Rev. Dr. David A. Vargas Elected as DOM President Emeritus

During the recent Division of Overseas Ministries Discreet Board Meeting, held April 17-18 in Indianapolis, Rev. Dr. David A. Vargas was elected as DOM President Emeritus.

For the past 28 years, Dr. Vargas has served with distinction as a member of the executive staff of the Division of Overseas Ministries. From 1983 through 2003 he was Latin America and Caribbean Executive and, concurrently, served as Vice President of DOM from 1999 until 2003. He was elected DOM President/Global Ministries Co-Executive in 2003 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2010.

During the recent Division of Overseas Ministries Discreet Board Meeting, held April 17-18 in Indianapolis, Rev. Dr. David A. Vargas was elected as DOM President Emeritus. 

For the past 28 years, Dr. Vargas has served with distinction as a member of the executive staff of the Division of Overseas Ministries.  From 1983 through 2003 he was Latin America and Caribbean Executive and, concurrently, served as Vice President of DOM from 1999 until 2003.  He was elected DOM President/Global Ministries Co-Executive in 2003 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2011.

In addition to his years of service to DOM/Global Ministries, Dr. Vargas has served the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in a number of capacities during his 43 years of ordained ministry.

He provided pastoral leadership to three congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Puerto Rico: Canadelaria Abajo (now Macún) in Toa Baja (1966-67); Kilometro 5 (now Rexville) in Bayamón (1967-70); and Puerto Nuevo, San Juan (1970-71).  Also, he served as interim pastor at First Hispanic Lutheran Church in Chicago in 1976. In addition, Dr. Vargas served for five years as the Director of Program Services for Hispanic and Bilingual Congregations in the Division of Homeland Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  While serving with the Division of Overseas Ministries and Global Ministries, he additionally served 10 months as the first National Pastor for Hispanic Ministries of the Disciples of Christ.

Throughout his career, Dr. Vargas has served in a ministry of accompaniment to those who are on the margins of society and was instrumental in the organizational development of Global Ministries.  He became the executive for the Common Ministry in Latin America and the Caribbean in 1989.  This common ministry was the first program office of the Disciples and United Church of Christ with common governance.

Since his retirement in 2010, Dr. Vargas has continued to serve Global Ministries as a representative on the Good Samaritan Board of Directors, Los Fesnos, Texas and he represents Global Ministries at events as requested by the President of the Division of Overseas Ministries and Co-Executive of Global Ministries.  In addition, he serves as a member of the Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago.

We are thankful for David’s many years of service and, even in retirement, his continued support and presence, and we congratulate him on receiving this honor.