Throughout the year, we feature Crandall alumni by sharing their stories. Spotlight stories keep us connected with our alums, highlighting what they have been doing since leaving Crandall and how their time at Crandall has influenced their lives during and after their studies.

Today’s Alumni Spotlight Story features Rob Nylen, who graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

A Journey of Faith, Leadership, and Community Impact

Rob Nylen’s journey to Crandall University began in Saskatchewan where he was born, though he spent his high school years in Sussex. It was in grade twelve that Rob’s life changed when he became a Christian. Seeking the support of a Christian community while pursuing a career in teaching, he chose Crandall, unknowingly stepping into a journey that would ignite a call to pastoral ministry.

At Crandall, then Atlantic Baptist College (ABC), Rob found a community that nurtured both his academic and spiritual growth: “Through my courses, friendships, and the university community, I not only earned my degree but was discipled in my new faith, which led me to hear God’s call into pastoral ministry,” he reflects.

Rob was given numerous opportunities to grow in leadership, even though he had very little experience before arriving at Crandall. He led student groups, joined the worship team, played sports, and spent two years as a Resident Assistant. Additionally, he became involved in The Journey Church, where he was integrated into ministry, discovering his gifts and passions.

“It was through these experiences, and seeing a local church in action, that I began to sense God’s call on my life,” he says. “I will forever be thankful to God for how he used the professors, staff, other students, and local churches to shape me.”

Looking back, Rob’s favourite part of studying at Crandall was the supportive environment, which helped him through the challenges of his first year: “The workload felt overwhelming, and I was not a big reader. However, the small class sizes and professors who genuinely cared made all the difference,” he admits. One professor who stood out was Dr. Dale Schlenker, his sociology professor. “He was passionate about what he taught and encouraged us to explore our own interests. He went above and beyond, pushing me to see potential I didn’t see in myself,” Rob says.

After graduating from Crandall in 1995, Rob pursued a Masters of Divinity at Acadia Divinity College (ADC), married Jill Carter (Class of 1994), and began part-time ministry at First Baptist Church in Dartmouth. Following his graduation from ADC, he became the youth pastor at First Baptist Dartmouth and was ordained. In 2000, Rob moved to Main Street Baptist Church in Saint John as youth pastor, later transitioning to the Associate Director of Youth and Family for Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, eventually becoming the Director. In 2008, he returned to Main Street Baptist, now RiverCross Church, as Senior Pastor, where he continues to serve in this role. Over the years, Rob and Jill raised four children, one of whom is studying Sociology at Crandall University, following in her parents’ footsteps.

RiverCross Church, under Rob’s leadership, has become a vibrant center of service to the community in the Old North End of Saint John. The church repurposed its old facility to provide meals, clothing, nursing care, Bible studies, and support to those in need. They also partner with the local food bank which also operates out of this space.  RiverCross Church’s congregation is now incredibly diverse as well, with people from over 30 different countries coming together to worship. This has moved them to offer conversational English, some language specific Bible studies and translation services on Sunday mornings. The Church has become home for people of different ethnic and economic backgrounds.

“The church’s outreach has had a lasting impact, not only on those it serves but also on its congregation. We’re learning what it truly means to be the church from the people we serve,” Rob says. “Our church is a place of community. We’re not just serving others; we’re also being taught by them.”

Rob explains, “One of the gifts I received from Crandall was the way people met me where I was in my life and faith, helping me take the next step. I want our congregation to do the same as they minister to a diverse group of people.”

Reflecting on how Crandall prepared him for his ministry, Rob is deeply grateful for the professors who modelled and instilled in him a passion for Scripture: “The professors challenged us to think deeply about our faith and make it not only applicable but personal. This has been invaluable in my role as a pastor,” Rob shares. The skills he developed at Crandall – critical thinking, scholarship, and applying faith in real-world contexts – have been foundational in his ministry.

Rob’s journey from Crandall to pastoral leadership has been shaped by the relationships and lessons he encountered along the way. His experiences at Crandall ignited his passion for ministry and leadership, providing him with the tools needed to serve his community. Today, he remains deeply grateful for the foundation Crandall gave him and for the lifelong friendships – especially with his wife, Jill – that continue to be an integral part of his journey. As an alumnus, Rob continues to give back to Crandall University and currently serves as a member of the Board of Governors.