Pastor Dries was born in South Africa, the youngest of four children in a working-class family. His call to ministry grew from his experience of apartheid and the church’s role in South Africa’s journey toward democracy, truth, and reconciliation. These experiences shaped his commitment to justice, belonging, and the belief that every person is created in the image of God.
Dries moved to the United States in 1998 and has served Presbyterian congregations in Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, New York, and Connecticut. His ministry has focused on racial reconciliation, human rights, immigrant and refugee advocacy, and building communities rooted in welcome and belonging. He has also received several community and human rights awards for this work.
Dries believes pastoral care is about walking with people through both sorrow and joy and helping people experience the grace and wholeness of God. He looks forward to beginning his next chapter as pastor of Govans Presbyterian Church and joining a congregation committed to radical hospitality, community, and reconciliation.