David Loleng has been named associate of evangelism for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), effective Jan. 25.

In his new role, Loleng will help connect the ministry of evangelism to the foundational ministry of disciple-making. “David has almost 20 years of experience helping students and adults become disciples of Jesus Christ,” says Ray Jones, coordinator of evangelism. “He will help us grow healthy churches that are serving Jesus and learning to share their stories of faith.”

“I want to be part of what God is doing in our ministry area at the national church by helping the local church be not only hearers but doers of God’s word,” says Loleng who served as family life pastor at Church of the Valley in Apple Valley, Calif., for the past eight years. “Our changing cultural landscape demands engagement by the local church. We need to be evangelistic and missionally minded, becoming witnesses in word and actions, to the saving and transforming power of Jesus Christ.”

Before his work in Apple Valley, Loleng served large Presbyterian churches in Glendora, Salinas, and Sacramento, Calif.  He received his Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. He will be based in the Evangelism and Church Growth ministry area in Louisville, Ky. starting Feb. 8.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) comprises 2.2 million members in more than 10,000 congregations, answering Christ’s call to mission and ministry throughout the United States and the world.