Pastor Kip records staff check-in for Asbury Facebook campus

For Rev. Kip Roozen, faith was woven naturally into everyday life growing up on a farm near Gayville, South Dakota. 

“Faith was just part of our lives,” Kip shared. “The church was always a part of our lives.” 

Raised in a Methodist family, Kip grew up attending worship faithfully every Sunday. Church involvement extended far beyond Sunday mornings. His parents were active in both the local church and the wider conference, helping lead efforts supporting mission and hunger ministries.  

Even as a child, there were hints that ministry might someday become part of his story. 

“My mom had been influential, saying, ‘Kip’s going to be a pastor,’” he recalled with a laugh. 

Still, Kip’s call to ministry came gradually rather than through a dramatic moment. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of South Dakota, exploring different academic interests while trying to discern what direction his life should take. 

“I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” he said. 

As he reflected more deeply, however, one thing became increasingly clear. 

“The more and more I was thinking about it, I just felt led that I wanted to do something with and for people.” 

Pastor Kip and Pastor Matt Morrison have served together at Asbury since 2017.

That growing sense of calling eventually led him to Dakota Wesleyan University, where his involvement in campus ministry and religion courses helped affirm the path ahead. 

“I just felt that nudging or that call to ministry being affirmed,” he said. “I think this is the right path for me.” 

Kip later attended Iliff School of Theology in Denver before returning to the Dakotas Conference, where he would spend his entire ministry serving churches across South Dakota. 

“I think it’s just because this is where I grew up and where I was connected,” he said. “Family was here.” 

Throughout his years in ministry, Kip found deep joy not in titles or achievements, but in relationships, service, and shared ministry within the church community. 

“I felt like all my appointments were good matches with me,” he said. “The relationships in the churches that I’ve built are important to me.” 

From rural congregations to larger communities like Spearfish and Sioux Falls, Kip’s ministry consistently centered on outreach, missions, youth ministry, and preaching. He also served on the Conference Board of Global Ministries and the conference camping committee—areas closely tied to his passions and gifts. 

Rev. Kip and Barb Roozen

“I’ve always had an interest in youth,” he shared. “And I’ve always had an interest in missions and outreach.” 

As he reflects on ministry and offers encouragement to younger clergy, Kip emphasizes openness to God’s direction and the importance of authenticity in ministry. 

“Keep open to where God’s leading and where God is nudging you,” he said. “Be willing to take a step in that direction.” 

He also reminds those discerning ministry that there is no single mold for pastors to fit into. 

“We’re all different,” he said. “We’ve all been gifted with different talents and gifts.” 

For Kip, the church at its best is rooted in community. 

“The church is the body of Christ,” he said. “That aspect of community is what’s important.” 

He believes the role of the church is to help people experience God’s love while growing together in faith and service. 

“We’re trying to provide opportunities for people to experience the life-changing love and grace of Jesus Christ,” he shared. 

As Kip and his wife Barb enter retirement, much of their focus will center around family and their 11 grandchildren.  

Across decades of faithful service in the Dakotas Conference, Rev. Kip Roozen’s ministry has reflected a quiet and consistent commitment to relationships, discipleship, and the life-changing love of Christ.