Brower Named Director of Community Engagement

By Isaac Meythaler

UCC Communications Coordinator

During a meeting of the Upper Columbia Conference executive committee held May 7, 2026, Richie Brower was appointed as director of the recently formed community engagement department. This department brings together three service-oriented ministries — Adventist Community Services, disaster response and the Serve One More initiative — under Brower’s direction.

Brower has a long history of more than 20 years of ministry with UCC. Most recently, Brower served as Serve One More associate director.

“Richie has a servant’s heart and a deep passion for helping others,” said David Jamieson, UCC president. “We are delighted to see him continue to lead others in community engagement through Serve One More, disaster response and ACS in this new capacity."

In 1995, Brower graduated with a degree in theology from Walla Walla College. The following year, he furthered his studies at Andrews University Theological Seminary, graduating with a master of divinity degree in 1999.

After seminary, Brower returned to UCC where he served as a pastor, radio chaplain and church planter.

In 2016, Brower accepted an invitation to join the conference as youth, young adult and club ministries associate director, where he served for 8 years. There, Brower learned firsthand the powerful impact volunteers can make.

“Working with Pathfinders during and after the Malden Fire in 2020 was a turning point for me,” said Brower. “As we found ways we could help the community, I discovered a passion I didn’t know I had.”

In 2024, Brower was named UCC’s Serve One More associate director. There, he has provided training and resources enabling bold new community service initiatives.

“I’m excited to help our conference continue to connect and engage their local community,” said Brower. “Engagement is a natural pathway for evangelism.”

Brower and his wife, Timi, have three boys. They live on a small farm in the Palouse.