Henry Wildeboer

Wildeboer realized in the 1970s, when Calgary’s oil industry was flourishing, that reaching out to young workers in Christian Reformed congregations and keeping them active was important for keeping them connected with them and engaged within Christian Reformed congregations was key for keeping them active in Christian Reformed worship services. He did this by altering worship style.

But this change caused friction. He began questioning his beliefs, ultimately opting to leave the church altogether.

Early Life and Education

Henry Wildeboer served as pastor at three Christian Reformed churches before retiring and mentoring young pastors and leaders. In addition, he published two books including When God Shows Up: A Pastor’s Journey. Currently residing with his wife Jan in Bowmanville Ontario.

Henry Wildeboer saw an opportunity in Calgary’s oil boom years to reach out and connect with young workers without church connections, who did not yet feel part of any church community. Determined to engage these newcomers into Christianity, Henry made sure these youngsters became part of his congregation by inviting them for Sunday services and by keeping in contact.

At his church, he changed the style of music and worship by emphasizing rich, fresh grace as part of worship services and services for fellowship and community. His legacy lives on through generations that follow. Today, his legacy lives on through four of his children – Verlyn (Diane) Wildeboer lives in Canton; Doug Wildeboer lives in Beresford while Brenda Baker hails from Hudson. Additionally a special nephew named Duane Soderberg lives nearby as well as 20 grandchildren!

Professional Career

Henry Wildeboer served as pastor at a Christian Reformed congregation during Calgary, Alberta’s oil boom years. Determined to reach and retain young workers in that city, his strategy included changing worship style – which many in his congregation found unnerved them.

Wildeboer Dellelce is one of Canada’s premier corporate, securities, and business transaction law firms. Brendan Wu practices with them in areas including corporate finance and securities law; private and public merger and acquisition transactions as well as commercial real estate.

Wildeboer Dellelce LLP is delighted to welcome Brendan Wu as an Associate Lawyer. Brendan, who graduated from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law and was called to the bar in 2019, practices at our Toronto office.

Achievement and Honors

He was a leader who understood the significance of keeping members connected to a Christian Reformed church, particularly during Calgary’s oil boom. To reach younger workers and keep them involved, he took risks including altering styles of worship and music to appeal more directly to younger adults.

He served as Regional Director for Home Missions and taught Leadership Development at Tyndale Seminary. Together with his wife Jan, they reside in Bowmanville Ontario where they attend Rehoboth Christian Reformed Church.

Julian Lupo is a partner at Wildeboer Dellelce LLP and practices corporate finance, securities, mergers and acquisitions and business law. He received both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Laws degrees from Western University’s Faculty of Law.

Personal Life

Henry and Jan live in Bowmanville, Ontario. Henry is a retired CRC pastor who now teaches Leadership Development at Tyndale Seminary. In his free time he enjoys fishing and maintaining his Chevy vehicles and Allis Chalmers tractors.

Wildeboer chronicles First CRC Calgary’s many miracle healings and Christian outreach achievements while at the same time recounting its internal church storms which left its congregation fatigued. He hopes that leaders who read his journey can be encouraged by it to take risks that move the congregation beyond maintenance and toward mission.

His family includes his three children – Verlyn (Diane) Wildeboer of Canton; Doug Wildeboer with Sharon from Beresford and Brenda Baker residing there; as well as an aunt Duane Soderberg in Lennox; he also leaves behind many grandchildren.