VST Announces Jamie Holtom as a 2026 Recipient of Honorary Doctorate
VANCOUVER, BC, January 15, 2026. The Board of Governors of the Vancouver School of Theology is delighted to announce that Rev. Jamie Holtom has been selected as a 2026 recipient of VST’s Honorary Doctor of Divinity.
This Honorary Doctor of Divinity (HDD) is awarded to individuals who exemplify the values of VST, an internationally recognized theological school known for its innovation and global leadership. VST’s HDD recipients have made significant contributions through the integration of theology and practice of ministry in one or more of the following: theological scholarship, ecumenical dialogue, the life and ministry of the Christian community, and interdisciplinary scholarship involving theology with other fields.
About Jamie Holtom
Jamie Holtom has served at North Bramalea United Church in Brampton, Ontario, since 1998, including serving as Lead Minister since 2012. He holds a Master of Divinity from Emmanuel College, within the Toronto School of Theology at the University of Toronto and has devoted more than twenty-five years of continuous ministry to a single congregation, offering a sustained witness of pastoral faithfulness and leadership.
Rev. Holtom is widely recognized as a gifted preacher, teacher, and pastoral leader whose ministry integrates deep theological reflection with accessible communication and practical discipleship. His preaching and writing draw on the Christian tradition while engaging the realities of contemporary life, helping people grow in faith that is meaningful, embodied, and lived in community.
A central focus of Rev. Holtom’s ministry is leadership formation. As co-founder of Growing Together in Life and Leadership, a leadership development initiative that helps individuals and teams grow in skills, focus, and best practices for Christian leadership, he has mentored pastors and leaders across congregational and organizational contexts.
Alongside his congregational ministry, Rev. Holtom has played a significant role in community-based and incarnational initiatives. These include the establishment of The Journey Neighbourhood Centre and the Lucas Holtom Carnival. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Wellspring Chinguacousy Cancer Support Centre.
He also served for many years as Chaplain to Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, a ministry recognized with civic honours including the Community Service Award from the Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation (2024) and the City of Brampton’s Citizen of the Year award (2014).
Vancouver School of Theology is honoured to present this Honorary Doctor of Divinity to Rev. Jamie Holtom, who will receive the degree at the May 2026 Convocation ceremony.
“Jamie is a phenomenal leader, a gifted communicator, and a passionate follower of Jesus who embodies the Good News in both word and action. Jamie’s ministry is marked by creativity, compassion, and community engagement. His leadership has given life to countless initiatives that have had a transformative impact on individuals and families in our congregation and beyond.”
— Alexandra (Lexi) Black, Chair of the Board, North Bramalea United Church
“Jamie is a model of ecumenical unity. His influence is not confined to his own denomination. In a polarized time, he has become a safe and reliable relational bridge—one who respects the dignity of every person and knows how to create a welcoming community. This is a profoundly needed pastoral capacity for Canada.”
— Shaila Visser, National Director, Alpha Canada
“What sets Jamie apart is not only his devotion to Christ, but also his tireless commitment to the broader community. Over the past twenty-seven years, he has been instrumental in building bridges among diverse faith groups across Brampton.”
— Rev. Ted Brown, CEO, Regeneration Outreach Community