the Oregon Conference. In 2001, I was asked to fill the position at the Conference as VP of Administration. Every step along the way, I honestly felt the leading hand of God, and I know He gave me exactly the tools I would need to take on the next challenge."

GW: Is there a Bible story that has your attention these days?
AR: "Right now, I'm studying the story of King Jehoshaphat, and one of the things I'm interested in is his approach in the midst of crisis. With the armies of three countries ready to destroy Judah, King Jehoshaphat prayed. He starts by praising God, and then turns to admitting that Judah is powerless and doesn't know what to do. This attitude of submission of our will, and turning our eyes to God especially in times when we don't know what to do, is really important."

GW: That sounds like a very timely story given our current economic crisis.
AR: "Exactly. Oregon happens to be one of the hardest hit states in terms of unemployment and home foreclosures. In times like these people will begin to realize that the things we have banked on are no longer reality. People have watched their 401k's and retirement plans slip away. When it doesn't work out as planned, it creates real angst in the community."

"This crisis also creates also an openness to look for something that is actually solid. As believers, we know our 'retirement' is 'out of this world.' We've been accustomed to the idea that money makes everything happen. Yet, God is bringing us to the point of realization that it isn't our money that will evangelize, but it is each individual believer. Over many years, the church has transitioned from itinerant preacher to permanent preacher, and now the trend is to outsource the functions of many pastors, including evangelism and various ministries. Today, I believe God is telling Christians, 'It isn't your money that I need. It’s you. I want to partner with you individually and corporately to spread the Gospel.'"

GW: You've been OC President for nearly two weeks now, so it may be premature to ask you to present your vision for 2009-2010. Can you give us a hint at your thoughts thus far?
AR: "The economy is definitely a huge hit and on everyone's mind. As a Conference, we are certainly looking for every way to be responsible stewards, which will include finding ways to reduce our operating costs this year. We also have to be mindful of the fact that God's work won't be finished by just the paid clergy, but will involve all believers. I'm focused on making sure that the "commission culture" remains a driving force of our conference, churches, and members. The way that this will be accomplished is by encouraging all our members to take an active part in spreading the Gospel. The world is rapidly changing, and we are clearly taking steps toward the last days. Recent economic changes appear to be a harbinger of some very exciting times for the church. More than ever before, we need strong member involvement. In my mind, there should be no distinction between laity and clergy-just all believers living a life of service for the glory of God."

GW: Before we run out of time, can you share one thing that you and Beth do for fun?
AR: "We both really love to get out on the open road and ride our motorcycles. This is a family hobby for us, and when the weather is better we'll certainly be out riding. As a family, we've had some great times touring around the country. Last summer, in fact, my son and I toured the province of Quebec on our bikes. What great memories we made together!"