The Minnesota Conference administration is excited to announce that on Jan. 1, 2018 Pastor Shelina Bonjour officially began her new position as the Minnesota Conference youth director.
Bonjour was commissioned on Dec. 9, 2017 at the Pathways Adventist Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Prior to accepting the position of youth director, Bonjour spent almost two years as associate pastor for the Andover District, primarily working with the Pathways Adventist Church. Under her leadership, the church moved to a new location within the city limits of Maple Grove, began a youth group, and maintained consistent attendance and membership.
Bonjour spent two years as youth and outreach director at Caldwell Adventist Church in Idaho before moving to Minnesota. She worked with the youth at the church, helping with Adventurers and Pathfinders and doing outreach activities. Bonjour also spent several years working in Kettering, Ohio, first as young adult associate pastor for the Kettering Adventist Church, then as assistant dean and spiritual care director for Kettering College and Kettering Health Network.
Bonjour has a love for youth of all ages, and a special place in her heart for summer camp. She has been involved in Pathfinders throughout her various pastoral roles, including restarting a club. She has also trained youth in evangelism and outreach, managed the youth department during camp meeting, directed Vacation Bible School and organized city-wide outreach events. Prior to becoming a pastor, Bonjour spent multiple summers working at summer camps in a variety of roles including worship leader, parent liaison, counselor, communications director, department head, spiritual life director, associate programming director and camp pastor.
Bonjour says her favorite Bible text is Psalm 37:23-24. “This verse reveals the greatness of my God,” she explained. “The Creator of the Universe is guiding my journey. While He is King, He is also the closest Father, who cares about everything that shapes my life. I find hope here, for though I have the best of intentions, I mess up and fail often, but God’s love remains constant. God never lets go of His children, and that is that grace of Jesus that I want to share with the world.”
Bonjour enjoys playing guitar, riding horses and spending time at the lake. When asked what she’s looking forward to most about this summer at North Star Camp, she said, “I am eager for the activities, programs and adventures, but I am most excited to watch God touch lives at North Star.” Bonjour met her husband, David, while working at camp. They now support each other in ministry as they serve using each of their own God-given gifts. They will celebrate their fifth anniversary in September.
