New Faces: CHRIS DE MAN

CHRIS DE MAN, System Integration Administrator

A life-long resident of West Michigan, my pre-adult years were shaped through family and faith. After high school, I trekked north to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where I earned an electrical engineering degree from Michigan Technological University. Shortly thereafter, I wandered back to the relatively warmer climes of Grand Rapids to get married and begin my engineering career.

While happy and successful, I sensed engineering may not be a life-long pursuit. Deeply engaged with our church as members and volunteers, I started a distance program with Liberty Theological Seminary. Just prior to earning an M.A. in religion, my sense about my engineering future proved true as I was asked to join our church staff. I served there for 10 years in a blended role of administration and ministry.

Then, similar to my previous premonition, I felt God preparing me for another vocational move. This time He placed me at Calvin Seminary in March 2018 where I currently serve out of the Information Technology department.

In the midst of this journey, I’ve been joyfully refined through marriage to Katrina, parenting five children (biological and adopted), the life and death of pets, and the recent start of a doctoral program. Such things have enhanced my love of strong coffee and early mornings. I’m glad for the opportunity to serve the Calvin Seminary community.