DJ’s Talk: While DJ was on a training run for his marathon, he noticed a lump in his leg. One year later doctors were not able to diagnose him. For his LEAD talk, DJ will share his story of chemo, moving to disability and his evolving identity from broken to bro-kin.
About DJ
Rev. DJ del Rosario (pronouns: he/him) is a husband, father, pastor, photographer and an author. He met his best friend and wife Elaine in seminary. They have three amazing daughters who are the source of their joy.
DJ serves as an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. He went to the UW (Go Huskies!) for his undergraduate education and because they have the best sports teams in the world. DJ attended Princeton Theological Seminary for a Masters in Divinity. He has served as an associate pastor in suburbia, solo pastor in rural America and served as the Lead Pastor of Bothell United Methodist Church. Bothell UMC grew to become one of the largest United Methodist Churches in attendance in the Greater Northwest Episcopal area. DJ now serves as Lead Pastor of Federal Way United Methodist Church in Federal Way, Washington.
He served on the Board of Directors for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), the General Commission on Status and Role of Women (GCOSRW), and the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry (NHLPA), Board of Directors for Seattle Against Slavery (SeattleAgainstSlavery.org) and on the Board of Directors for UMCLead (umclead.com). He currently serves as the chair of Provisional Member for Pacific Northwest Annual Conference through the Board of Ordained Ministry, on leadership for UMCNext and he serves on the Alumni Associate Executive Council for Princeton Theological Seminary.
DJ is the author of the book “Wind in the Wilderness”. This Lenten study provides, a seven-session Bible study that calls our attention to the issues of justice in today’s world. His book explores the continuity between prophetic emphasis and Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom of God. Designed to be used by individuals and small groups during the season of Lent. Each chapter includes questions for reflection or discussion, a brief prayer, and a focus for the week.
He served on the Advisory Team for the United Methodist Confirmation curriculum. DJ has contributed to spiritual disciplines books such as “Disciplines”, Upper Room Devotional and various blogs. He has contributed to video discussions of James A. Harnish’s book, “Make a Difference: Following Your Passion and Finding Your Place to Serve”. He has also been a regular contributor to “The Abingdon Preaching Annual (editions 2012-2019): Planning Sermons and Services for Fifty-Two Sundays”. In addition DJ was a writer and presenter for “Disciple Fast Track 2”.
DJ has spoken, led and preached at multiple events at conference, jurisdictional and General Conference levels.
He loves a great cup of coffee, snapping photos, reading, listening to podcasts and spending time with his family.
