Mike Van Buren was born August 31, 1952, in the small town of Waupun, WI.  Mike is a third-generation citizen as his grandparents were all born in the Netherlands.  He is also a third-generation RCA member as all his family became RCA members upon their arrival.  Mike attended Waupun Christian Schools from first through eighth grade and went on to graduate from Waupun Public High School in 1970.  From there he attended and graduated from Hope College in 1974 and Western Theological Seminary in 1977. 

Mike was married to Noreen Straks in 1972 as she (also from Waupun... yes, high school sweethearts) joined him in Holland, Michigan and worked full time while Mike went through college and seminary.  Mike and Noreen were called out of seminary to Glen Lake Community Reformed Church in 1977 and served the church until September 1982.

On October 2, 1982, he became the Pastor of Ottawa Reformed Church where he served until December 31, 1997.  On January 1, 1998, he took the call to Fellowship Reformed Church of Hudsonville, MI and served there until June 3, 2018.

On September 1, 2018, Mike became the Executive Pastor of Ottawa Reformed Church under contract.

Mike and Noreen were blessed with two children, Carlia (Van Buren) Schippers and Brad Van Buren.  They are also blessed with four grandchildren, Jack Schippers, Breslin Schippers, Brayden Van Buren, and Haley Van Buren and in-laws Jamison Schippers and Karla (Kooiker) Van Buren.  The children live locally, and Mike and Noreen stay intimately involved in all of their lives.

Yes, I am back after 20 years and I pray God blesses our path as we walk it with each other and with our Lord.   Mike