Experiencing the call of the Spirit early in his life, Darrel was afforded numerous opportunities to test emerging leadership skills in church, school and conference settings. Formal educational thrusts yielded Bachelor degrees in Religious Studies and Education, and a Master of Divinity at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries in Elkhart, Indiana.

Continually reading and integrating expansive theological thought aid in shaping his faith trajectory.  Ordained on November 28, 1982, Darrel served as youth pastor at Gospel Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, then ministered for 25 years (to the day) in southern Ontario with Tavistock Mennonite Church and then Breslau Mennonite Church (Kitchener).

Married to the lovely Lucille Harms Toews, Darrel also enjoys sharing the journey with three adult children and as Opa to four young grandsons. Appreciative of good literature, music, drama, sport, ballroom dancing and stimulating conversation, he seeks to remain abreast of both past and current world movements shaping our collective human experiences.  Still longing for love to infuse the world…