137th Covenant Annual Meeting | Delegate Notebook

137th Annual Meeting

OF THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH

JUNE 29 – JULY 1, 2023

HYBRID

DELEGATE NOTEBOOK

Delegate Resources

Welcome to the Covenant Annual Meeting! The purpose of the Covenant Annual Meeting is the same as the purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ at all times and in all situations to discern and do the will of God. A lot must happen at an Annual Meeting and a lot of people participate. At the Annual Meeting, we:

• Celebrate what God is doing in and through us

• Connect with those committed to our common mission

• Pray for the mission and ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church

• Worship together

• Ordain, license, and commission pastors and global personnel

• Elect persons into leadership positions (administrators and board members)

• Receive new churches into our fellowship (and say farewell to some)

• Review the stewardship of the resources God has blessed us with and approve projected investment of resources

• Review our efforts in accomplishing God’s mission in the previous year

• Chart a course for the future, trusting God for the outcomes

• Approve amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws

• Make decisions necessary to the mission and ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church, regional conferences, and affiliates

To make sure that everyone is clear about what is happening when and how, several documents are used to govern the Annual Meeting:

• The Constitution and Bylaws of the Evangelical Covenant Church

• Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (most recent edition)

• Standing Rules of Order (approved at a meeting to guide that specific meeting)

These governing documents help us:

• Protect the right of the majority to decide

• Protect the right of the minority to be heard

• Protect the rights of the individual members, both those present and those absent

• Prevent a “railroad” of the meeting by manipulation

• Prevent an emotional “stampede” of the meeting

At first some of the language and protocols used during the meeting may seem strange to you, but we have provided resources in this section to help your engagement.

There are three key participants at the Annual Meeting:

I.THE DELEGATES

Delegates represent churches, Covenant administration, and related affiliates, boards, and other key leaders. Everything that happens at the Annual Meeting requires the delegates’ participation. Delegates receive the reports, approve recommendations, deliberate on the issues, and vote on motions. Our delegates, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of Jesus Christ, ultimately determine the course for the Covenant Church’s future.

Delegates need to do the following:

1. Keep alert. The leaders of the Annual Meeting work very hard to make sure that everyone is “on the same page,” but they can’t do it alone. Please be aware of what is happening, and if you are unsure, please ask! The order of the printed agenda is not the order in which items are addressed. Due to the length of time required for various agenda items and given the schedule to allow for regular breaks, the Moderator has the right to adjust the order in which items are addressed. This will require delegates to remain engaged.

2. Listen carefully and think about the motion before the group. Read up on the agenda items prior to the start of the meeting so that you are able to engage with the motions thoughtfully and with proper context of what exactly is being voted on

3. Engage! There are many ways to participate: ask questions, make comments, actively listen, and vote. Remember that silence generally means agreement when we are a part of a large deliberative body.

SPEAKING

Every delegate has the right to speak in the meeting regardless of how you are participating whether online or onsite. Here are some guidelines for speaking:

1. Make sure the subject you want to talk about is under discussion.

2. If you are a virtual attendee, utilize the Messaging feature on LUMI to share your intent to speak for any reason.

a. When you select Messaging, you will be provided a text box to type your request to speak to the Moderator.

b. Once you are finished typing your request to speak, click the arrow button to submit.

c. Your request will be sent immediately for review.

d. If there is still time in the discussion available for comments or questions, the Moderator will address you and invite you to speak.

e. Before the Moderator addresses you and invites you to speak, a virtual delegate host will assist you in “coming to the mic.” The host will prompt you to “raise your hand” in Zoom by pressing the button to “raise your hand.” A pop-up dialogue box will appear on the video section (on the right side of your screen) asking you to unmute and speak. Follow the instructions on the screen to unmute and speak.

3. If you are onsite, you will approach the appropriate microphone in the room and await your turn to be recognized by the Moderator.

4. For both onsite and virtual delegates, when you have been recognized, speak to the Moderator and state your name and the church or entity you represent, and the city and state. Say what is on your mind. Remember, you do not make a speech to the Assembly; you are speaking to just one person, the Moderator, and the others are listening in.

5. If you have a question, the Moderator may know the answer, or the Moderator may ask someone else to provide the answer.

6. If you have a point to make, you may speak once to an issue. You may not speak again on the same issue as long as someone else who has not yet had a turn is seeking the floor or is waiting to speak.

7. If you desire to speak a second time on the same issue and there is an opportunity to do so because no one else is waiting to speak, you may approach the microphone a second time.

8. Once you have spoken a second time, you have used up your rights to debate on that issue.

If you have a matter for discussion that is not on the Agenda, please write a description of it and submit to the Moderator using the “Messaging” button or email to governance@covchurch.org.

Please keep in mind that the “Messaging” feature is only to be used for official meeting business and Robert’s Rules of Order applies equally there as it does elsewhere please don’t use the button as a “chat” to say hi to other delegates, to make comments on the proceedings, or anything else that

would be considered out of order in a meeting.

Due to the nature of our hybrid meeting, it is strongly requested that agenda item requests be submitted electronically by delegates to the Moderator at governance@covchurch.org prior to the start of the 137th Covenant Annual Meeting. The Moderator will decide whether to present your request to the Annual Meeting; if the response is “yes,” it will come to the assembly for vote to place on the Agenda If you submit it before we adopt the Agenda, it requires a majority vote to add it to the Agenda. If you submit it after we adopt the Agenda, it requires a 2/3 majority vote of all registered delegates. At the appropriate time, the Moderator will invite you to present your matter to the Annual Meeting.

Remember that you represent yourself, your church, or entity you represent, and Jesus Christ. Motives should not be called into question during a debate, and the merits of the motion are the issue to be considered. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we recognize that while brothers and sisters may argue, we are in relationship in Christ together

II. THE EXECUTIVE BOARD AND MINISTRIES

1. The Executive Board is the mover of almost all the recommendations that arise from the Agenda, which it approves before it comes to the Annual Meeting. This process, established by the Covenant Bylaws, ensures a coordinated mission and avoids possible contradictory recommendations from various official sources. All recommendations are subject to the amendment, referral, or rejection of the meeting. As the mover of most of the recommendations on the Agenda, a spokesperson for the Board is usually granted what Robert’s Rules call “preference in recognition.” This is the privilege of a mover to speak first to a motion. (Please note that motions arising from a board, commission, or committee do not require a second as they already have more than one supporter.)

2. The Board of the Ordered Ministry reports directly to the Annual Meeting after obtaining the approval of the Covenant Ministerium to its recommendations.

3. Commissions and committees are basically study groups who formulate statements which may become the official statements of an Annual Meeting. All of these are reported through the Executive Board.

III. THE MODERATOR

The Moderator of the Annual Meeting is the presiding officer of the meeting. This important role as Moderator is this person’s only function.

The Moderator:

• interprets and applies the rules of the meeting

• expedites the business of the meeting

• ensures that everyone involved in the meeting is treated fairly

• clarifies what is happening

• advises delegates in the procedures of the meeting

• maintains the discipline and joy of Christian fellowship

ELECTRONIC VOTING FOR THIS ANNUAL MEETING

We have partnered with LUMI to assist us during this year’s hybrid Annual Meeting. LUMI is not like a traditional Zoom meeting interface, nor is it exactly like Convene AGM (last year’s meeting software)

Some learning may be required to get the hang of the system before you use it to cast your vote and participate in the meeting.

This system is designed for virtual and hybrid meetings like ours, and every delegate will be using the LUMI system, whether online or onsite. Onsite and online attendees will interact with LUMI in slightly different ways (more on this below)

If you are joining the meeting virtually: You must use a laptop or desktop computer to participate. In previous years, delegates were able to use phones and tablets to participate in the meeting LUMI, however, only works on computers with specific web browsers mobile devices and web browsers outside of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox are not supported It is important to avoid trying to use Safari (the default web browser on Mac) and instead use one of the three previously mentioned browsers to access the LUMI website Online delegates are expected to have a reliable means for participation, including a strong internet connection to support their engagement in the meeting. Delegates will be credentialed according to the principle of “one delegate, one device” (one delegate may not use more than one device at a time, and multiple delegates may not share the same device). This is a security feature that is tied to LUMI to help ensure the voting process is safe and accurate. If you need to switch devices for any reason during the meeting, you will need to log out of LUMI on your original device before you attempt to log in to LUMI on a second device.

Along with a reliable internet connection, it is suggested that online delegates use a microphoneequipped headset or earphones (Bluetooth or wired) to reduce audio feedback, allow you to better hear the audio of the Annual Meeting, and to block background noises when speaking to the Moderator. When you plug in your headset or turn on your earphones, you will need to ensure that your computer’s settings have been set so that the “speaker” is your headset, and the “microphone” is also your headset. This is a critical part of your set up so that when you queue to speak through the LUMI platform, Zoom is set up with the correct speaker and microphone. This will minimize any technical difficulties.

Below is a sample screenshot of some of the main features online delegates will use on the LUMI website during the meeting. Please familiarize yourself with these details as you will use this screen for most of the meeting. (Onsite attendees will not engage with the meeting through a laptop or desktop, so this screenshot does not apply to your experience.) Online delegates will need to enable the video screen for the webcast so they can see what is happening live.

As the technology will be different for onsite and virtual delegates, the training is offered as separate videos for you to watch at your leisure Recorded sessions can be found on the Gather website (covchurch.org/gather). We will also host one live technology training session for virtual delegates on June 20, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Central via zoom. Details for this training will be sent specifically to virtual delegates via email by June 15, 2023. Onsite delegates will receive a brief tutorial at the start of the Annual Meeting during Business Session #1 as the technology is quite straightforward.

If you are joining the meeting onsite: Onsite attendees will be using LUMI’s physical voting devices to cast votes. This will consist of both a voting card and a voting keypad. You will receive a voting card during registration, which will authenticate your identity as someone who is able to vote in the LUMI system. It is important that you keep track of your voting card throughout Gather. Voting keypads, on the other hand, will be provided when you enter the meeting space and will be collected on your way out at the end of each business session. This will allow for the devices to be charged for the next session.

To vote, you need to physically insert your voting card into the voting keypad (making sure the arrows and the chip at the bottom of the voting card are facing you), and the card must remain in the keypad the whole time in order to cast your vote. When the vote is opened, the voting options will appear on the device screen. Simply press the physical numerical button on the keypad that corresponds with your choice for voting. For the majority of the motions we will vote on (but not all), 1 will correspond with “For, ” 2 will correspond with “Against, ” and 3 will correspond with “Abstain ” After you have voted, a confirmation will appear on the screen. In order to change your vote, simply enter your new choice (usually 1, 2, or 3). Once you have confirmed your choice, your vote will be submitted.

In addition to the technology training for online delegates, we will offer multiple virtual Delegate Orientation sessions which focus on educating delegates about the parliamentary procedures that will take place at the Annual Meeting. If you would like to join a live Delegate Orientation session before Gather 2023 begins, sessions are being held in June on the following dates and times via Zoom:

- Saturday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m. Central

- Tuesday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m. Central

- Wednesday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m. Central

- Saturday, June 17, at 1:00 p.m. Central

An onsite delegate orientation will be held on the following date and time:

- Thursday, June 29, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific

We also are hosting two more delegate briefing sessions to provide context and information on phase I of the Covenant Organizational Design and the proposed Bylaw amendments. They will be held on:

- Tuesday, May 30, at 11:30 a.m. Central

- Tuesday, May 30, at 6:00 p.m. Central

You can access the links for each of these sessions on the covchurch.org/gather page by clicking on Delegate Orientation on the right side of your screen.

Delegate Notebooks: This year, we offered delegates the option to receive a printed hard copy of their delegate notebook or a digital version. We hope this creates an opportunity for us as the Church to exemplify caring for God’s creation by saving on unnecessary printing. We are pleased to share that the large majority of delegates have chosen to receive their delegate notebooks virtually. Delegates who opted for a digital version of their delegate notebook may wish to refer to it on a secondary device like a phone or tablet. If you are onsite, make sure your delegate notebook is downloaded before you enter the meeting room; Wi-Fi will not be available to all onsite delegates.

Onsite and online delegates are responsible for making sure their devices are fully charged. All delegates are responsible for ensuring that their technology is working as intended as long as there is quorum, voting will not be delayed due to any delegate’s individual technical needs. As for online delegates, onsite delegates will be credentialed according to the principle of “one delegate, one device” (one delegate may not use more than one device at a time, and multiple delegates may not share the same device). If you are onsite, your voting card authenticates you as a voter and can only work in combination with the voting keypad. This is a security feature that is tied to LUMI to help ensure the voting process stays safe and accurate. If you are onsite and your voting card or voting keypad is not functioning properly, raise your hand and a member of our onsite helpdesk offer assistance.

A BRIEF GLOSSARY OF COMMON PARLIAMENTARY TERMS

AMEND, MOVE TO. Most motions may be amended on the floor of the meeting, particularly when they deal with the business rather than the procedures of the meeting. All amendments must be germane to the original motion. Amendments can be made in three (3) ways: addition, deletion, or substitution. When an amendment has been seconded, it must be debated and decided, or otherwise dealt with, before the motion it seeks to amend may be further considered.

APPEAL FROM THE RULING OF THE MODERATOR. A delegate is testing the Moderator’s ruling against the opinion of the meeting. The motion to appeal requires a second. An affirmative vote by the meeting sustains the Moderator’s ruling.

BALLOT, TO ORDER THE VOTE ON A PENDING QUESTION TO BE TAKEN BY. The Bylaws

and Rules specify that certain questions be decided by ballot. Questions other than these may also be decided by ballot if a majority of the meeting concurs with a request from a delegate for it.

CONSENT AGENDA. Items on the Consent Agenda are routine, procedural, informational, selfexplanatory non-controversial items that require action but generally don’t require discussion or debate. Acting on these items moves the meeting along, allowing for more time for substantive issues. Items on the Consent Agenda may be removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of any two delegates. Items removed from the Consent Agenda shall be acted upon by the assembly at a place in the Agenda determined by the Moderator.

DIVISION OF THE ASSEMBLY. This is a vote by rising. It may be demanded by any delegate to verify a vote taken by voice or by a show of hands or may be ordered by the Moderator when a vote by show of hands or by voice has been “too close to call.” If it is still not possible to discern the outcome visually, the Moderator may order a count by the Sergeants-at-Arms. Most of the meeting may also order a count.

EXECUTIVE SESSION. According to Robert’s Rules of Order, certain items require confidentiality. One of those items relates to how a society disciplines a member. When the body determines that a matter must be debated and decided in secret, a motion for Executive Session is proper. After a majority vote on the motion for Executive Session, everyone, except delegates and resource personnel, is excused from the meeting. In addition, the live stream will cease until the Executive

Session is concluded.

INFORMATION, POINT OF. Asking a question about the business at hand.

MADAME MODERATOR. The traditional form for addressing the Moderator from the floor of this meeting.

ORDER, POINT OF. A delegate calls the Moderator’s attention to a possible breach of the Rules. If the delegate is not satisfied with the Moderator’s subsequent explanation, he or she may appeal if the point has been raised concerning an actual ruling of the Moderator.

PARLIAMENTARIAN. An advisor to the Moderator on parliamentary law.

PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY, POINT OF. Asking a question about the application of the Rules in the business at hand.

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE, POINT OF. A delegate believes that his or her rights or the rights of another are being infringed upon.

POSTPONE TO A CERTAIN TIME. A delegate may move to postpone the item under discussion until a later point in the meeting. The motion requires a second and is debatable.

PREVIOUS QUESTION, MOVE THE. A motion to cut off debate on an issue which requires a second, and a two-thirds majority. An affirmative vote merely cuts off debate and is not a vote on the motion under debate.

PRIVILEGED MOTION. A motion that does not relate to the pending question at hand but does have to do with matters of such urgency or importance that, without debate, they are allowed to interrupt the consideration of anything else.

PUTTING or CALLING THE QUESTION. Taking a vote.

RECONSIDER, MOVE TO. A motion to reconsider an item previously voted upon may be made at any time, though it may have to wait until other business has been dealt with before it can be taken up. If a majority decides that the item previously voted upon will be reconsidered, debate on it re-opens,

and another vote is taken (or it is otherwise disposed of, by referral, etc.) The motion to reconsider has unique characteristics: It may be made only by a delegate who originally voted with the prevailing side on the item; it may be made no later than the day following the original vote; it cannot apply to an item when provisions of it have already begun to be carried out (such as the signing of a contract); and it cannot be itself reconsidered.

REFER, MOVE TO. (Not to be confused with a motion to table.) A referred motion goes to a board or committee as designated by the Motion to Refer. It requires a second and is debatable.

SECOND. A seconder need not agree with the motion or vote for it. The seconder need only agree that the motion deserves the attention of the meeting.

SERIATIM. In a series (i.e., a long motion consisting of a series of resolutions, paragraphs, articles, or sections that are not totally separate questions can be considered by opening the different parts to debate and amendment separately, without a division of the question).

STANDING RULES. These rules are prepared by the Agenda Committee to provide guidance for this particular Annual Meeting setting for how items are dealt with generally. The Standing Rules require a two-thirds majority for approval and a two-thirds majority for suspension of any part of such.

SUSPEND THE RULES. It is possible to suspend a rule that is standing in the way of accomplishing what the meeting clearly wants to do either by motion or by unanimous consent. Bylaws may not be suspended unless they are in the nature of “rules of order.” This is a complex issue, with each instance subject to the interpretation and ruling of the Moderator.

TABLE, MOVE TO. (Or “LAY ON THE TABLE”). Unlike a referred motion, a tabled motion goes nowhere. No one considers it, studies it, or does anything with it until a motion passes to “take it from the table.” If this does not happen at this Annual Meeting, the motion is dead, i.e., we could not move to “take something from the table” that was put on the table at a previous Annual Meeting.

Original prepared in 1985. Current revision by Annual Meeting Officers (Elizabeth Jensen, Moderator; Richard Lindholtz, Vice-Moderator; Norma Ramos, Secretary) and Clarence Chan, Parliamentarian, 2023.

Report on Credentials for the 137th Annual Meeting

CREDENTIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS TO THE 137TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH*

*Unaudited statistics are provided at this time. A final audited report will be printed in the minutes.

FIRST CREDENTIALING REPORT

Total credentialed voting delegates

Total additional registrants in non-voting categories

TOTAL REGISTERED ATTENDANCE

SECOND CREDENTIALING REPORT

Total credentialed voting delegates

Total additional registrants in non-voting categories

TOTAL REGISTERED ATTENDANCE

THIRD CREDENTIALING REPORT

Total credentialed voting delegates

Total additional registrants in non-voting categories

TOTAL REGISTERED ATTENDANCE

FOURTH CREDENTIALING REPORT

Total credentialed voting delegates

Total additional registrants in non-voting categories

TOTAL REGISTERED ATTENDANCE

FIFTH CREDENTIALING REPORT

Total credentialed voting delegates

Total additional registrants in non-voting categories

TOTAL REGISTERED ATTENDANCE

FINAL CREDENTIALING REPORT

Representing Delegates Churches

Conferences

Alaska

Canada

Central

East Coast

Great Lakes

Midsouth

Midwest

Northwest

Pacific Northwest

Pacific Southwest

Southeast

Total of Delegates by Conference

Delegates in addition to those represented in Conferences

General Delegates

Officers of the Covenant

Executive Board

Council of Administrators

Annual Meeting Officers

Board of Nominations

Covenant Ministerium

Assoc. of Cov. Camps and Conf. Centers

Commission Delegates

Serve Globally Delegates

Regional Conference Offices

Total General Delegates

*TOTAL CREDENTIALED DELEGATES

*(sum of Delegates by Conference & General Delegates)

Additional registrations

Honorary Delegates

Advisors from Covenant Institutions

Advisors from Nonmember Churches

Resource People

Registered General Conferees

Exhibitors

*Total Additional Attendees

TOTAL REGISTERED ATTENDEES (SUM OF TOTALS)

Proposed Standing Rules of Order for the 137th Covenant Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting Agenda Committee recommends the adoption of the following proposed standing rules of order for the 137th Covenant Annual Meeting

INTRODUCTION

The written documents that govern the Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church are the Illinois Not For Profit Act, the Articles of Incorporation of the Evangelical Covenant Church, the Evangelical Covenant Church Constitution and Bylaws, the Rules for the Ordered Ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church, the Covenant Pension Plan, and the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order (henceforth will be called Robert’s Rules for purposes of this document). Robert’s Rules provides that a convention or assembly of delegates such as the Covenant Annual Meeting may adopt its own standing rules to supplement the provisions of Robert’s Rules and of its own documents. The Standing Rules provide guidance for this 137th Annual Meeting, setting out how items are dealt with generally. The Standing Rules require a two-thirds majority for adoption or suspension.

That the business of deliberative assemblies may be conducted by electronic means is given sanction in Robert’s Rules most recent edition (the 12th ed., published in 2020, see Section 9, paragraphs 3036). Procedures for establishing delegate credentials, obtaining the floor, discussion, and voting, have been devised with due diligence to the spirit and letter of the Evangelical Covenant Church’s governing documents, to Robert’s Rules, and to the tradition of the Covenant Annual Meeting as a participatory and deliberative assembly.

STANDING RULES OF ORDER FOR THE 2023 COVENANT ANNUAL MEETING

1. The Business Meeting Shall Be Conducted in Hybrid Format – both with Online and Onsite capabilities.

a. Delegates attending onsite are credentialed and authenticated with a personalized voting card, which will be provided at registration. The voting card must be kept secure and not

shared. Voting cards will be used in conjunction with the voting device, which will be maintained by the vendor (LUMI) and provided daily to onsite delegates. For issues related to the voting card or voting device, delegates may seek assistance with the vendor’s tech support team

b. Delegates attending online are expected to have reliable means for participation and are credentialed according to the principle of “one delegate, one login IP address.” Delegates attending online are responsible for their own personal technological connectivity and devices; for elements related to engaging with the voting platform, delegates may pursue assistance with the online tech support team A delegate’s personal technology failure does not constitute a point of order, of information, or of privilege to be addressed to the whole meeting.

c. Quorum is determined by the ratio of the number of delegates attending online who are logged in plus the number of onsite delegates present to the number of registered delegates.

d. All individuals called upon to present an agenda item to the delegates must appear in person.

2. Obtaining the Floor

a. Only those who have been credentialed as delegates, advisors, or resource persons can request the privilege to address the entire assembly, including on points of order, of information, and of personal privilege.

3. Voting

a. All voting, whether delegates are attending online or onsite, is conducted electronically for this meeting, and meets the requirements stipulated in Robert’s Rules for a secret ballot.

b. Online delegates will need a personal device (LUMI requires the use of a desktop or laptop computer; phones and tablets will not function properly with LUMI) and an internet connection. Onsite delegates will be provided with a personalized voting card and a voting device by the vendor (LUMI).

c. Onsite or online delegates who are logged in but who do not vote on a question will be tallied as abstentions.

4. Debate

a. Recognizing that delegates will be engaging online and onsite, every effort will be made to ensure the experience is similar for a delegate regardless of the mode of participation. Within the limits of technology and/or delegate’s connectivity, our hope is that no preference or priority will be given to either category of delegate. Customarily, Annual Meetings have attempted to organize debate alternating between speeches in favor and against, following the mic sequence. Seeking to uphold that custom while recognizing the differences in delegate participation, we will strive to provide online delegates with similar opportunities to engage as onsite participants.

5. Time Limits

a. Reports that contain no proposal for action by the meeting shall be limited to ten (10) minutes, including the question period, except for the president’s report, the treasurer’s report, and items specified in the agenda to extend beyond the 10-minute time limit.

b. Debate on any main motion, including its subsidiary motions, shall be limited to thirty (30) minutes, except as otherwise specified in these standing rules and the agenda. No amendment or other subsidiary motion to a main motion shall be allowed until debate on the main motion has ceased or ten (10) minutes have passed.

c. No speech in debate may exceed three (3) minutes unless this period is extended by a majority vote at the request of the speaker.

d. Time limits may be extended for a specific period by a two-thirds vote.

e. Unless requested by the Moderator or otherwise indicated on the schedule as a lunch or dinner break, any breaks called by the Moderator will be thirty (30) minutes long.

6. Action on Involuntary Removals

From time to time the Executive Board recommends to the Annual Meeting that churches be removed from membership. Section 4.4 of our Bylaws, pursuant to involuntarily removal of churches from membership, provides that congregations shall have the opportunity to defend themselves before the Annual Meeting and that the Annual Meeting shall vote on the recommendation of the Executive Board. At this Annual Meeting, this matter may come before us for action. To address these matters in a fair and sensitive fashion, the Annual Meeting will proceed as follows:

a. The church seeking to defend themselves from removal shall have 15 minutes to speak. The church may designate up to four members of the church to speak on the church’s behalf and may determine how to allot their 15 minutes. The Executive Board shall have up to 15 minutes to respond through its designated representatives.

b. As these matters pertain to membership, it is appropriate for these matters to be taken up in Executive Session upon the appropriate motion to that effect. Only delegates and approved resource personnel may witness and participate in Executive Session.

c. Due to the importance of these matters, it is necessary for each individual defending the church and the executive board members responding to be in person.

d. On each of these actions, debate that follows the presentations shall proceed according to these Standing Rules, Section 4) Debate, and Section 5) Time Limits b), c), d).

7. Submission of Motions in Writing

All main motions and subsidiary motions shall be submitted in writing to the Annual Meeting secretary. Online delegates can submit electronically addressing the Annual Meeting secretary or via email (governance@covchurch.org) and addressing the Annual Meeting secretary. Onsite delegates can submit on paper or electronically via email (governance@covchurch.org) and addressing the Annual Meeting secretary.

8. Items of Business Not on the Agenda

The Bylaws provide in Section 7.8.a.ii that “Items of business that are not on the agenda may be submitted in writing by a delegate to the moderator. If the item submitted is in order, a majority vote of the delegates present and voting shall be required to place that item on the agenda.” It is further strongly requested that such items be submitted electronically by delegates to the moderator at governance@covchurch.org prior to the start of the 137th Covenant Annual Meeting.

9. Consent Agenda

Items on the Consent Agenda are routine, procedural, informational, self-explanatory noncontroversial items that require action but generally do not require discussion or debate. Acting on these items moves the meeting along, allowing for more time for substantive issues.

a. Items on the Consent Agenda may be removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of

any two delegates.

b. Items removed from the Consent Agenda shall be acted upon by the assembly at a place in the agenda determined by the moderator.

c. If the Consent Agenda is not adopted as a single motion, then each of the items on the Consent Agenda shall be acted upon by the assembly as a separate motion at a place in the agenda determined by the moderator.

10. Contested election procedures for Executive Ministers

a. Nominations from the Floor. A nomination from the floor shall be accepted only if the person nominated has agreed to have his or her name placed as a nominee on the ballot.

b. Online delegates desiring to make nominations for a second candidate shall enter the online Speaking Queue to nominate from the floor via the online platform.

c. Onsite delegates desiring to make nominations for a second candidate shall approach the microphone in the room to nominate from the floor.

d. Once nominations are made from the floor, you will need to submit to governance@covchurch.org the nominator’s name, the church or entity the nominator represents, the name of the potential candidate with an affirmation that the potential candidate satisfies the particular requirements of the office as provided in the Constitution and Bylaws, and descriptive information regarding the potential candidate similar in scope and content to that provided to the Annual Meeting by a nominating board or committee.

e. If a second candidate is nominated and immediately following the close of nominations, the moderator will provide a sixty (60) minute recess for a candidate forum during which each candidate will have five (5) minutes to make an opening statement. Thereafter for thirty (30) minutes, each candidate will respond to questions relating to their vision for the future of our denomination. For the remaining twenty (20) minutes candidates will answer questions submitted electronically from delegates via the voting platform using the “Messaging” feature or via email (governance@covchurch.org). Parliamentarian Clarence Chan will moderate the candidate forum.

f. Following the candidate forum, a motion will be heard to add the second candidate to the ballot. If more than one candidate is nominated from the floor, delegates will determine by ballot which candidate will be added as the second candidate to the ballot. Once the

ballot has been approved, delegates will vote.

11. Runoff Elections

In the case of an election with three or more candidates, if no candidate receives a majority of votes after two rounds of voting, then beginning with the third round, the candidate with the lowest number of votes in that round will be eliminated. In the event of a tie among the lowest vote-getters, those tied will not be eliminated in that round. A candidate may withdraw at any point. Voting rounds will continue until one candidate receives a majority of votes.

12. Modification of Agenda Order

The moderator shall have the discretion to revise the order of agenda items to accommodate scheduling needs.

Annual Meeting Officers

Moderator: Elizabeth Jensen

Vice Moderator: Rick Lindholtz

Secretary: Norma Ramos

Parliamentarian: Clarence Chan

President: Tammy Swanson-Draheim

Secretary of the Covenant: Jacqueline Sugihara

AGENDA | 137th COVENANT ANNUAL MEETING

June 29 – July 1, 2023

We plan to give each agenda item the time necessary to ensure that it is fully addressed. To do this well while doing our best to adhere to the schedule as it currently exists, per Standing Rules, the moderator shall have the discretion to revise the order of agenda items to accommodate scheduling needs. Also, should we happen to address all business prior to the projected schedule’s end time, it is at the discretion of the Annual Meeting Officers to adjourn the meeting early.

To ensure that you as a voting delegate can effectively have your voice heard throughout the meeting, we request that you do all you can to be present throughout the scheduled meeting times. There will be a few items that have pre-scheduled time certains. You can find those listed below.

TIME CERTAIN (Pacific Time Zone)

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

10:00 a.m. Irving Lambert Outstanding Urban Ministries Award

10:30 a.m Service Recognition for Global Personnel

2:30 p.m. Actions to be taken from the Ordered Ministry

3:15 p.m. Clergy Vocational Service Recognition

4:00 p.m. T.W. Anderson Outstanding Layperson Award

SATURDAY, JULY 1

9:15 a.m. FY21/22 Performance Report

9:45 a.m. FY2024 Mission and Ministry Budget

*Reports exceeding the ten (10) minute limit per the Standing Rules are marked with an asterisk. **Contingent upon the Annual Meeting’s discernment on the proposed 2023 Covenant Bylaw Amendments.

PREPARING OUR HEARTS

1.Morning Worship

2.Opening Statement by the Moderator

3.Greeting from Bryan Murphy, PSWC Superintendent

ORGANIZATION OF THE MEETING

4.Report on Credentials

a.Credentialing Report #1

b.Credentialing Report #2

c.Credentialing Report #3

d.Credentialing Report #4

e.Credentialing Report #5

5.Action on the Standing Rules

6.Action on the Proposed Agenda (Este material también se encuentra en Español)

7.Approval of Honorary Delegates and Resource Persons

a.Honorary Delegates

b.Resource Persons

MEMBERSHIP IN THE MISSION

8.Action on Churches Applying for Membership

a.Recognition and Prayer

9.Church Planter Commissioning

a.Recognition and Prayer

10.Action on Removal of Churches from the Roster*

a.Voluntary Removal from Membership

a.1. Recognition and Prayer

b.Involuntary Removal from Membership

b.1 Action on Involuntary Removal from Membership of Awaken Church

b.1.1 Appeal by Awaken Church

b.1.2 Response by Executive Board

b.1.3 Debate and Vote

b.1.4 Prayer

b.2 Action on Involuntary Removal from Membership of Quest Church

b.2.1 Appeal by Quest Church

b.2.2 Response by Executive Board

b.2.3 Debate and Vote

b.2.4 Prayer

STATE OF THE MISSION

11.Report of the President* (Este material también se encuentra en Español)

ORGANIZATION OF THE MISSION

12.Report on Covenant Organizational Design*

a. Recommendation on 2023 Covenant Bylaw Amendments

13.Report on Covenant Resource Paper: The Evangelical Covenant Church and Freedom, Unity and Responsibility (Este material también se encuentra en Español)

SERVANT LEADERSHIP FOR THE MISSION

14. Election of Executive Minister of Love Mercy and Do Justice**

15. Election of Executive Minister of Start and Strengthen Churches**

16. Report from Executive Minister of Make and Deepen Disciples Nominating Committee**

17. Call of North Park Theological Seminary Faculty Member, Rev. Michelle Dodson

a. Report from North Park Theological Seminary

b. Vote

c. Results

18. Introduction of President of Covenant Trust Company, Steve Klimkowski

19. Board Elections*

a. Presentation of 2023 Ballot

a.1. Executive Board

a.2. Board of the Ordered Ministry

a.3. Board of Pensions and Benefits

a.4. Board of Covenant Ministries of Benevolence

a.5. Board of Trustees of North Park University

a.6. Annual Meeting Officers

a.7. Board of Nominations

b.Vote

c.Results

20. Actions to Be Taken from the Ordered Ministry for 2023* (Time Certain – 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time Zone on June 30)

a. Change in Standing

b. Approval of Licenses

c. Presentation of Candidates for Transfer of Ordination

d. Presentation of Candidates for Ordination to Word and Service

e. Presentation of Candidates for Ordination to Word and Sacrament

HONORING FAITHFUL SERVICE IN THE MISSION

21. Clergy Vocational Service Recognition (Time Certain – 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time Zone on June 30)

22. Service Recognition for Global Personnel* (Time Certain – 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time Zone on June 30)

23. Recognition of Angela Yee, Executive Director of Ministry Development

24. Recognition of Steve Klimkowski, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Treasurer

25. Recognition of Michelle Sanchez, Executive Minister of Make and Deepen Disciples

26. Recognition of Executive Board Members Concluding Term of Service

27. 2023 T.W. Anderson Outstanding Layperson Award (Time Certain – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time Zone on June 30)

28. 2023 Irving Lambert Outstanding Urban Ministries Award (Time Certain – 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time Zone on June 30)

FUNDING THE MISSION

29. Financial Report*

a. Fiscal Year 2021/22 Performance Report (Time Certain – 9:15 a.m. Pacific Time Zone on July 1)

b. Report from the Covenant Board of Pensions and Benefits

30. Presentation and Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2024 Mission and Ministry Budget* (Time Certain – 9:45 a.m. Pacific Time Zone on July 1)

31. Report on 2022 Mission Advancement*

DIMENSIONS OF THE

32. Mission and Ministry Leadership Report

33. Report from Centro Hispano de Estudios Teológicos (CHET)

34. Report from Covenant Ministries of Benevolence*

35. Report from Covenant Trust Company

36. Report from National Covenant Properties

MISSION

37.Report from North Park University

a.Report of the President of North Park University

b.Report of the Dean of North Park Theological Seminary

38.Report from Paul Carlson Partnership

39.Mission and Ministry Leadership Response to Delegate Questions*

PREPARING TO GO FORTH IN MISSION

40.Delegate Evaluation

41.Arrangements for the 2024 Annual Meeting

42.Approval of Minutes of 137th Covenant Annual Meeting

43.Prayer for the Mission and Ministry of the Covenant

44.Report to Congregations

45.Closing Statement

a.Resolution of Sympathy

b.Resolution of Gratitude

46.Adjournment

47.Benediction

Annual Meeting Officers

Moderator: Elizabeth Jensen

Vice Moderator: Rick Lindholtz

Secretary: Norma Ramos

Parliamentarian: Clarence Chan

President: Tammy Swanson-Draheim

Secretary of the Covenant: Jacqueline Sugihara

Approval of Honorary Delegates and Resource Persons

RESOURCE PERSONNEL

Kreig Gammelgard

Prajakta David

Cathy Norman Peterson

Kristi Schild

Paul Stewart

Karen Ingebretson

Terrance Woodson

Danielle Ng

Marti Burger

Steve Dawson

Melissa Liew

Christina Kempe

Fredrik Wall

Dominique Gilliard

Ramelia Williams

Jill Hall

Rob Hall

Paul Kruit

Rollin Persson

Jonathan Basa

Karl Haukom-Anderson

Deb Mitchell

Rita Sheppard

Ryan Thompson

Advancement

Advancement

Marketing and Communications

Marketing and Communications

Marketing and Communications

Develop Leaders

Develop Leaders

Develop Leaders

Develop Leaders

Finance

Finance

Finance

Finance

Love Mercy and Do Justice

Love Mercy and Do Justice

National Covenant Properties

National Covenant Properties

National Covenant Properties

National Covenant Properties

Operations

Operations

Operations

Operations

Operations

Betzy Cisneros

Erik Anderson

Jorden Meyers

Clarence Chan

Adam Edgerly

Renée Hale

Lana Heinrich

Deborah Masten

Chrissy Palmerlee

Lyndsey Watson

Mary Hendrickson

David Boggs

Terri Cunliffe

Scott Hanson

Baird McDowell

Dana Norton

Adam Zuber

Christa Armstead

Shirley Bunnell

Kevin Gaines

Tyrone Gross

TJ Marshall

Samantha Mateo

Lisa McCallister

HONORARY DELEGATES

Deborah Blue

Gary Walter

Gerardo Sanchez Guerrero

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Harold Spooner

Janet Woods

President’s Office

President's Office

President's Office

Parliamentarian

Serve Globally

Serve Globally

Serve Globally

Serve Globally

Serve Globally

Serve Globally

Start and Strengthen Churches

Covenant Ministries of Benevolence

Covenant Ministries of Benevolence

Covenant Ministries of Benevolence

Covenant Ministries of Benevolence

Covenant Ministries of Benevolence

LUMI Technician

Worship

Worship

Worship

Worship

Worship

Worship

Worship

Emeritus

Emeritus

International Guest of the Evangelical Covenant Church

Irving Lambert Outstanding Urban Ministries Award

T.W. Anderson Outstanding Layperson Award

Churches Applying for Membership

Based upon the recommendation of the respective conferences, the Executive Board recommends to the 137th Annual Meeting that the following churches be accepted into membership in the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Rock Harbor Covenant Church

285 Melbourne Beach, FL

Summary:

Number of new churches: 10

Cumulative approximate membership: 435

Cumulative approximate attendance: 970

Report on Churches Joining the Covenant

The mission of the Covenant is stronger, richer, and more diverse because of the 10 churches joining this year. Each of these churches brings with them a ministry that will enrich the kingdom’s contribution of the whole Covenant denomination, and each church will be enriched by its connection with the Covenant. The following is a synopsis of each congregation. Each story testifies to both the handiwork of God in raising up a ministry and the faithfulness of committed people in carrying out that ministry. What is less visible is the role that every Covenanter has had in these stories. Through making possible the elements of a pastoral assessment process, financial support, training, and strategic services, every Covenanter has a place in these stories.

MIDWEST CONFERENCE

New Community Covenant Church

Average Attendance: 60 Kansas City, MO

Pastor: Darryl Answer

New Community began as a Bible study in the home of Darryl and Stephanie Answer in January 2016. Through a partnership with the Evangelical Covenant Church and World Impact, New Community was welcomed as a new church plant into the Covenant in 2017. The church exists as a network of spiritual families who meet in homes. Once a month they have a collective worship gathering at the Linwood YMCA. The Covenant helped through relational and financial support from Hillcrest Covenant Church in Prairie Village, Kansas Currently New Community has a growing network of spiritual families, a mutual aid fund, micro grants, and an asset-based community development initiative called Eastside University.

Trailhead Covenant Church

Average Attendance: 65 Longmont, CO

Pastor: David Barton

Trailhead Church had its public launch in the spring of 2019. Thanks to the initial financial support from the Covenant and other partners in faith, this “parachute” launch began with a very small team that has grown into a vibrant faith community. This growth has been solidified through strong relationships with area Covenant churches and other churches in Longmont, as well as various nonprofit partnerships. Since the fall of 2021, Trailhead has incorporated a unique pattern for Sundays we call “rhythms.” Each month this includes a meal shared through small group table fellowships, corporate worship, and community engagement. These rhythms have not only allowed us to embrace the everyday reality of God’s kingdom at hand but have also drawn in many new families who are longing for this kind of faith community. After being nomads for several years, Trailhead is grateful to now gather in the oldest church building in the heart of downtown Longmont for Sunday worship and fellowship, midweek gatherings, and opportunities to open the doors to community events. Trailhead offers a rich, multigenerational community with a kingdom vision for the Longmont region to flourish with the good news of Jesus as the gospel transforms individuals, systems, and culture.

Hillside Community Church

Average Attendance: 60 Denver, CO

Pastor: Brandon Goad

In 1955, fourteen families from the Midwest Synod of the Reformed Church in America planted Southridge Community Church in Southeast Denver, where the church worshiped until relocating to its current location and changing its name to Christ Community Church. In May 2018, Christ Community called Pastor Brandon Goad to move the church into its next season of ministry. By winter 2019, the church had grown significantly. Then the Covid-19 pandemic hit. As the church adjusted its ministry and metrics for success, it became clear that a denominational change might be necessary. Christ Community formed a denominational exploration committee, and in September 2022, the congregation voted to join the Evangelical Covenant Church. The leaders of Christ Community agreed the time was right to replant as something new. A team began meeting in January 2023 to plan the relaunch and agreed on the name Hillside Community Church. In August 2023, Hillside will officially take over Christ Community. Hillside is committed to maintaining the warmth and hospitality that is the hallmark of Christ Community’s services. Hillside also commits to prioritize local service in its corner of Denver through neighborhood outreach, partnerships with local organizations, and strong

ties to the recovery community in SE Denver. Above all, Hillside exists to glorify Jesus, pursue his kingdom and purposes, and see its neighbors flourish through faith in Jesus as we follow him together.

CENTRAL CONFERENCE

Uptown Covenant Church

Average Attendance: 70 Chicago, IL

Pastor: Jeremey Folk

Uptown Church launched in October 2018, desiring to be a place and a people that disrupts suffering and mends what is broken with the hope of Jesus in the Uptown area of Chicago. We emphasize discovering hope in Jesus, deepening relationship with God and others, and displaying love to all around. Uptown Church is diverse in age, ethnicity, church background, and socioeconomic status. Immigrants from around the world have found a place of belonging here. We also reflect the eclectic and endearing eccentric aspects of our neighborhood. The Holy Spirit has opened doors for ministry, relationship, and key partnerships with local schools, government officials, our Chamber of Commerce, city colleges, local businesses/nonprofits, police, state’s attorney, and more. We support and work alongside many who have been serving Uptown longer than we have. In November 2020, Uptown Church was able to sign a lease on a commercial building in the heart of Uptown. We were then able to renovate it into a house of worship. As we become more rooted in our new facility and now more so in our denomination, we look forward to all God is going to accomplish, in us and through us, for God’s glory.

Luz de Esperanza Covenant Church Average Attendance: 70 Campton Hills, IL

Pastor: Rafael and Drina Lizama

After serving 25 years in the church of the Evangelical Covenant Church Renacer, we took the Covenant church planters assessment in March 2019. In February 2019, we had started with Bible studies in homes, inviting our coworkers, family, and friends. Soon we found ourselves in a good growth problem, so we looked for a church to join and share the building. For the month of May, God opened doors for us at Country Evangelical Covenant Church in Campton Hills, Illinois. Our American brothers welcomed us with open doors and outstretched hands with multiple aids. We are very grateful to them for their investment, friendship, and love. We thank the Central Conference and the Covenant denomination for their affiliation and their financial support. We thank Country Church for affiliating with us and sharing their building without any charge for three years. We give infinite thanks

to God for his faithfulness, support, and care during these three years of planting and above all for allowing us to serve in a pandemic era. We also thank New Community Church and Zion Covenant Church for their generous contributions to Luz de Esperanza, especially for contributing to our ministry of bringing dental services to Latin American countries We can say that having a clear vision and mission has been key for the growth of our plant, and we constantly pray that the families that visit Luz de Esperanza will be restored by God. Intentionally using the gifts of the congregation to bless others as a strategy of evangelization and discipleship, we continue polishing and looking for the best way to be effective.

Grace Communidad Pacto de Amor

Average Attendance: 30 Chicago, IL

Pastor: Gamaliel Adame

The church’s origin began with a Bible study at our home and out of that we saw God at work forming what is now Grace Communidad Pacto de Amor. After the pandemic, we restarted in-person services in the City of Chicago.

Iglesia del Pacto Evangelico Nuevo Amanecer

Average Attendance: 30 Chicago, IL

Pastor: Oscar Ramirez

Iglesia Nuevo Amanecer began through prayer and the need of people in the community through Bible study, prayer, and discipleship. We are currently in our fifth year serving in the heart of Chicago.

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE

Coastline Covenant Church

Average Attendance: 200 Redondo Beach, CA

Pastors: Shawn Hurley and Garrick Hanger

Lead pastors Shawn Hurley and Garrick Hanger never thought they would plant a church. They had served together at Rolling Hills Covenant Church for more than ten years. The new church plant began in December 2020, mid-pandemic, with four pastors and a congregation that met online and in backyards. In June 2021, they began meeting in person for afternoon services by renting space from St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. A year later, they moved to Sunday morning services and continue to meet there today. Coastline values are: boldly biblical, Spirit-seeking, fully family, and wholly worshiping. Our vision is to live as God’s beloved family, inviting all to experience Jesus.

Harbor LA Covenant Church

Average Attendance: 100 Los Angeles, CA

Pastor: Israel Solomon

In 2006, a group of second generation Ethiopian American youth were attending a first-generation immigrant Ethiopian church in Los Angeles. The Ethiopian Christian Fellowship Church began to see a language barrier, cultural differences, and age gaps that prevented the young people from being fully integrated into church. They hired an English-speaking youth and young adult pastor to lead the second-generation group. After many years, the ministry grew into a functional church with its own identity and calling. Pastor Israel came on board, and after partnering with the Evangelical Covenant Church, The Harbor Church launched as a church plant in August 11, 2019, with more than 170 people in attendance.

SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE

Rock Harbor Covenant Church

Average Attendance: 285 Melbourne Beach, FL

Pastor: Kevin Diamond

Rock Harbor Covenant Church is a community called to create a safe space for everyone to live, laugh, and love out the good news of Jesus in the greater Melbourne area. After graduating from North Park Theological Seminary and pastoring San Andreas Community Covenant Church in California, Pastor

Kevin and his wife, Angie, visited Melbourne Beach to spend time with Angie’s sister. On that trip

Kevin and Angie received a vision to build a family friendly ministry and serve alongside their own family. Sharing this vision with the leaders of the Evangelical Covenant Church and going through church planter’s assessment and training in 2018, they launched Rock Harbor and the rest is history! Rock Harbor continues to live out its call to be a place of welcome and hope where many have been cared for and experienced happiness, recovery, abundant life, and relationship with Jesus Christ.

Church Planter Commissioning

GREAT LAKES CONFERENCE

Terry and Rick McGarry, New Wine Covenant Church (Mason, MI)

David Williams, Life Transformation Church, an Evangelical Covenant Church (Obetz, OH)

CENTRAL CONFERENCE

Laura Tarro, Bethany Covenant Church (St. Charles, IL)

CANADA CONFERENCE

Erick Abramson, New Wine Covenant Church (Richmond Hill, ON)

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE

George Bedlion, Whitewater Church DBA Garden City Church (Puyallup, WA)

Bob Do, The Table Covenant Church (Mercer Island, WA)

Voluntary Removal of Churches from the Roster of the Evangelical Covenant Church

ALASKA CONFERENCE

SUPERINTENDENT: CURTIS IVANOFF

New Song Covenant Church

Location: Anchorage, AK

Reason for removal: Closed

Number of members (when church closed): 25

Year joined the Covenant: 2001

Peak membership (approximately): 125

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

New Song has had a very dedicated core group of members who did significant and meaningful ministry in Anchorage over the course of its life. The leadership made the difficult decision that New Song Covenant had lived out its purpose as it was in a season where it simply no longer had the financial resources to continue. We give God praise and thanks for this community who so faithfully gave witness to the good news of Jesus since New Song was planted in 1996.

CENTRAL CONFERENCE

SUPERINTENDENT: DANNY MARTINEZ

Atonement Covenant Church

Location: Chicago, IL

Reason for removal: Closed

Number of members (when church closed): 24

Year joined the Covenant: 1998

Peak membership (approximately): 65

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

Toll of the Covid-19 pandemic. It put stress on people’s lives, and the church lost too many members. As a result, tithes and offerings decreased. Too much building upkeep was needed.

Grace Evangelical Covenant Church

Location: Chicago, IL

Reason for removal: Closed

Number of members (when church closed): 81

Year joined the Covenant: 1961

Peak membership (approximately): 175

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments: With the changing religious landscape, Grace Covenant felt an urgency to reinvent itself. The church could have fought to survive, but it struggled to find a way forward together. The congregation was tired and weary and wanted more than survival. Eventually, the church voted to close proactively. It gave its resources to other local ministries and ultimately to the conference and denomination to be used to start new churches. In doing so, the talents of the congregation were unleashed into other area ministries. The decision was painful, but it was an act of faith. Resurrection comes only after death.

EAST COAST CONFERENCE

SUPERINTENDENT: HOWARD K. BURGOYNE

Covenant Congregational Church

Location: Pawtucket, RI

Reason for removal: Closed

Number of members (when church closed): 15

Year joined the Covenant: 1942

Peak membership (approximately): 125

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments: CCC was planted in 1892 to serve the Swedish immigrants who came to Rhode Island to work and live in the greater Providence area. The church began meeting in homes, with 12-15 persons determined to cultivate their faith in Christ and reach out to their neighbors with the hope of the gospel. Many people were led to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. The congregation persevered through many challenges, and while they waned in the 1970s, they experienced a season of renewal in the 1980s. The church struggled again in the 2000s. In 2004, they explored but declined a potential merger with

Calvary Covenant Church in Cranston, Rhode Island (which later closed in 2010) and resolved to continue until they came to their own discernment that the time to transition had come. In 2022, with membership and attendance down to 12-15 persons, and the impact of predictable aging, retirements, and the pressures of the pandemic, the congregation discerned it was time to conclude their ministry. After a unanimous vote in August, the congregation prepared to wind down their ministry at Christmas. These friends continue to meet weekly on Sundays for worship in their former pastor’s home, back to the mode of gathering that launched their ministry in 1892. Rev. Cliff Tidd, raised up out of the congregation and ordained several years ago, has been their faithful pastor for many years. The faith and financial legacy of the church will be invested in church planting.

Community Covenant Church

Location: Hopkinton, MA

Reason for removal: Closed

Number of members (when church closed): 20 Year joined the Covenant: 1907

Peak membership (approximately): 130

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments: The church was planted in Milford, Massachusetts, in 1907, and enjoyed a dynamic ministry among Swedish immigrants and neighbors through the 1960s. Seeking to expand land in nearby Hopkinton, Massachusetts, right off of a cloverleaf exchange being installed at a new outer arterial highway (495) southwest of Boston. The church did not flourish as hoped for in this new community, as the nature of church life in culture changed, and the church struggled to navigate those transitions effectively. Still, much good ministry and loving fellowship was enjoyed by the congregation over these decades. Several years ago, a discernment committee was formed and proposed the church seek to join in partnership, and potential merger, with Highrock Covenant Church. It was hoped that families and a new pastor from their Needham congregation (Metrowest) might come and spark a restart. A year of earnest effort together did not lead to joint resolve that this was feasible, particularly during the pandemic year of 2021. Having retired their long serving pastor in 2021, the church received interim pastoral care in 2022, during which time the congregation discerned it was necessary to close. The congregation concluded their active ministry in Advent, and a closing worship service was held on December 17 The faith and financial legacy of the church will be invested in church planting.

GREAT LAKES CONFERENCE

SUPERINTENDENT: GARTH MCGRATH

Love of Christ Christian Center

Location: Detroit, MI

Reason for removal: Closed

Number of members (when church closed):

Year joined the Covenant: 2010

Peak membership (approximately): 65

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

Love of Christ Christian Center was a bivocational church plant of the Great Lakes Conference in Detroit in 2010. The church had several years of helpful, hopeful, life-changing engagement in the community with a high worship attendance of 126. Ministry among gang members in the neighborhood of 8 Mile and Wyoming on the north side of Detroit was priority. But it was always a struggle to sustain the ministry. The onset of Covid took a toll on the bonds of the church. They had to move out of their rented space in August 2020, adding to the burden. With hopes for rekindling the ministry extinguished by early 2023, the church decided to close.

MIDWEST CONFERENCE

SUPERINTENDENT: BRIAN JOHNSON

The Evangelical Covenant Church of Pender

Location: Pender, NE

Reason for removal: Withdrawn

Number of members (when church withdrew): 23

Year joined the Covenant: 1896

Peak membership (approximately): 70

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

Pastor Dan Springer was serving as pastor of the Pender Covenant Church when he was asked to also serve a United church in Pender which was a dual affiliation church from a previous merger of UMC and Presbyterian. He pastored both churches for several years. During the Covid pandemic, the United church and Covenant church began meeting together for

worship since they were both small and sharing a pastor. Pastor Dan and the combined leadership of both churches a great group of healthy leaders met with acting superintendent Brian Johnson to determine a pathway forward as trying to fulfill the responsibilities of three denominational affiliations would be challenging. Leadership discerned that it would be best to disaffiliate from all three denominations, discover their new identity as a congregation, then consider potential re-affiliation with the body that seems the best fit. This decision was made with the blessing of all three regional adjudicators (Covenant, Presbyterian, UMC) who saw the missional value in letting go so the church could become something new.

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE

SUPERINTENDENT: KARA STROMBERG

Community Covenant Church

Location: Lake Bronson, MN

Reason for removal: Withdrawn

Number of members (when church withdrew): 9

Year joined the Covenant: 1953

Peak membership (approximately): N/A

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments: Community Covenant has had a long history of ministry but remained distant from the Northwest Conference and the Covenant in recent years. The conference received a letter in October 2022 from church leadership, informing us that they would like to withdraw from the Northwest Conference and the Covenant. No rationale was given.

The Gallery Covenant Church (DBA Last City Covenant Church)

Location: St. Paul, MN

Reason for removal: Closed

Number of members (when church closed): 29

Year joined the Covenant: 2011

Peak membership (approximately): 45

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

Gallery Covenant was a church plant that saw a pastoral change within the first few years of its ministry. When the planting pastor left, a bivocational pastor was hired, and the church struggled with securing a location to meet. The church saw a decline in attendance and missional momentum. The Covid-19 pandemic was especially difficult for this young church who struggled to maintain a critical mass, and within that time, the church changed its name to Last City Covenant. The few remaining members voted to close in 2022. The final worship service was June 5, 2022.

Highland Community Church (formerly Elim Mission Church)

Location: Cokato, MN

Reason for removal: Withdrawn

Number of members (when church withdrew): 162

Year joined the Covenant: 1909

Peak membership (approximately): N/A

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

The church has had dual affiliation with the Evangelical Free Church and the Covenant. They recently adopted new bylaws and determined through that process to no longer be affiliated with the Covenant. Their statement of faith is more aligned with the EFCA.

Evangelical Covenant Church of Rush City

Location: Rush City, MN

Reason for removal: Withdrawn

Number of members (when church withdrew): 30

Year joined the Covenant: 1915

Peak membership (approximately): N/A

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

The Evangelical Covenant Church of Rush became Rush City Bible Church in 2005.

Nueva Vida Covenant Church

Location: Monticello, MN

Reason for removal: Withdrawn

Number of members (when church closed): 9

Year joined the Covenant: 2010

Peak membership (approximately): N/A

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

Nueva Vida is no longer operating as a church/nonprofit organization.

Cloverland Covenant Church

Location: Maple, WI

Reason for removal: Withdrawn

Number of members (when church closed): 27

Year joined the Covenant: 2002

Peak membership (approximately): 130

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

Cloverland Covenant Church withdrew from the Covenant in April 2014. Official action was taken at the Northwest Conference Annual Meeting in 2015.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE

SUPERINTENDENT: GREG YEE

Hope Covenant Church

Location: Everett, WA

Reason for removal: Withdrawn

Number of members (when church closed): 76

Year joined the Covenant: 2014

Peak membership (approximately): 150

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

Hope Church originally was a Covenant church plant in Lake Stevens. It merged with Sanctuary

Covenant Church (First Covenant Everett) in 2019. The church decided to transfer their

affiliation to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America as they merge with an ELCA congregation back in Lake Stevens. In this departure, we celebrate the long legacy of ministry represented in Sanctuary Covenant Church, one of the earliest Pacific Northwest Conference churches (1903).

Bridge Covenant Church

Location: Salem, OR

Reason for removal: Closed

Number of members (when church closed): 45

Year joined the Covenant: 2015

Peak membership (approximately): 60

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

As churches were gathering again in-person and indoors after the pandemic, the challenge in regards to people and financial resources became clear. After a thorough discernment process, including the use of the Covenant’s transition resource “At the Crossroads,” the congregation and leadership decided that it was time to conclude the ministry. An “ending well” team was formed and Bridge thoughtfully spent five weeks in 2022 walking through a lament and closure process with the congregation.

Disciple Community Covenant Church

Location: Bellevue, WA

Reason for removal: Closed

Number of members (when church closed): 35

Year joined the Covenant: 2018

Peak membership (approximately): 100

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

After twelve fruitful and faithful years DCCC concluded ministry. They effectively reached young adults and young families in the greater Seattle area and generously supported ministries in Cambodia. After the founding pastor’s decision to transition out of the church, the members voted to close.

Evergreen Covenant Church

Location: Mercer Island, WA

Reason for removal: Merger

Number of members (when church closed): 150

Year joined the Covenant: 1951

Peak membership (approximately): 550

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments: The church went through a series of difficult challenges marked by steep decline. After a thorough process of praying through next steps, a bold decision was made to approach a nearby sister church that had just been adopted into the Covenant and consider merging. Conversations warmed up, and a decision was made for Encounter to be the lead church and new entity in the Evergreen building. The two churches have merged beautifully. They have become even more multi-generational and multiethnic and are positioned well to reach a diverse population on the east side of Seattle. They have grown since the merger to about 400. Over 600 Easter attendees celebrated five baptisms marking the merger’s official grand opening.

SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE

SUPERINTENDENT: DR. CATHERINE GILLIARD

Greater Faith Covenant Church

Location: Riverdale, GA

Reason for removal: Closed

Number of members (when church closed): 1

Year joined the Covenant: 2015

Peak membership (approximately): 90

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments: The church voted to close because of declining attendance due to Covid.

Faith Covenant Church

Location: St. Petersburg, FL

Reason for removal: Withdrawn

Number of members (when church closed): 250

Year joined the Covenant: 1979

Peak membership (approximately): N/A

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments: The church voted to withdraw their membership because they did not agree with the Covenant’s teachings on racial justice, and they did not support the slow response in taking action on Covenant churches and clergy who are not in alignment with the Covenant’s positions on same-sex marriage.

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE

SUPERINTENDENT: BRIAN MURPHY

Sanctuary Covenant Church

Location: Sacramento, CA

Reason for removal: Closed

Number of members (when church closed): 19

Year joined the Covenant: 2003

Peak membership (approximately): 75

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

Sanctuary Covenant Church was launched as a church plant by the Pacific Southwest and the Covenant (Church Growth and Evangelism) in 2001. Planting this church was made possible with financial support from Bayside, First Covenant, River Life, Valley Hi Covenant, and Lake Hills Covenant. Sanctuary was focused on community work from the early days; the Green House, a community development 501(c)3 focused on school age children, was started by members of Sanctuary Covenant. The Greenhouse (info@thegreenhousecenter.org) continues to serve the Natomas region of Sacramento. In late summer 2022, after experiencing a sustained season of reduced missional energy, the members of Sanctuary Covenant voted to close the church and held a final service.

Porterville Iglesia del Pacto

Location: Porterville, CA

Reason for removal: Withdrawn

Number of members (when church closed): 12

Year joined the Covenant: 1979

Peak membership (approximately): 80

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

Porterville Iglesia del Pacto was relaunched in 2019 as Camino de Jesus (DBA). While some momentum was gained, this was not found to be sustainable. Through the years, the conference has provided considerable financial support on multiple occasions. In the fall of 2022, church leadership formally requested withdrawal from the Covenant and the Pacific Southwest.

INVOLUNTARY REMOVAL FROM MEMBERSHIP |

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. Introduction

B. Background on Process for Engagement with Awaken Covenant Church

C. Engagement Timeline for Awaken Covenant Church with the Covenant Executive Board

D. Background on Process for Engagement with Quest Church

E. Engagement Timeline for Quest Church with the Covenant Executive Board

F. Appendix: Involuntary Membership Removal Process (IRP) in Text for Ministers and Churches

G. Appendix: Excerpt from Covenant Constitution and Bylaws - Article IV. Section 4.4. Involuntary Dismissal from Membership

Involuntary Removal Introduction

This document is created to clarify the separate processes for involuntary removal of churches and the involuntary removal of pastors from the Covenant roster. A decision to remove a church from the roster is independent of the process for disciplining or seeking removal of a pastor’s credential. This is a short summary of these distinct processes with additional detail in the following pages.

INVOLUNTARY REMOVAL OF CHURCHES

First, it is important to differentiate between the involuntary and voluntary removal of a church from Covenant membership. Typically churches who find themselves at odds with the positions, policies, and practices of the Covenant church voluntarily withdraw their membership. Every year, a few churches choose to make this decision for a range of reasons—some related to theological fit in a variety of areas. The Covenant Church grieves these losses but blesses these churches in their transition to new homes, with the understanding there is always an opportunity to reapply for membership through mutual discernment, if circumstances change. It is significant to note that the involuntary removal of a church is a rare occasion, with the first and only process to date taking place in 2019.

When a church chooses not to abide by the position, policies, and practices of the Covenant Church but does not voluntarily withdraw membership, the regional conference may initiate a process to discern whether the church is out of harmony and if there is a possibility of helping to shepherd the church back into harmony. In this phase, conference leadership engages with the church’s pastor(s) and leaders. If, through prayerful work and conversation, the conference believes the church is actively out of harmony with the position, policies, and practices of the Covenant Church, then the Conference Executive Board makes a report to the Covenant Executive Board. This process at the conference level is usually the result of many conversations that may span months or even years.

After a report is made to the Covenant Executive Board (CEB), the CEB may initiate its own investigation and engagement with church leaders. This is a careful process in which the CEB examines

the evidence, engages in conversations, and makes prayerful discernment. Each of these steps is taken with great care in the hopes that the church may choose to live within the position, policies and practices of the Covenant church or choose voluntary withdrawal. If it is discerned that the church is out of harmony and does not intend to withdraw voluntarily, then the CEB makes a recommendation to the Annual Meeting of the Covenant Church to remove the church from the roster of churches. It is up to the Annual Meeting to make the final decision. This is called the involuntary removal process and is outlined in the Covenant Bylaws.

These actions are taken soberly and prayerfully. They are difficult decisions, costly processes, and disruptive to the life of the Covenant Church. We pray continuously that we will remain centered on the person of Jesus, asking for the Spirit’s leading, and seeking for God’s redemptive purposes to be served.

INVOLUNTARY REMOVAL OF PASTORS/MINISTERS

As with our churches, it has been typical for pastors who find themselves at odds with the positions, policies, and practices of the Covenant Church to voluntarily resign or transfer their ministerial credentials. Every year, a few pastors choose one of these paths for a variety of reasons, some related to theological fit in a variety of areas and sometimes for the requirements of a different denomination they are called to serve. The Covenant Church processes the departures, sometimes with grief and sometimes with mutual gratitude for ongoing kingdom contribution made possible by a new call. We pray for these pastors in the time of their leaving, with the understanding that there is always an opportunity to reapply for reinstatement, through mutual discernment, if circumstances change. As with our churches, it is significant to note that the involuntary removal of a pastor is a rare occurrence.

A concern about behaviors that are inconsistent with guidelines, rules, or policy can be brought to the attention of Develop Leaders/Ordered Ministry staff through self-reporting, complaints, or by direct observation. The matter is sometimes brought first to the conference superintendent and sometimes to the Develop Leaders/Ordered Ministry staff. In any case, the executive minister and the conference superintendent mutually inform each other of situations that arise. If the charge appears valid, and if immediate suspension is required, they will also first consult with the president of the Covenant, and the matter will be brought to the Board of Ordered Ministry. When suspension results, it is a suspension of the Covenant’s endorsement of the minister. A full suspension requires the cessation of

all ministerial practices in all settings. During a suspension, matters of continuation of salary or employment remain with the local congregation.

The Board of Ordered Ministry meets with the pastor and further discerns an appropriate pathway of care and discipline. The goal of the process is to care for the pastor and, in the case of practices that are at odds with Ministerium guidelines and policies, restoration of harmonious commitment to abide by the guidelines for Covenant ministers. If a pastor chooses not to abide by the decisions of the Board of Ordered Ministry, the Board may move to recommend involuntary removal of the pastor’s ministerial credential. Such a decision is never taken lightly, nor without ample opportunity for the pastor to come back into alignment with the guidelines.

The recommendation of the Board of Ordered Ministry is forwarded to the Annual Meeting of the Ministerium and requires a 2/3 vote before being referred to the Covenant Annual Meeting for final action as outlined in the Ministerium Constitution (article VI, section 6.2) and Bylaws (article V) and the Covenant Constitution (article XIII, section 13.1) and Bylaws (article X, section 10.4.b.iv).

These actions are taken soberly and prayerfully. They are difficult and expensive processes, and they are disruptive to the life of the Ministerium and the Covenant Church. We pray continuously that we will remain centered on the person of Jesus, asking for the Spirit’s leading and seeking for God’s redemptive purposes to be served.

Action on Involuntary Removal from Membership of Awaken Covenant Church

BACKGROUND ON PROCESS FOR ENGAGEMENT | AWAKEN COVENANT CHURCH OF ST. PAUL, MN, WITH COVENANT EXECUTIVE BOARD

After significant discussion, prayer, and discernment, the Covenant Executive Board (CEB) has advanced to the 2023 Annual Meeting the involuntary removal of Awaken Covenant Church from the Covenant roster of churches. The CEB takes this action soberly.

Awaken Covenant Church agrees that they have adopted policies and practices that are inconsistent with the Evangelical Covenant Church’s Human Sexuality Guidelines and the Ethical Principles for Covenant Ministers and same-sex weddings have been performed with the support of the congregation. In multiple conversations with both the Northwest Conference (NWC) and the CEB, Awaken Covenant Church has been resolute that they do not intend to bring the congregation into harmony with the Covenant’s discerned position. This is sufficient reason within Covenant policy to recommend removal of a church from the Covenant roster of churches. Further, Awaken Covenant Church has disregarded its pledge to support the principles, policies, programs, and institutions of the Covenant (Evangelical Covenant Church Constitution Article IV, Section 4.3) by refusing to comply with the terms of suspension required of its pastor, Rev. Micah Witham, by the Evangelical Covenant Church Board of the Ordered Ministry. Despite Awaken’s misalignment with the denomination, Awaken does not intend to voluntarily withdraw their membership from the Evangelical Covenant Church.

This document provides the timeline of the Evangelical Covenant Church’s engagement with Awaken Covenant Church and provides the background for the CEB’s report and recommendation at the Annual Meeting.

PROCESS AND ENGAGEMENT TIMELINE | AWAKEN COVENANT CHURCH OF ST. PAUL, MN,

WITH COVENANT EXECUTIVE BOARD

February 20, 2022 – The Covenant Executive Board (CEB) received an email from the chair of the Northwest Conference (NWC) Executive Board, reporting their recommendation that Awaken Covenant Church be investigated for being out of harmony with the Covenant. The email pointed to the congregation’s adoption of a “Statement Regarding the Affirmation of Freedom in Christ: As it Relates to Human Sexuality” stating that “Awaken will support its Pastors as they follow their conscience and faith-filled convictions regarding their participation in same-sex marriage ceremonies (e.g., officiating, praying, or attending)….” The NWC found that the statement is in contravention of the Evangelical Covenant Church’s Human Sexuality Guidelines and Ethical Principles for Covenant Ministers.” The email also noted that Awaken’s pastors have conducted same-sex weddings with the congregation’s full support. The NWC reported that the Awaken congregation has failed to recognize and adhere to the authority and direction of the Covenant Board of the Ordered Ministry by refusing to support and comply with terms of the suspension required of its pastor, Rev. Micah Witham.

March 12, 2022 – The NWC superintendent and Executive Board chair met in person with the CEB in executive session to share their process, to present the recommendation, and to answer questions. The NWC reported that they had engaged in a lengthy process of listening to the values, hopes, and concerns of Awaken leadership, beginning in 2017. When it became clear that Awaken was not in harmony with the Covenant’s theological beliefs and practices, the NWC urged Awaken to return to harmony or to seek voluntary withdrawal. In both cases, the church and its leadership have communicated that they would not adhere to the position and policies of the Evangelical Covenant Church, and communicated they had no intention of voluntarily withdrawing.

The NWC representatives provided the CEB with copies of its communications with Awaken, as well as copies of other documents, to substantiate its recommendation. As required by Covenant Bylaws (Article IV, Section 4.4, ii), the NWC presented a report from the NWC Executive Board charging that Awaken appeared to be out of harmony with the Evangelical Covenant Church and recommended that Awaken Covenant Church be investigated for possible removal from the Covenant roster of churches.

Following the engagement with the NWC representatives, the CEB prayed, deliberated, and voted to establish an ad hoc committee to conduct its investigation as permitted by the Covenant Bylaws (Article IV, Section 4.4, ii).

July 2022 – Members of the CEB ad hoc committee reviewed documents from the NWC Executive Board, Awaken Covenant Church’s website, constitution, bylaws, and additional open letters that had been sent to the CEB and other bodies by Awaken Chair Art Morrow.

August 16, 2022 – Leaders from Awaken Covenant Church and the ad hoc committee of the CEB met virtually and discussed the recommendations regarding the church being out of harmony. During this 75-minute honest conversation, the ad hoc committee sought to listen to the church leadership respond to the charges. Awaken leaders, including Chair Art Morrow, agreed that the charges brought by the NWC accurately reflect the congregation’s position and practices and stated that Awaken would not pursue voluntary removal.

October 8, 2022 – The CEB met in person with Awaken Covenant Church representatives, Rev. Micah Witham and Chair Art Morrow, in executive session. After respectful conversation, Rev. Witham and Chair Morrow made it clear the church would not live within the Covenant’s theological position and would not voluntarily withdraw from membership. Following this engagement, the CEB prayerfully deliberated at length and adopted a motion to advance to the 2023 Annual Meeting the involuntary removal of Awaken Covenant Church from the Covenant roster of churches.

October 9, 2022 – CEB Chair Tim Rodgers called Awaken Chair Art Morrow to share the motion of the CEB to advance Awaken Covenant Church to the 2023 Annual Meeting.

April 12, 2023 – CEB Chair Tim Rodgers contacted Awaken Covenant Church Chair Art Morrow to make a final appeal for the church to seek voluntary withdrawal. Mr. Morrow indicated that the church leadership continues to affirm its position and feels strongly about proceeding to Gather to contest Awaken’s removal from Covenant church membership. The 40-minute conversation ended in mutual prayer for Awaken Covenant Church and for Gather 2023.

Addendum

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE

SUPERINTENDENT: GREG YEE

Quest Church

Location: Seattle, WA

Reason for removal: Withdrawn

Number of members (when church withdrew): 200

Year joined the Covenant: 2002

Peak membership: N/A

Reason leading to removal from the roster and comments:

As reported in Agenda Item 10b (Delegate Notebook p 65), “Quest Church agrees that they have adopted policies and practices that are inconsistent with the Evangelical Covenant Church’s Human Sexuality Guidelines and the Ethical Principles for Covenant Ministers and a same-sex wedding has been performed at the church,” and after congregational conversation, Quest has determined they can better fulfill their mission through disaffiliation.

A supermajority vote of Quest Church’s membership on June 4, 2023, to voluntarily disaffiliate from the Evangelical Covenant Church membership led to a letter sent to Covenant leadership on June 6, 2023, indicating the church’s resolve “to decouple Quest from the roster of member churches, effective immediately.”

Action on Involuntary Removal from Membership of Quest Church

BACKGROUND ON PROCESS FOR ENGAGEMENT | QUEST CHURCH OF SEATTLE, WA WITH COVENANT EXECUTIVE BOARD

After significant prayer, discussion, and discernment, the Covenant Executive Board (CEB) has advanced to the 2023 Annual Meeting the involuntary removal of Quest Church from the Covenant roster of churches. The CEB takes this action soberly.

Quest Church agrees that they have adopted policies and practices that are inconsistent with the Evangelical Covenant Church’s Human Sexuality Guidelines and the Ethical Principles for Covenant Ministers and a same-sex wedding has been performed at the church. In multiple conversations with both the Pacific Northwest Conference (PNWC) and the CEB, Quest Church has indicated that they are firm in their intentions not to bring the congregation into harmony with the Covenant’s discerned position. This is sufficient reason within Covenant polity to recommend removal of a church from the Covenant roster of churches. Further, Quest Church has failed to recognize and adhere to the authority and direction of the Covenant Board of the Ordered Ministry by refusing to support and comply with terms of the suspension of its pastor, Rev. Gail Song Bantum, and has disregarded its pledge to support the principles, policies, programs, and institutions of the Covenant (Evangelical Covenant Church Constitution Article IV, Section 4.3). Despite Quest’s misalignment with the denomination, as of April 30, 2023, Quest does not intend to voluntarily withdraw their membership from the Evangelical Covenant Church.

This document provides the timeline of the Evangelical Covenant Church’s engagement with Quest Church and provides background for the CEB’s report and recommendation to the Annual Meeting.

PROCESS AND ENGAGEMENT TIMELINE | QUEST CHURCH OF SEATTLE, WA WITH COVENANT EXECUTIVE BOARD

January 5, 2022 – The CEB received an email from the Chair of the PNWC Executive Board, reporting that the board had determined that Quest Church appeared to be out of harmony.

February 27, 2022 – As required by Covenant Bylaws (Article IV, Section 4.4, ii), the PNWC superintendent and chair submitted a report to the CEB demonstrating that Quest Church appeared to be out of harmony with the denominational convictions and expectations concerning human sexuality, behavior of pastors, and shared life together. The PNWC superintendent became aware in September 2020 that Quest Church intended to move toward becoming fully LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming. By year end 2020, the Quest elder board had voted to allow their pastor to perform weddings, inconsistent with the Covenant’s sexuality and marriage ethics, and announced this change at Quest’s annual meeting in January 2021. The efforts of the conference and superintendent to bring the church back into harmony with the Covenant were exhausted. The leaders of Quest Church expressed that their convictions were resolute and that they would not voluntarily withdraw from the Covenant roster of churches.

March 11, 2022 – The PNWC superintendent and Executive Board treasurer met with the CEB in executive session to share their process, present their board’s recommendations, and answer questions. They provided the CEB with communications from Quest related to their recommendation in addition to their verbal report and recommended that Quest Church be investigated for possible removal from the Covenant roster of churches.

Following the engagement with the PNWC representatives, the CEB prayed, deliberated, and voted to establish an ad hoc committee to conduct its investigation as permitted by the Covenant Bylaws (Article IV, Section 4.4, ii)

June 2022 – Members of the ad hoc committee gathered virtually to pray, to review Quest’s website and review again the documentation provided by the PNWC Executive Board. Included in the documentation was a letter from Quest’s elder board (January 21, 2022) stating that Quest would not comply with the terms of their pastor’s suspension.

July 16, 2022 – The ad hoc committee sent a letter to Quest Church’s elder board, stating the purpose of the committee and inviting them to a virtual engagement with the committee and an in-person

engagement at the October Covenant Executive Board meeting in Chicago, in compliance with the Covenant Bylaws (Section 4.4).

July 29, 2022 – In a letter dated July 29, 2022, Donnie Griffin, chair of the Quest elder board, responded asking for clarification of the meaning of “out of harmony” and invited the ad hoc committee to join them virtually for their scheduled elder board meeting on September 8, 2022.

August 23, 2022 – The ad hoc committee responded in a letter to provide further definition of “out of harmony” to include that the church does not affirm and support the Covenant’s position on human sexuality adopted in 1996 and reaffirmed in 2004 by the Annual Meeting (“celibacy in singleness and faithfulness in heterosexual marriage as the Christian standard”), does not affirm and support the Covenant’s guideline to refrain from using their building to host a same-sex wedding, and the church does not affirm and support the Covenant’s prohibition of clergy officiating and participating in a same-sex wedding.

September 8, 2022 – The ad hoc committee of the CEB met virtually with the Quest Church leadership team. During this engagement, the ad hoc committee sought to listen to Quest’s leadership respond to the charges. Chair Donnie Griffin and Pastor Gail Song Bantum, along with other Quest leaders, stated unequivocally that they are fully open and affirming, that Pastor Bantum had performed a same-sex wedding at Quest Church over the summer, and that they agreed that they were not in alignment with the Covenant’s position and guidelines as outlined in the letter of August 23, 2022. Despite Quest’s misalignment with the denomination, the congregation’s leaders indicated they were not interested in pursuing voluntary withdrawal from the Covenant roster of churches.

CEB Chair Tim Rodgers reiterated the invitation for Quest Church representatives to address the CEB at their October 2022 meeting and defend Quest per Covenant Bylaws (Section 4.4b.). Quest leaders requested further clarification around the nature of the engagement with the CEB at the October board meeting. Pastor Bantum responded that Quest has shared their values, mission, and vision, and they have no intent to change. The leaders would discuss if there was any point in meeting with the CEB.

September 23, 2022 – CEB Chair Tim Rodgers sent a letter to Quest Church’s chair and elders clarifying again the purpose of the meeting with the CEB and inviting their representatives to attend. The letter explained that, as outlined in the Involuntary Removal Process and in the Covenant bylaws

(section 4.4b.), the board must provide Quest the opportunity to respond before the Covenant Executive Board to out of harmony concerns with respect to the Covenant’s position on human sexuality as adopted in 1996 and reaffirmed in 2004 by the Annual Meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to satisfy that requirement, allowing Quest to engage with the full board on this topic. The letter clarified that the meeting would not directly address the Covenant’s position on human sexuality as that is outside the purview of the CEB. Included in the letter was a request for a response to the invitation to attend the CEB October meeting by September 30, 2022.

October 8, 2022 – Quest Church did not reply to the invitation to come to the October meeting of the CEB, which was held October 7-9, 2022. In executive session, the CEB prayed and deliberated at length before adopting a motion to advance to the 2023 Annual Meeting the involuntary removal of Quest Church from the Covenant roster of churches.

October 10, 2022 – CEB Chair Tim Rodgers called Quest chair Donnie Griffin to share the motion of the CEB to advance Quest Church to the 2023 Annual Meeting.

April 13, 2023 – CEB Chair Tim Rodgers contacted Quest chair Donnie Griffin to make a final appeal for the congregation to seek voluntary withdrawal. Mr. Griffin indicated that Quest was not ready to make a commitment regarding voluntary versus involuntary removal. Mr. Rodgers and Mr. Griffin committed to continue in mutual prayer for Quest and Gather.

Involuntary Membership Removal Process (IRP) in Text

MINISTERIAL PROCESS:

1. Minister engages in contested action

2. Conference informs Executive Minister of Ordered Ministry and Develop Leaders (EM of OM-DL)

3. EM of OM-DL investigates

a. If determined necessary, EM of OM-DL and President of Evangelical Covenant Church, in consultation with Superintendent, suspends Minister.

4. The Board of Ordered Ministry (BoOM) deliberates charges, considers testimonies and evidence

a. Does BoOM recommend removal?

i. No: Care and discipline continues. Process concludes

ii. Yes: BoOM notifies Minister that will recommend removal of credentials to Ministerium (typically performed by OM-DL Team or EM of OM-DL). Continue to Step 5.

5. Does Minister decide to contest removal?

a. No: Minister’s name is placed on agenda for removal at Ministerium Annual Meeting and Covenant Annual Meeting. Process concludes.

b. Yes: Minister submits intent to contest in writing to President of Ministerium and BoOM

i. Minister provides written consent to make case details public. Continue to Steps 6 and 7 simultaneously.

6. President of Ministerium receives letter from Minister

a. Executive Officers of Ministerium notify Ministerium in writing, including BoOM's charges against Minister (at least 60 days before Ministerium Annual Meeting). Continue to Step 8

7. BoOM receives letter from Minister

a. Covenant President informs Annual Meeting Officers of potential action

b. Annual Meeting Officers discern when to inform Annual Meeting delegates

8. At least one month prior to Ministerium Annual Meeting, President of Ministerium submits motion to establish timeframes for Contested Credentials Hearing to Minister and BoOM

a. Minister receives notification

b. BoOM receives notification

9. MINISTERIUM ANNUAL MEETING - Contested Credentials Hearing

a. President of Ministerium presides over Contested Credentials Hearing

b. Questions or points of order must be submitted to President of Ministerium in writing

c. BoOM presents first at each stage

i. Opening statements

1. BoOM opening statements

2. Minister's opening statements

ii. Witness testimony

1. BoOM witness testimony

2. Minister's witness testimony

iii. Closing statements

1. BoOM closing statements

2. Minister's closing statements

d. Deliberation

i. Minister of contested credentials and BoOM presenters leave room

e. Vote

f. 2/3 vote reached?

i. No: Matter returns to BoOM

ii. Yes: BoOM submits recommendation with concurrence of Ministerium to Covenant Annual Meeting

10. COVENANT ANNUAL MEETING

a. The Standing Rules determine overall debate times and process.

b. Minister presents rationale why credential should not be removed

c. BoOM / Ministerium rebuts

d. Annual Meeting debates until question is called

e. Annual Meeting votes on recommendation

f. 2/3 vote reached?

i. No: Minister retains credential and matter returns to BoOM for further care and discipline. Continue to Step 10g.

ii. Yes: Minister is removed from roster of Covenant ministers. Continue to Step 10g.

g. OM-DL team writes communication to Minister on outcome

CHURCH PROCESS:

1. Church engages in contested action

2. Allegation of Out of Harmony is communicated to Conference Executive Board by another Church or Minister within conference - OR - Church determines it will request IRP process

3. Superintendent and Conference Chair inform Conference Executive Board and begin inquiry, conciliation, or mitigation process

a. Conference Executive Board informs Covenant President and Executive Minister of Start and Strengthen Churches (EM of SSC) in writing that Conference Executive Board is working with Church and of the possibility of an IRP process

i. Covenant President receives notification

1. President informs Covenant Executive Board (CEB) chair

2. CEB is informed

ii. EM of SSC receives notification

b. Conference Executive Board establishes Ad Hoc Committee that address concerns with Church and keeps Conference Executive Board abreast of developments

i. Ad Hoc Committee determines if claim has any credibility, if claim was resolved or claim is not credible

ii. Conference Executive Board Ad Hoc Committee brings back findings to same board

4. Claim resolved?

a. Yes: Conference Executive Board informs Church and any individuals involved in matter of resolution. Process concludes.

b. No: Does Church decide to contest removal?

i. No: Church informs Conference Executive Board of pursuit of voluntary membership removal Process moves to voluntary removal.

ii. Yes: Conference Executive Board informs Covenant President, EM of SSC, and Church.

1. Church receives notification

2. EM of SSC receives notification

3. Covenant President receives notification

a. President informs CEB Chair

b. CEB Officers discuss matter and process.

i. CEB Chair informs CEB of pending matters

5. CEB may form an Ad Hoc Committee to work with Church on the IRP recommendation or advance matter directly to AM for IRP

a. If CEB decides to advance matter directly to AM for IRP, continue to Step 7. Otherwise continue to Step 5b.

b. CEB may seek to guide Church back into harmony (through meetings, communication, and visits with Church)

c. Does CEB discern congregation is out of harmony?

i. No: If concerns raised are resolved, then CEB notifies Conference Executive Board and Church that IRP recommendation is not advancing to AM. Process concludes.

ii. Yes: CEB concurs with Conference Executive Board recommendation and advances matter to AM

1. CEB informs Conference Executive Board, Church and AM Officers of outcome

6. AM Officers inform denomination of IRP recommendation by April.

7. COVENANT ANNUAL MEETING

a. The Standing Rules determine overall debate times and process.

b. Church presents rationale why it should not be removed from the roster of member churches

c. CEB rebuts

d. AM debates until question is called

e. AM votes on recommendation

f. 2/3 vote reached?

i. NO: Continue to Step 8.

ii. YES: Church is removed from roster of congregations. Continue to Step 8

8. Governance team writes communication to Church and Conference Executive Board of the decision reached

ACRONYMS

AM Covenant Annual Meeting

BoOM Board of Ordered Ministry

CEB Covenant Executive Board

ConfExBd Conference Executive Board

EM of OM-DL Executive Minister of Ordered Ministry and Develop Leaders

EM of SSC Executive Minister of Start and Strengthen Churches

IRP Involuntary Removal Process

OM-DL Team Ordered Ministry / Develop Leaders Team (Staff)

Excerpt from 2022 Covenant Constitution and Bylaws

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 4.4. INVOLUNTARY DISMISSAL FROM MEMBERSHIP.

a. Charges that a congregation is out of harmony with the Covenant shall be presented to its conference executive board, which shall immediately inform the Executive Board of the Covenant and the president of the Covenant of the charges.

i.If the conference executive board finds the charges to be credible, the conference executive board shall seek to guide the congregation into harmony with the Covenant. The conference executive board shall then make a report and recommendation to the Executive Board of the Covenant and the president of the Covenant.

ii.The Executive Board of the Covenant shall independently consider the credibility of the charges based on all the information and recommendations available to it. The Executive Board of the Covenant may then, at its initiative and in communication with the regional conference, seek to guide the congregation into harmony with the Covenant. If the Executive Board of the Covenant determines that the congregation is and remains out of harmony with the Covenant, the Executive Board of the Covenant shall make a report and recommendation to the Annual Meeting of the Covenant.

iii.The Annual Meeting shall vote on the recommendation of the Executive Board.

iv.If a congregation is dismissed from membership in the Covenant by action of the Annual Meeting of the Covenant, its membership in the regional conference shall also be terminated.

b.In all cases, congregations shall have opportunity to defend themselves before the conference executive board, the Executive Board of the Covenant, and the Annual Meeting of the Covenant.

c.The Executive Board of the Covenant shall make special provision for charges made against a member congregation that is not located within a regional conference.

Report of the President

I am excited to be writing this first report as your president. What a joy it is to serve the denomination I love so much. I have grown up in the Covenant, where I have been nurtured in my faith, developed as a leader, experienced God’s call, and served in various settings and contexts. Almost every significant encounter I have had with Jesus has happened through a Covenant church, camp, or institution. How grateful I am to serve a church that has loved me so well and where I have become deeply rooted in Christ.

It is truly a privilege to pursue God’s mission with this beautiful faith family. The work of the Evangelical Covenant Church is rich and robust, reaching people for Christ worldwide. I celebrate the richness of our ministry and the many, many ways we have seen God at work this past year.

I praise God for the 56 church plants supported in the Covenant. I celebrate that more than 2,000 youth were able to encounter Jesus at regional Unite conferences last July! I am encouraged by the financial support Covenant clergy have received through renewal grants, crisis assistance, and financial leadership support. It is moving to see the many local church ministries that have received development grants to focus on justice and mercy in their local contexts, and I am grateful for the generosity of this movement that we, together, can send millions of dollars to engage in serving globally.

Yes, God is at work in and through the Evangelical Covenant Church! Countless lives and communities are being transformed through the ministries of the Covenant. I am grateful to have a front-row seat to witness many of the things God has done and continues to do. This good news energizes me to continue pursuing the work ahead of us.

During this season, I have been reading and reflecting on the story of Jesus and his disciples in the midst of a storm in Mark 4. I resonate with this image it feels like an excellent descriptor of where we find ourselves in the church right now. Not only as we come through Covid-19 and try to figure out who is

still attending our churches and what our financial situation looks like, but also as we experience the political polarization that has crept into our churches, the racial unrest, and the human sexuality conversation we find ourselves in. I think all of this feels like weathering a storm.

And yet it is important to remember that Jesus is in the boat with us. He takes the posture of being a non-anxious presence. We trust that he can calm the storms around us and help us to the other side.

In my personal effort to follow Jesus’s leading, I have felt called to adopt a posture of listening, asking questions, praying, and discerning. Listening to God, the denominational staff, the regional conferences, the ministerium, and local church members has helped me to develop a more holistic perspective on the needs and desires of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

When I began serving as your president, I did not come with a strategic plan already in place to implement and impose upon the denomination. I came into this role with a deep desire to listen well, pray together, and discern God’s guidance as we pursue his call on our lives in community together.

Through this listening, praying, and discerning, I have committed to three focus areas in this first season of my presidency: prayer, denominational office realignment, and the work being done to address the divide on human sexuality. Mission will always remain at the forefront, and focusing on these areas will help us commit to our mission with renewed energy and the ability to consider innovative ideas.

As the church, we know it is important that prayer remain at the center of all we do. We cannot do the work God has called us to do if we are not spending time and energy in prayer, entering into God’s presence, listening for God’s direction, and following his call. I’m grateful for my team’s partnering with me on the Deeply Rooted sermon series focused on prayer. This resource was released in the spring and provides churches and pastors with sermon outlines, a small group curriculum, and an invitation to spiritual practices.

We remain deeply rooted in joining God in God’s mission to see more disciples among more populations in a more caring and just world. The Covenant Offices leadership team has been in a time of discernment regarding re-organizing our ministry model to better align God’s mission with the resources God has provided for us in this season. We want to ensure that we are set up for a thriving future.

Together, we have discerned that we need to make some organizational adjustments in order to thrive. At this year’s Annual Meeting, bylaw changes will be presented as we seek to move forward with those

adjustments, which will be implemented in several phases if affirmed. I am deeply grateful for the hard work that has been done to get us to this point. It is an encouragement to experience this level of support and agreement, and I am in awe of how deeply the Spirit of God has been moving through these many meetings and conversations.

A year ago, at the 136th Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church, I was given the task as president to focus on how best to address the divide within our body around the topic of human sexuality. I have taken this task to heart and committed to listening, praying, and discerning how to move forward in a way that honors God and expresses love and respect for God’s people. I want the Evangelical Covenant Church to thrive and pursue our mission together.

The human sexuality conversation is important to the church, and it is a source of pain and division in our body. I have deep, long-standing relationships and friendships with people with differing perspectives on how best to move this conversation forward. The Evangelical Covenant Church did not arrive at this place of division and conflict overnight, and we will not resolve all aspects of this conversation overnight either. This is another area where we need to seek God in prayer, asking for his guidance as we work to bring the church together. I believe one step forward is to adjust how we have these important conversations.

I am grateful for this call on my life. I have loved being with you in your churches, some of your conference annual meetings, and special events around the Covenant and in our global church. Thank you for your questions, your notes and words of encouragement, and most especially, your prayers. It has been an honor to be with and among you, and I look forward to more engagements in the coming years. I don’t do this work alone, and I am deeply grateful for the teams I partner with.

A few colleagues at Covenant Offices will be moving onto their own new seasons of ministry this year, and I would like to close with a few words of gratitude for their service.

Steve Klimkowski, thank you for your commitment to the financial sustainability of our ministries. Thank you for your efforts in navigating Covid realities and helping us to manage our finances through that season. We look forward to your leadership as the next president of Covenant Trust Company. Your background and experiences have prepared you well for this new role.

Michelle Sanchez, thank you for your commitment to evangelism and for ensuring that there are helpful discipleship resources for all ages. The addition of Crescendo has been a wonderful incorporation of intergenerational ministry and a helpful tool for churches, alongside children and youth materials. Thank you for ensuring that all our churches can engage in BLESS so that relational evangelism can flourish.

Ann Wiesbrock, thank you for your deep, faithful service at Covenant Trust Company. The support that our clergy, churches, and individuals have received in financial planning is so valuable. Thank you for your leadership and care. We pray God’s rest and renewal as you transition into retirement.

Angela Yee, thank you for your countless hours of helping me transition into the office of president. Your perspective, support, and collaboration have been invaluable. We will miss having you in the President’s Office. I will miss having you on speed dial. You have been a great ministry partner!

We are in this mission and ministry together, pursuing what God has called us to. Let us continue to lean in and prayerfully pursue God together.

For God’s glory and neighbor’s good, Draheim, President

Covenant Organizational Design

Proposed Covenant Bylaw Amendments | Executive Summary

At Gather 2023, during the 137th Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church, delegates will vote on the proposed Covenant Bylaw Amendments that support Phase I of the recommended Covenant Organizational Design. This design seeks to align the mission God has given us with the resources God has provided to us in this season, to set us up for a fruitful and thriving future in the years to come. And, we have proceeded through this process by:

1. Having our mission and mission priorities remain our central focus.

a. Mission: to join God in God’s mission to see more disciples among more populations in a more caring and just world.

b. Mission Priorities: make and deepen disciples; love mercy and do justice; serve globally; develop leaders; and start and strengthen churches

2. Being together, not divided.

3. Working within what God has provided us financially in this season.

4. Communicating in timely, relevant, and clear ways.

5. Pursuing the good of the whole church over individual stakeholders and groups.

6. Serving with integrity.

In the proposed structure, the mission and the mission priorities remain our central focus and will drive everything we do. The proposed structure will allow us to better serve churches and conferences with focused resources that meet the needs of our denomination’s mission

To support this proposed structure, recommended Bylaw amendments are needed. The following describes the rationale for the recommended amendments:

• To align the Bylaws with the proposed structure

• To remove specificity of role titles to allow for greater flexibility for the denominational future.

• To align our Bylaws for a more collaborative approach to our mission and our mission priorities

• To create a structure that enhances faithful stewardship. In the coming pages, you will find information and context to better understand the proposed bylaw amendments that are coming to you for approval. This section includes:

• Proposed Bylaw Amendments that allow the denominational team to be more responsive to the needs of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

• Phase I of the Covenant Denomination Organizational Structure

• Supplemental Information to provide additional context.

We look forward to continuing to live out the Covenant mission through our five mission priorities through this new structure.

Covenant Organizational Design:

2023 PROPOSED COVENANT BYLAW AMENDMENTS

These items will be voted on during the 137th Annual Meeting of the Covenant.

Article VII. The Annual Meeting.

Section 7.9. Elections and Calls.

b. Elected Executive Ministers Current Text

i. The executive minister of love mercy and do justice, the executive minister of make and deepen disciples, the executive minister of the ordered ministry, the executive minister of serve globally, the executive minister of start and strengthen churches shall be elected by the Annual Meeting. Each election shall be by ballot.

ii.One candidate each for the positions of executive minister of love mercy and do justice, the executive minister of make and deepen disciples, the executive minister of serve globally, and the executive minister of start and strengthen churches shall be nominated by the Executive Board.

iii.One candidate for the position of executive minister of the ordered ministry shall be nominated by the Board of the Ordered Ministry, with the concurrence of the Executive Board and the annual meeting of the Covenant Ministerium.

Section 7.9. Elections and Calls.

b. Executive Ministers Proposed Text

i. Executive ministers shall be elected by the Annual Meeting. Each election shall be by ballot.

ii. One candidate for the position of executive minister of the ordered ministry shall be nominated by the Board of the Ordered Ministry, with the concurrence of the Executive Board and the annual meeting of the Covenant Ministerium.

iii.All other executive minister positions shall have one candidate per position nominated by the Executive Board.

Move to remove the exact titles of each executive minister to provide more flexibility in how the organization can hire and create roles, and to adjust the order of the additional bullet points to create more clarity.

Article VIII. Executive Board.

Section 8.1. Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive Board. Current Text

The Executive Board shall coordinate and implement the common mission of the Covenant as developed and articulated by the Annual Meeting, this Constitution and Bylaws, and the strategic planning processes of the Covenant. The Executive Board shall carry out its work with an integrity and character consistent with Christian principles. Within this authority and in the course of its duties, the Executive Board shall

i.approve the salaries of the officers of the Covenant, executive ministers, and executive directors;

Section 8.1. Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive Board. Proposed Text

The Executive Board shall coordinate and implement the common mission of the Covenant as developed and articulated by the Annual Meeting, this Constitution and Bylaws, and the strategic planning processes of the Covenant. The Executive Board shall carry out its work with an integrity and character consistent with Christian principles. Within this authority and in the course of its duties, the Executive Board shall

i. approve the salaries of the officers of the Covenant, vice presidents, executive ministers, and executive directors;

Move to add “vice presidents” to allow for consistency of salary approvals for leadership and to have consistency in duties of the Executive Board.

Section 8.3. Committees. Current Text

a.The Executive Board shall organize itself into committees for purpose of receiving reports, developing policies, and making recommendations to the Executive Board for a committee’s specific area of focus.

b.The standing committees shall be: develop leaders, love mercy and do justice, make and deepen disciples, serve globally, start and strengthen churches, communications, finance, and personnel.

c.Each elected member of the Executive Board shall serve on at least one standing committee at any given time.

d.Each standing committee shall have five to seven members who are elected members of the Executive Board. The executive minister of the mission priority of the committee or executive director of the support service shall be an advisor to the committee with the related focus of the executive minister or executive director. The committee may have members who are ex-officio members of the Executive Board. The Executive Board may appoint additional advisors, including appropriate members of the faculty of North Park Theological Seminary.

e.Each standing committee shall develop procedural rules to be approved by the Executive Board.

f.The Executive Board may establish additional standing committees or ad hoc committees as appropriate to advance the Covenant mission.

Section 8.3. Committees. Proposed Text

a.The Executive Board shall organize itself into committees for the purpose of receiving reports, developing policies, and making recommendations to the Executive Board for a committee’s specific area of focus.

b.The standing committees shall be finance, personnel, and any other standing committee designated by the Executive Board policies creating the committee.

c.Each elected member of the Executive Board shall serve on at least one standing committee at any given time.

d.Each standing committee shall have five to seven members who are elected members of the Executive Board. The committee may have members who are ex-officio members of the Executive Board. The committee may request the presence of advisors to participate in their meetings.

e.Each standing committee shall develop procedural rules to be approved by the Executive Board.

f.The Executive Board may establish additional standing committees or ad hoc committees as appropriate to advance the Covenant mission.

Move to remove the exact titles of each standing committee of the Covenant Executive Board to provide more flexibility in how the board can organize itself so that it can be most effective in its work. Move to remove the exact titles of positions to allow for committees to have the flexibility to invite who is most necessary as advisors and ex-officio members.

Article X. Denominational Ministries.

Section 10.1. Mission Priorities. Current Text

a.In order to carry out its mission, the Covenant organizes its ministries around mission priorities. The mission priorities are:

i.start and strengthen churches starting and strengthening healthy, missional churches in the United States and Canada;

ii.make and deepen disciples helping people experience new life in Christ and grow deeper in Christ in a lifelong journey of faith;

iii.love mercy and do justice walking humbly with God to address hurts and the cause of those hurts;

iv.develop leaders developing and strengthening leaders, both lay and clergy; and

v.serve globally pursuing the mission priorities internationally.

b.Each mission priority shall be led by an executive minister.

Section 10.1. Mission Priorities. Proposed Text

a. In order to carry out its mission, the Covenant organizes focuses on five mission priorities that guide the work that we do. The mission priorities are:

i. start and strengthen churches—starting and strengthening healthy, missional churches in the United States and Canada;

ii. make and deepen disciples helping people experience new life in Christ and grow deeper in Christ in a lifelong journey of faith;

iii. love mercy and do justice walking humbly with God to address hurts and the cause of those hurts;

iv. develop leaders—developing and strengthening leaders, both lay and clergy; and

v. serve globally pursuing the mission priorities internationally.

b. Executive minister(s) shall oversee mission priorities.

Move to align our language in our bylaws to state that these five mission priorities are strategic priorities that all teams focus on. Move to remove the link from one mission priority to one executive minister with the goal of having our entire organization focus on these five mission priorities as the foundation for the ministry work we do.

Section 10.2. Vice Presidents. Proposed Text (NEW)

a. Vice presidents shall be appointed by the president with concurrence of the Executive Board to give leadership to the organization. Each vice president is accountable for outcomes related to the mission of the Covenant, including the implementation of decisions and policies of the Annual Meeting and the Executive Board of the Covenant.

b. A vice president shall lead an area by proposing and implementing strategies, proposing and managing income and expense, and working in collaboration with the president to propose and hire team members.

c. A vice president shall report to and be accountable to the president.

d. A vice president shall contribute to the overall mission of the Covenant by serving as an advisor to the Executive Board.

e. The corporate treasurer shall also hold the office of vice president of finance and shall be the chief financial officer of the Covenant.

f. By mutual agreement with the president, any board, council, commission, committee, or association of the Covenant or any board or committee of a corporation established by the Covenant may invite a vice president as a representative of the president of the Covenant, with the status of an advisor to a meeting of the group.

g.Temporary Absence or Disability. In the temporary absence or temporary disability of a vice president, the president may appoint with the concurrence of the Executive Board a person to perform the duties of that position on an interim basis for the duration of the temporary absence or temporary disability.

h.Vacancies. The Executive Board shall declare the position of any vice president vacant upon the removal, resignation, permanent incapacity, or death of the person holding that position.

i.Removal. By vote of two-thirds of its elected members, the Executive Board may remove a vice president.

ii.Resignation. A vice president may resign upon written notice to the Executive Board.

iii.Permanent Incapacity. The Executive Board shall develop a policy for determining permanent incapacity.

iv.Filling Vacancy. When a vacancy occurs in the position of a vice president, the president shall appoint with the concurrence of the Executive Board a person to perform the duties of the vacated position on an interim basis, until such time as a permanent replacement is appointed by the president with concurrence of the Executive Board.

Move to add this section on vice presidents to align the bylaws with the proposed organizational structure and to provide vice presidents the same level of accountability as outlined for executive directors.

Section 10.2. Executive Ministers. Current Text

a.An executive minister shall be elected by the Annual Meeting to give leadership to a mission priority. An executive minister is accountable for outcomes related to that mission priority, including the implementation of decisions and policies of the Annual Meeting and the Executive Board of the Covenant.

b.An executive minister shall lead the mission priority by proposing and implementing strategies, proposing and managing income and expense, and proposing and managing team members.

c.An executive minister shall pursue coordination and collaboration across the mission priorities, ensuring a comprehensive, integrated mission strategy.

d.An executive minister shall be accountable to the president by reporting through the executive director of ministry development.

e.An executive minister shall contribute to the overall mission of the Covenant by serving on the Council of Administrators and as an advisor to the Executive Board.

f.By mutual agreement with the president, any board, council, commission, committee, or association of the Covenant or any board or committee of a corporation established by the Covenant may invite an executive minister as a representative of the president of the Covenant, with the status of an advisor to a meeting of the group.

g.Each executive minister shall be elected or re-elected by the Annual Meeting for a term of four years. Each term shall begin on September 1 following the Annual Meeting at which the executive minister was elected.

Section 10.3. Executive Ministers. Proposed Text

a. Executive ministers shall be elected by the Annual Meeting to oversee mission priorities. An executive minister is accountable for outcomes related to mission priorities, including the implementation of decisions and policies of the Annual Meeting and the Executive Board of the Covenant.

b.An executive minister shall oversee mission priorities by proposing and implementing strategies, proposing and managing income and expense, and proposing and managing team members.

c.An executive minister shall pursue coordination and collaboration across the mission priorities, ensuring a comprehensive, integrated mission strategy.

d.An executive minister shall be accountable to the president and shall report to either the president or a vice president.

e.An executive minister shall contribute to the overall mission of the Covenant by serving on the Council of Administrators and as an advisor to the Executive Board.

f. By mutual agreement with the president, any board, council, commission, committee, or association of the Covenant or any board or committee of a corporation established by the Covenant may invite an executive minister as a representative of the president of the Covenant, with the status of an advisor to a meeting of the group.

g. Each executive minister shall be elected or re-elected by the Annual Meeting for a term of four years. Each term shall begin on September 1 following the Annual Meeting at which the executive minister was elected.

Move to adjust the numbering of this section due to the proposed addition of the section on vice presidents as Section 10.2. Move to remove the link from one mission priority to one executive minister with the goal of having our entire organization focus on these five mission priorities as the foundation for the ministry work we do. Move to remove the title of executive director of ministry development to allow for more organizational flexibility and to align with phase I of the organizational design proposal presented at Gather 2023. Move to remove the bylaw requirement to have executive ministers serving on Council of Administrators to align with the proposed change to Section 11.1

Section 10.3. Executive Directors. Current Text

a.Executive directors shall be appointed by the president with concurrence of the Executive Board to give leadership to areas in support of the implementation of mission priorities. Each executive director is accountable for outcomes related to that mission support service, including the implementation of decisions and policies of the Annual Meeting and the Executive Board of the Covenant.

b.The executive director of ministry development shall represent the president to coordinate and bring collaboration across the mission priorities, ensuring a comprehensive, integrated mission strategy and maximized use of human and financial resources. The executive director of ministry development works with executive ministers in finalizing decisions related to strategy, finances, and staffing. The executive director of ministry development ensures coordinated and collaborative efforts with mission support services and regional conferences.

c.The executive directors of mission support services shall be: the executive director of advancement; the executive director of communications, who shall serve as editor of the denominational magazine; the executive director of finance, who shall also hold the office of corporate treasurer and be the chief financial officer of the Covenant; and the executive director of operations.

d.An executive director shall lead an area by proposing and implementing strategies, proposing and managing income and expense, and proposing and managing team members.

e.An executive director shall report to and be accountable to the president.

f.An executive director shall contribute to the overall mission of the Covenant by serving on the Council of Administrators and as an advisor to the Executive Board.

g.By mutual agreement with the president, any board, council, commission, committee, or association of the Covenant or any board or committee of a corporation established by the Covenant may invite an executive director as a representative of the president of the Covenant, with the status of an advisor to a meeting of the group.

h.Temporary Absence or Disability. In the temporary absence or temporary disability of an executive director, the president may appoint with the concurrence of the Executive Board a person to perform the duties of that position on an interim basis for the duration of the temporary absence or temporary disability.

i.Vacancies. The Executive Board shall declare the position of any executive director vacant upon the removal, resignation, permanent incapacity, or death of the person holding that position.

i.Removal. By vote of two-thirds of its elected members, the Executive Board may remove an executive director.

ii.Resignation. An executive director may resign upon written notice to the Executive Board.

iii.Permanent Incapacity. The Executive Board shall develop a policy for determining permanent incapacity.

iv.Filling Vacancy. When a vacancy occurs in the position of an executive director, the president shall appoint with the concurrence of the Executive Board a person to perform the

duties of the vacated position on an interim basis, until such time as a permanent replacement is appointed by the president with concurrence of the Executive Board.

Section 10.4. Executive Directors. Proposed Text

a.Executive directors shall be appointed by the president with concurrence of the Executive Board to give leadership to areas in support of the implementation of mission priorities. Each executive director is accountable for outcomes related to their area, including the implementation of decisions and policies of the Annual Meeting and the Executive Board of the Covenant.

b.The executive director of ministry development shall represent the president to coordinate and bring collaboration across the mission priorities, ensuring a comprehensive, integrated mission strategy and maximized use of human and financial resources. The executive director of ministry development works with executive ministers in finalizing decisions related to strategy, finances, and staffing. The executive director of ministry development ensures coordinated and collaborative efforts with mission support services and regional conferences.

c.The executive directors of mission support services shall be: the executive director of advancement; the executive director of communications, who shall serve as editor of the denominational magazine; the executive director of finance, who shall also hold the office of corporate treasurer and be the chief financial officer of the Covenant; and the executive director of operations.

b. An executive director shall lead an area by proposing and implementing strategies, proposing and managing income and expense, and proposing and managing team members.

c. An executive director shall be accountable to the president and shall report to either the president or a vice president.

d. An executive director shall contribute to the overall mission of the Covenant by serving on the Council of Administrators and as an advisor to the Executive Board.

e. By mutual agreement with the president, any board, council, commission, committee, or association of the Covenant or any board or committee of a corporation established by the Covenant may invite an executive director as a representative of the president of the Covenant, with the status of an advisor to a meeting of the group.

f. Temporary Absence or Disability. In the temporary absence or temporary disability of an executive director, the president may appoint with the concurrence of the Executive Board a person to perform the duties of that position on an interim basis for the duration of the temporary absence or temporary disability.

g. Vacancies. The Executive Board shall declare the position of any executive director vacant upon the removal, resignation, permanent incapacity, or death of the person holding that position.

i.Removal. By vote of two-thirds of its elected members, the Executive Board may remove an executive director.

ii.Resignation. An executive director may resign upon written notice to the Executive Board.

iii.Permanent Incapacity. The Executive Board shall develop a policy for determining permanent incapacity.

iv.Filling Vacancy. When a vacancy occurs in the position of an executive director, the president shall appoint with the concurrence of the Executive Board a person to perform the duties of the vacated position on an interim basis, until such time as a permanent replacement is appointed by the president with concurrence of the Executive Board.

Move to adjust the numbering of this section due to the proposed addition of the section on vice presidents as Section 10.2., and to adjust the numbering within the section due to the proposed amendments. Move to remove the sections that specifically identify titles and role responsibilities to allow for more organizational flexibility and to align with phase I of the organizational design proposal presented at Gather 2023.

Section 10.4. The Ordered Ministry Current Text

c. Executive Minister of the Ordered Ministry. The executive minister of the ordered ministry shall

i. act as an agent and representative of the Board of the Ordered Ministry between meetings of the board and report to the Board of the Ordered Ministry actions taken and representations made on behalf of the board;

ii. be an ex-officio member of the executive committee of the Covenant Ministerium;

iii. together with the Board of the Ordered Ministry and the Covenant Ministerium, develop and administer policies and programs to encourage, support, and care for ministers and missionaries; and

iv. serve as the leader for the mission priority of develop leaders and as an advisor to the Executive Board standing committee on develop leaders.

Section 10.5. The Ordered Ministry. Proposed Text

c. Executive Minister of the Ordered Ministry. The executive minister of the ordered ministry shall

i. act as an agent and representative of the Board of the Ordered Ministry between meetings of the board and report to the Board of the Ordered Ministry actions taken and representations made on behalf of the board;

ii. be an ex-officio member of the executive committee of the Covenant Ministerium;

iii. together with the Board of the Ordered Ministry and the Covenant Ministerium, develop and administer policies and programs to encourage, support, and care for ministers and missionaries; and

iv. serve as the leader for the mission priority of develop leaders and as an advisor to the Executive Board standing committee on develop leaders.

Move to adjust the numbering of this section due to the proposed addition of the section on vice presidents as Section 10.2. Move to align language with the proposed change from 10.1. which updates the mission priorities from corresponding to specific teams to now having mission priorities as strategic priorities of our organization.

Section 10.5. Board of Nominations. Current Text

Section 10.6. Board of Nominations. Proposed Text

Move to adjust the numbering of this section due to the proposed addition of the section on vice presidents as Section 10.2.

Section 10.6. Board of Pensions and Benefits. Current Text

d.The president of the Covenant, the treasurer/executive director of finance of the Covenant, and the chair of the Board of Pensions and Benefits shall be the trustees of the Covenant Pension Plan, as amended. Amendments to the Covenant Pension Plan shall be adopted as set forth in the plan.

Section 10.7. Board of Pensions and Benefits. Proposed Text

d.The president of the Covenant, the corporate treasurer/executive director of finance of the Covenant, and the chair of the Board of Pensions and Benefits shall be the trustees of the Covenant Pension Plan, as amended. Amendments to the Covenant Pension Plan shall be adopted as set forth in the plan.

Move to adjust the numbering of this section due to the proposed addition of the section on vice presidents as Section 10.2. Move to remove the title of executive director of finance to align with the proposed organizational structure.

Article XI. Council of Administrators and Council of Superintendents

Section 11.1. Council of Administrators. Current Text

a. The Council of Administrators, in conjunction with the executive director of finance of the Covenant, shall recommend an annual Covenant coordinated budget to the Executive Board of the Covenant.

b.The Council of Administrators shall have the following members: the president of the Covenant; the executive minister of love mercy and do justice, the executive minister of make and deepen disciples,

the executive minister of the ordered ministry, the executive minister of serve globally, the executive minister of start and strengthen churches, the executive director of ministry development, the executive director of advancement, the executive director of communications, the executive director of finance, the executive director of operations, the president of Covenant Ministries of Benevolence, the president of North Park University, the dean of North Park Theological Seminary, the president of National Covenant Properties, and the president of Covenant Trust Company.

c.The Council of Administrators may have advisors approved by the Executive Board of the Covenant.

Section 11.1. Council of Administrators. Proposed Text

a.The Council of Administrators, in conjunction with the executive director of finance of the Covenant, shall recommend an annual Covenant coordinated budget to the Executive Board of the Covenant.

a. The Council of Administrators shall serve as a presidential roundtable to connect the various Covenant corporations.

b. The Council of Administrators shall have the following members: the president of the Covenant; the president of Covenant Ministries of Benevolence, the president of North Park University, the dean of North Park Theological Seminary, the president of National Covenant Properties, and the president of Covenant Trust Company.

c. The Council of Administrators may invite additional advisors to participate in their meetings.

Move to remove executive directors and executive ministers from the membership to allow this group to live into the new focused purpose – a presidential roundtable. Move to align our bylaws with the current function of the Council of Administrators, a presidential roundtable that seeks to keep a healthy Covenant connection and throughline. Move to remove the language that has the Council of Administrators recommending a budget to the Executive Board, as this is not how the entity has operated in quite some time. Move to allow the Council of Administrators to have the ability to invite advisors without the approval of the Covenant Executive Board to allow for greater nimbleness.

Section 11.2. Council of Superintendents. Current Text

b.The superintendents of the regional conferences of the Covenant are members of the Council of Superintendents. The Council of Superintendents shall have the following ex-officio members: the president of the Covenant, the executive minister of start and strengthen churches, the executive minister of the ordered ministry, and the executive director of ministry development

Section 11.2. Council of Superintendents. Proposed Text

b.The superintendents of the regional conferences of the Covenant are members of the Council of Superintendents. The Council of Superintendents shall have the following ex-

officio members: the president of the Covenant. The Council of Superintendents may invite additional advisors to participate in their meetings.

Move to remove the titles from the membership of the Council of Superintendents to allow for organizational flexibility.

Article XII. Corporations.

Section 12.3. North Park University. Current Text.

g.The Board of Trustees may submit requests for appropriations to be included in the annual Covenant coordinated budget. These requests for appropriations shall be submitted to the executive director of finance of the Covenant and the Council of Administrators for consideration in the preparation of the annual Covenant coordinated budget. Each request for appropriations shall include a copy of the budget of North Park University.

Section 12.3. North Park University. Proposed Text.

g.The Board of Trustees may submit requests for appropriations to be included in the annual Covenant coordinated budget. These requests for appropriations shall be submitted to the corporate treasurer of the Covenant and the Council of Administrators for consideration in the preparation of the annual Covenant coordinated budget. Each request for appropriations shall include a copy of the budget of North Park University.

Move to replace the title of executive director of finance with corporate treasurer to align with the organizational design proposal that was presented at Gather 2023 and the Covenant’s Constitution and Bylaws. Move to remove the language that has the Council of Administrators considering requests for the annual Covenant coordinated budget, as this is not how the entity has operated in quite some time.

Article XIV. Commissions.

Section 14.3 Commission on Pastoral Relations. Current Text.

a. The Commission on Pastoral Relations shall have no appointed members but shall consist of the following ex-officio members only: the president of the Covenant, the executive minister of the ordered ministry, the executive director of ministry development, the dean of North Park Theological Seminary, and all regional conference superintendents.

Section 14.3. Commission on Pastoral Relations. Proposed Text

a. The Commission on Pastoral Relations shall have no appointed members but shall consist of the following ex-officio members only: the president of the Covenant, the executive minister of the ordered ministry, the vice president of Mission Priorities, the dean of North Park Theological Seminary, and all regional conference superintendents.

Move to update the title to reflect and align with the new proposed structure.

Covenant Organizational Design:

Process and Timelines

1. Why are we going through an organizational structure change?

• The purpose is to align the mission God has given us with the resources God has provided to us for this season, to set us up for a fruitful and thriving future in the years to come.

• Our current context calls for our organization to be structured in a way that allows us to adapt more responsively and quickly to better serve the needs of our local and global churches, communities, and conferences – 3StrandStrong

• Our mission and mission priorities are central to who we are, so it is prudent to make adjustments to our structure when we have a change in leadership, such as a new president This is an opportunity to optimize and reflect the gifts of our president and leaders who provide guidance and direction to our denomination.

2. What guiding principles are used in the change process?

• Mission and mission priorities remain our central focus

• We work together, not divided.

• We work within what God has provided financially

• Communication is timely, relevant, and clear

• We pursue the good of the whole church rather than individual stakeholders and groups.

• We serve with integrity

3. What does Phase 1 of the change process include?

• The first phase includes a framework for organizational structure change that focuses on leadership role alignment, clarity of reporting relationships, and necessary bylaw modifications

• This phase introduces the process of navigating change and begins to look at structure, systems, processes, and strategies in the perspective of “whole” denominational organization to determine areas of redundancy, needed efficiency, and alignment

• A needs survey was conducted as part of Phase 1 to assess the needs of churches. These results inform the efforts to align the work of the denominational team as we focus on the five mission priorities and serving the church locally and globally.

4. Why are changes to the bylaws being suggested?

• Our constitution and bylaws govern and provide prescriptive guidance to aspects of how we operate as a denomination Periodically, we adjust bylaws to adapt to current times. Modifying elements such as details about names and job descriptions allows the denomination to meet the needs of churches and conferences in a more flexible, collaborative, and timely manner.

• Any proposed changes to the bylaws must go to the Annual Meeting for a vote. The proposed organizational structure provides context for the bylaw changes.

5. Assuming the bylaw changes are approved at the Annual Meeting in June 2023, when would Phase 1 of the organizational design go into effect?

• If the bylaws are approved, the Phase 1 portion of the structure is currently anticipated to go into effect October 1, 2023.

6. What happens in the next phase?

• Phases are a way to thoughtfully build out and make modifications to the rest of the organization. This means the leaders identified in Phase 1 will assist in recommending adjustments to subsequent phases of structure to better align us for our work. Utilizing the input and gifts of leadership from missional areas and services will make space for those closest to the work to inform the work/structure needed to serve the mission of the church.

• The next phase also includes beginning to look at how areas work together and how we more intentionally think about process/systems/planning together with input from those involved in the work.

Structure

7. What is the difference between appointed roles and elected roles? Which roles are elected, and which are appointed?

• The president and all executive ministers are elected roles. The Annual Meeting elects these leaders to ensure the advancement of the mission of the Covenant.

• The proposed structure has four elected positions: president of the Evangelical Covenant Church, executive minister of the Ordered Ministry, executive minister of Serve Locally, and executive minister of Serve Globally. Elections for each position are held by the Annual Meeting every four years.

• The elected leader positions are proposed to guide areas of ministry (Serve Clergy, Serve Locally, Serve Globally) instead of specific titles and mission priorities This arrangement is conducive to better alignment, collaboration, and leadership across the mission priorities. It also allows for better stewardship of our resources.

• The three vice-presidents (Mission Priorities, Mission Services, and Finance) are appointed by the president and ratified by the Executive Board. The executive directors of Operations, Advancement, and Marketing and Communications are also appointed.

• Appointed roles are appointed by the president and ratified by the Covenant Executive Board. The continuity that an appointed role provides is not limited by terms, which reduces disruptions from transition and allows an organization to be maintained continuously.

8. What are the term lengths for the vice-presidents and executive ministers?

• All elected roles (the president and all executive ministers) serve for four-year terms.

• Appointed roles (vice-presidents and executive directors) do not have term limits and are managed as employees of the organization against their responsibilities.

• All roles are subject to annual reviews.

9. Which roles are ordained or credentialed?

• The president and the executive minister of the Ordered Ministry are the only roles that require ordination.

• The vice-president of Mission Priorities, executive minister of Serve Locally, and executive minister of Serve Globally are recommended to be credentialed roles but do not require ordination.

10. How will this new structure work in the beginning?

• The executive minister of Love Mercy Do Justice, Paul Robinson, and the executive minister of Start and Strengthen Churches, Paul Lessard, have terms that are set to renew at this Annual Meeting If the proposed bylaws are approved, these two roles and the executive minister of Make and Deepen Disciples would not need to be renewed.

• If the proposed bylaw amendments are approved at this Annual Meeting, the appointment for one year of interim leadership with Paul Robinson serving as the interim

executive minister of Serve Locally would go before the Covenant Executive Board for approval. Election for this new role would be slated for 2024.

• If the proposed bylaw amendments are approved at this Annual Meeting, the appointment of Paul Lessard to the role of vice president of Mission Priorities would go before the Covenant Executive Board for approval.

• The following leaders would continue in service according to the terms they were elected to or the roles they were appointed to:

o Executive minister of the Ordered Ministry – Herb Frost (term ends 2026)

o Executive minister of Serve Globally – Grace Shim (term ends 2026)

o Executive director of Advancement – Gayle Gilreath (appointed)

o Interim executive director of Operations – Deb Mitchell (currently appointed through June 30, 2023, with proposal to extend appointment)

o Executive director of Marketing and Communications – Jennifer McIntyre (appointed)

11. What is the reasoning for combining mission priorities under Serve Locally, and how will it work?

• According to our current bylaws, one executive minister oversees each mission priority. The revised structure proposes that the executive minister of Serve Locally leads the mission priorities of Make and Deepen Disciples, Start and Strengthen Churches, and Love Mercy Do Justice.

• The Covenant will continue to focus on every mission priority, but a one-to-one correspondence between a single leader and a single mission priority will no longer exist. One leader who oversees multiple areas will increase collaborative goal setting, prioritization, and better management of financial and personnel resources. The specific details of that setup will be addressed in subsequent phases.

• Phase 1 addresses executive leadership roles but not individual staff or team member roles or how they will work together and collaborate. The subsequent phases will build out this detail if the Annual Meeting approves the proposed bylaw amendments.

• The Covenant’s commitment to evangelism and discipleship, biblical justice and racial righteousness, church planting, and church vitality remains strong and core to our identity. Reconfiguring those teams does not convey a diminishment of the priority of this work but rather seeks to align the work more closely and reduce redundancies.

12. Is the Serve Locally area a reasonable scope for one executive minister?

• The Serve Locally area is about how the work is led, supported, and staffed rather than describing the scope Many strong, capable leaders are already guiding much of the work

included in this area, and the proposed arrangement will foster closer collaboration and aligning of goals.

• Serve Globally functions as one team focused on our mission priorities across the world. We envision the Serve Locally area functioning in a similar manner in the domestic sphere.

13. Is the development of lay leaders a new mission priority?

• The development of lay leaders has always been a priority to the Church. We foresee close collaboration between Serve Clergy, Serve Locally, and Serve Globally in developing lay leaders. As more and more churches turn to bivocational and alternate forms of church leadership, the lines between clergy and lay leaders become more fluid and require a more expansive, collaborative, and innovative approach.

14. Are there any concerns about an appointed person reporting to an elected person or an elected person reporting to an appointed person?

• The bylaws allow for varied reporting relationships. The president is the highest level of leadership in our denomination and is an elected role. Vice-presidents are appointed but are an extension of the president. One of the responsibilities of the president is to set appropriate authority and communication channels, and the vice-presidents follow the lead of the president In our current structure, elected executive ministers report to an appointed person. There are no plans to change this in the proposed structure.

15. What happens to Covenant Offices Leadership Team (COLT) in the proposed structure?

• COLT is not an entity in our bylaws, but it has been helpful to have a regular meeting cadence between the president and executive leadership. The meeting cadence for the proposed leadership structure is to be determined, but President Tammy SwansonDraheim highly values time with leaders and staff throughout the organization. New nomenclature will be determined to define the executive leadership teams to avoid confusion.

16. Will moving into this structure with the existing and proposed leaders reduce the ethnic diversity of our leadership?

• Filling the proposed vice-president of Mission Services and other open roles as part of the organizational build-out will include a continued priority of ethnic diversity as a guideline during the hiring process.

• Other than leaders who are transitioning out, the remaining leadership, which includes leaders of color, will continue in their roles. In addition, we intentionally seek to maintain and increase our diverse staff at Covenant Offices.

17. How does this structure demonstrate 3StrandStrong? What does this reorganization mean for how conferences will work with the denomination going forward?

• 3StrandStrong references the collaborative and essential partnership between the local church, regional conferences, and the denominational team

• It is a high priority for the denominational team to align with our conferences and support the work that they are doing. There is greater opportunity for more collaboration, and this will be engaged in future phases.

Impact

18. In addition to facilitating the alignment of the mission with the resources, what other benefits will the structural changes offer?

• This structure brings greater focus to the work of the denominational team. The three executive ministers will work closely and collaborate on the mission priorities

• Under the leadership of the president and vice-presidents, the teams will operate with overarching goals that will help to align their work to better focus on the needs of our churches and conferences

• The structure is one part of the overall change management process, which will also include financial stewardship, reducing redundancy, and closing gaps or inefficiencies.

• The need for the development of lay leaders in our churches is a consistent theme. This structure creates an intentional pathway for current and future needs to be addressed through a structure that is more flexible and focused. The increase of lay leadership development under Serve Locally is one example of the denominational team responding to needs shared by both churches and conferences.

• With mutual goal setting, we envision the teams collaborating together in order to meet the identified needs of churches, along with partnering with conferences.

19. What is the financial sustainability of this model? What are the cost savings?

• Finance is producing a financial model to create a more sustainable future. Cost savings have already been identified and will be intentionally addressed in future phases.

• This proposed phase has a reduction of two executive ministers and a reduction of the executive director of Ministry Development. The vice-president of Mission Services and VP of Mission Priorities are new roles. The net executive reduction in this phase is one fulltime equivalent.

• Structure is just one piece of the financial puzzle. The denominational team has been working hard to reduce expenses. The proposed structure supports combining some mission priorities, which intends to eliminate unnecessary redundancies and supports a more targeted focus on shared initiatives.

20. When will we find out about the status of remote work?

• We do not yet have a timeframe for the remote decision.

• Completing all phases of the reorganization process is essential to understand the work that needs to be done through each employee’s role. Once the new structure has been fully fleshed out, that will be the logical time to determine how best to align work and location requirements. We will provide ongoing updates if the bylaws are approved.

21. How can I learn more?

Join any of the virtual Covenant Organizational Design delegate briefing sessions:

1. Monday, May 8 | 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p m Central

2. Tuesday, May 30 | 11:30 a m - 1:00 p.m. Central

3. Tuesday, May 30 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Central

Visit https://covchurch.org/gather/ for more information and to locate the zoom links

Disclaimer:

This document represents some of the questions that we are frequently asked. The questions and answers are not intended to be exhaustive, but to be helpful as you review the proposed bylaw changes and the structure presented to you. Information may be subject to change. Materials are provided as a point of reference for what is current at the time of printing

Covenant Organizational Design:

PAUL LESSARD, PROPOSED TO BE VICE-PRESIDENT OF MISSION PRIORITIES

Paul Lessard serves as executive minister of Start and Strengthen Churches. Throughout his years of ministry, he has served as a worship pastor, senior pastor, and nonprofit consultant serving churches and organizations in the U.S. and Canada as well as internationally. Paul also has 17 years in Christian higher education serving in teaching, administrative, and executive roles for Covenant Bible College and Colorado Christian University. Paul has been a part of six church plants, as well as serving on the Front Range Church Planting group for the Midwest conference of the ECC. As a consultant, he has worked with individuals, teams, and organizations finding themselves at some kind of a crossroads.

Paul was one of the creators of the award-winning puppetry series Quigley’s Village seen on TBN, as well as being a published songwriter and author.

Paul has a bachelor's degree in liberal studies and a master's in executive leadership. He and his wife, Rebecca currently live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and have two adult children, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

PAUL ROBINSON, PROPOSED TO BE EXECUTIVE MINISTER OF SERVE LOCALLY

Paul Robinson is the executive minister of Love Mercy Do Justice for the Evangelical Covenant Church. Robinson’s combined experience in ministry, business, nonprofit management, and leadership development spans 30 years. Prior to this role, Paul planted Grace Outreach Covenant Church, was Senior Community Leadership Manager with the Wilder Center for Communities, and former Director of the organization’s James P. Shannon Leadership Institute.

Paul is skilled in helping leaders discover their core motivations and helping them develop a plan to do their best work and live their best life. He has partnered with nonprofit, for-profit, education, government and community individuals and organizations in core value clarification, intercultural agility, anti-racism, and capacity strengthening to help them better lead themselves and others. Paul is most comfortable at the intersection of ideas, differences, passion, and effective action. He enjoys using his skills in meeting design, facilitation, and convening to catalyze meaningful connections to stimulate individual and community transformation.

Robinson holds a B.S. degree in Finance from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary. Paul is married to Kim, and together they have seven adult children.

Recommended Covenant Resource Paper:

FREEDOM, UNITY, AND RESPONSIBILITY IN COVENANT LIFE AND MISSION

How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! (Psalm 133:11)

I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. (Psalm 119:63)

Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. (Galatians 5:13)

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:5–7)

THE CHALLENGE OF OUR PRESENT TIME

Across the history of the Evangelical Covenant Church, at moments when faith and fellowship were at stake, the commitment to freedom, within biblical authority and unity in Christ, has kept our family of faith from fracturing unnecessarily while retaining the integrity of our fellowship in Jesus Christ. As our society becomes increasingly rife with division—from political polarization and economic inequalities to ruptures along lines of worldview, race, class, religion, and geography the Covenant’s motto, “United in Christ” (Conjuncti in Christo), adopted at the formation of the church in 1885, our Covenant Affirmation regarding biblical authority, and the reality of freedom in Christ, have been severely tested. We have aspired to pursue God’s mission together in the world while acknowledging that we hold diverse theological expressions within historic orthodoxy.

1 All Scripture references are from the NRSV unless otherwise noted.

Disunity in the church undermines our witness to the power of the cross to reconcile people to one another, rebuilding the walls of division that Christ’s death broke down. The bitter fruits of negative partisanship challenge Covenanters, as brothers and sisters in Christ struggle to love, understand, and accept one another, within and between diverse congregations. In this context, even those foundational commitments to the centrality of Christ, to Scripture’s authority, to unity for the sake of mission, and to freedom in Christ can be polarized and used against one another as false alternatives or feared rivals rather than being woven together in a creative and dynamic tension.

A pressing tension at the conception of this paper was the proliferation of conversations and controversies within the Covenant regarding biblical theology, polity, and ethics addressing same-sex unions and Christian marriage and the welcome and discipleship of LGBTQ+ persons in congregational life To address these challenges, President Gary Walter proposed a Covenant Resource Paper that would reflect afresh, not on human sexuality2 itself, but on the historical rationale for Covenant freedom and our responsibility to God’s word in Scripture. This was advanced in 2018 through the Board of Ordered Ministry and commissioned by the Covenant Executive Board. Since that commissioning, many additional pressing concerns have further strained unity within and among our Covenant congregations, including heightened negative political partisanship, long-standing racial inequities, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, this resource paper has evolved to incorporate the themes of freedom, unity, and responsibility. What hangs in the balance is our capacity to remain united in faith, hope, and love in pursuit of God’s mission. As Covenanters we seek first God’s kingdom of reconciling justice and healing righteousness (Matthew 6:33). The whole mission of the whole Church for the whole world calls us to embrace a shared practice of discipleship with generous hospitality and radical holiness for all God’s people.

As Christian denominations fracture over disputes regarding politics, polity, sexuality, race, and more, it is critical that we ask ourselves: How will we, as Covenant people and congregations united in mission, continue to live and serve together in the unity of the Spirit, bearing witness amid these particular challenges in congregational decision making? How will we obey Jesus’s call to steward and maintain our unity in Christ within a divided church and world? Will we accept the church being divided according to social castes and political tribes, or will we proactively pursue peace and

2 For a suite of Covenant resources on human sexuality, go to https://covchurch.org/resource/embrace/. For a copy of the 2007 Board of Ministry teaching paper on human sexuality and the marriage ethic, go to: https://covchurch.org/resource/human-sexuality-paper/

reconciliation in keeping with our founding ethos and vision (Psalm 119:63; cf. Romans 12:18; Ephesians 4:3)?

At various points in Covenant history, we have returned to reflect on our foundational values in light of new and repeated challenges. This resource paper continues in that tradition, reflecting again on Covenant freedom and our responsibility to God’s word in Scripture and to one another in the church. In light of present political and social challenges that divide our nations and the churches within them, this paper addresses our diverse Covenant congregations and members. It seeks to offer resources for us to live and serve together as one body in faith and mission, extending freedom and acting responsibly toward one another. The commission and scope of this paper does not directly concern sexuality, which would require a distinct process of research and discernment. This paper intends rather to resource the Covenant in how we can remain together while we deliberate and discern on matters that are primary and secondary to our unity in Christ.

Covenant Resource Papers, as described in the Covenant’s bylaws, are not binding authoritative statements but rather serve as formational teaching resources to generate and facilitate communal discernment. This paper was not commissioned to resolve every tension between people, positions, or perspectives. Rather, it suggests a path for how we as Covenant people and congregations might move forward together, bearing witness to the gospel of Christ and embodying the kingdom of God in our ever-more polarized context. This paper seeks to highlight a pathway for Covenanters to talk to one another, to listen charitably to the pains and fears our brothers and sisters carry and so to bear one another’s burdens and serve one another in faith, hope, and love so that together we can seek God’s glory and our neighbors’ good.

The authors pray that Covenant congregations and Covenant people reading this paper are inspired by a vision of the church that is not divided along predictable fault lines of theological or political worldviews, but is ever-more-fully a fellowship in which we are deeply committed to one another in a holy community that reflects the oneness of our Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, working in unity and mission to heal and reconcile the whole world including us to one another. The authors pray that each Covenant congregation and person would be committed to living in the creative tension between our deep commitment to God’s word and to being companions of all who fear God, including those who hold interpretations of biblical texts and ethics different from our own. The desire is to be a hospitable church where those who disagree with us charitably on points of interpretation

and doctrine are not regarded as enemies but welcomed as fellow pilgrims journeying toward God’s countercultural kingdom. As Covenanters we confess that “in your light we see light” (Psalm 36:9b), and we also recognize that our knowledge is partial (1 Corinthians 13:9-12), and our love is imperfect.

CONJUNCTI IN CHRISTO (UNITED IN CHRIST): THE CALL TO UNITY

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, NIV)

The visible unity of the church, as Christ’s one body, stands as a public testimony to the Father and the Father’s love. Jesus prayed for the unity of the family of God, “that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me…that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:21, 23).

Our unity in Christ is a priceless gift, a sacred trust we steward; it is not ours to create or to set aside. It is like an olive tree we must carefully cultivate if we are to harvest its healing fruit. In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul urges the church to make “every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:3–6). In becoming children of the one God, we join one family with many diverse siblings. As Psalm 133:1 expresses so beautifully, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Christian unity is centered in Christ, the living Word. While we do not seek unity at all costs, we “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Romans 12:18) for the sake of Christ.

While the Covenant both emerges from and adheres to historic Christianity, we have given extra emphasis in our movement to the unity of the redeemed in Christ in the community of faith. Our name “Covenant” references the commitment we make to one another and to cooperate in the work of the gospel as mission friends. This commitment to freedom in Christ ensures that Christian unity is neither the suppression of diversity nor its denial; it is neither legislated uniformity nor tepid compromise to a lowest common denominator. Rather, Christian unity preserves distinction, drawing diverse expressions into an overarching relationship of love and mutual participation. This is one way we may reflect the unity in diversity of the Triune God. Both diversity and unity are preserved by faithful love.

Our unity is like that of an orchestra with its varied musicians. Christ, our conductor, unites us in himself and directs our performance through the Holy Spirit as we share the Father’s love. In orchestrating such a great unity of the Spirit, Christ labors with each of us to center our participation in the body and the mission by keeping us in tune and tempo with the Spirit. Just as an orchestra plays in unity by keeping eyes on the conductor, so we can only maintain unity in the church if our eyes are both opened by Christ and remain fixed on him at all times. There is no unity in Christ apart from abiding in Christ. Abiding is not passive; abiding is our active occupation as disciples, letting the word dwell in us richly and work through us faithfully.

And yet the church too often fails to be an exception to the broader polarization and division of our time, leading to sad and bitter divisions not only as hardened denominational distinctions but also, and often more painfully, within denominations and within and between local churches. Instead of bearing witness to “one body and one Spirit…one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4), the church may differ little from the world in this respect. We confess that in the Covenant we have not been immune to these broader divisive forces, and lament that deep pain has resulted, leading to lingering wounds, loss of trust, and strained credibility.

One aim and hope of this paper is to confess this divisiveness as sin and to encourage repentance, charting an amended path forward in a renewed commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ, to love one another, and to renew our common mission. In light of the reality of these divisions and the deep wounds that exist not simply “out there” but within and among us it is also timely to reexamine the resources of our history that might equip us in our time and to renew these foundational commitments amid the pressing challenges of our day. For it was in just such a time of deep division that the Pietist movement emerged, out of which our Covenant was birthed.

HISTORICAL CONSIDERATIONS: FOUNDING COMMITMENTS TO SCRIPTURE,

FREEDOM, AND UNITY

“I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.” (Psalm 119:63)

Formal confessional statements, like the Lutheran Augsburg Confession or Reformed Westminster Confession, defined the boundaries of each tradition in the period following the death of the original Protestant reformers in the sixteenth century. Hope for the reunification of the western church was abandoned, and the theological divisions between Protestant traditions were solidified and deepened.

These confessions focused on narrowing doctrinal distinctions. Consequently, the doctrines that distinguished traditions gained heightened importance and rigidity. What were once observed as distinct and complementary panes in a stained-glass window became dividing walls. As the theological divisions of the Protestant Reformation merged with political divisions among emerging European nation states, vicious wars took millions of lives.

In the wake of this destruction, the German and Swedish Pietists (among others) called for a return to the core reformations sought by Martin Luther: the priesthood of all believers, the individual’s personal appropriation of transformative faith, and the dynamism of the living word of God in Scripture. They sought to focus on the new life in Christ that united believers rather than the doctrinal debates that divided them. They did not deny the importance of what Christians believe but rather insisted that knowledge cannot stand alone without transformation; the objective truths of the gospel must be subjectively experienced. They believed that true Christian life was not a result of one’s head knowledge alone or one’s citizenship (the state church model), but rather of new life in Christ. They believed that true Christian unity emerged not from legislated doctrinal uniformity but rather from a shared experience of regeneration a new birth in a living hope through faith in Jesus Christ.

While these emphases of the broader Pietist movement served to relativize the role of confessional statements, the atonement controversy provoked by Swedish Lutheran pastor P.P. Waldenström in 1872 called into question the value of confessional statements as such. After an extensive study of Scripture’s teaching on the atonement having posed the question often repeated in the Covenant, “Where is it written?” Waldenström concluded that the atonement in Christ reconciled a sinful humanity to God rather than reconciling God to humanity.3 This conclusion conflicted with the Augsburg Confession, the standard of orthodoxy for the Church of Sweden. Consequently, many who sympathized with Waldenström’s conclusions were barred from Lutheran pulpits and communion tables, in both Sweden and Swedish America. Thus, many who formed the Covenant had experienced firsthand the painful consequences of exclusion when confessional statements functioned as a boundary for church membership and participation. They lamented the narrowing of church and shared mission by required doctrinal uniformity, resulting in genuine Christians remaining outside. Moreover, they were concerned that strict adherence to confessional statements might limit rather

3 For Waldenström’s “Sermon for the Twentieth Sunday after Trinity,” see Covenant Roots: Sources and Affirmations (Chicago: Covenant Publications, 1999), 97–110.

than ensure faithful interpretation of Scripture and even replace Scripture’s authority with an authoritative human interpretation.

In February 1885, delegates gathered in Chicago representing congregations from two Lutheran synods, the Mission Synod and the Ansgar Synod. Both synods were breakaways from the older and larger Augustana Synod, and all three synods held the Augsburg Confession as their standard of orthodoxy. In deciding collectively to form something new, a Covenant, the delegates adopted as their sole confession, “the Holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament, as the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct.”4 This decision was very intentional; in adopting Scripture alone as the confession, they were leaving behind the Augsburg Confession as the boundary of their theology and fellowship. “The Covenant Church has understood that God’s word is sovereign over every human interpretation of it including its own.”5 This sole confession was not a freedom from Scripture but rather a means of focusing on Scripture itself, read in context, rather than any human interpretation of Scripture expressed in confessional form.

FREEDOM IN CHRIST: LOVINGLY EXTENDED, RESPONSIBLY EXERCISED

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13)

“Freedom” can mean many things, from political freedom to freedom from sin or oppression. The freedom described in Covenant Affirmations (“the reality of freedom in Christ”) refers to something very particular: the freedom we extend to one another in the places we differ in our understanding of God’s word. This freedom enables the true freedom that is found in submission to God’s will and preserves the unity of Christ’s body. The Covenant’s historical commitment to freedom in Christ is not limitless nor an end in itself but rather exists to preserve the unity, clarify the orthodoxy, and extend the faithfulness of the church. It exists to enable the church’s hearing and obeying of God’s will in Scripture, and to guard our responsibility to cling to Christ and to one another in community. The Preamble to the Covenant Constitution describes this freedom “as a gift that preserves personal

4 Covenant Roots: Sources and Affirmations (Chicago: Covenant Publications, 1999), 15.

5 Covenant Affirmations (Chicago: Covenant Publications, 2005), 19.

conviction yet guards against an individualism that disregards the centrality of the Word of God and the mutual responsibilities and disciplines of the spiritual community.”6

The hope of Covenant freedom is that we might offer “to one another theological and personal freedom where the biblical and historical record seems to allow for a variety of interpretations of the will and purposes of God.”7 The intent is that such freedom might allow continued fellowship and ministry together across differences that have historically or might presently divide Christians from one another. Biblical expressions of freedom in regard to matters that should not divide Christians are found most clearly in Romans 14:1ff. and 15:1–3 and 1 Corinthians 7–10. In those passages Paul discusses a Christian’s freedom in regard to marriage and singleness, what one may eat or drink and, more briefly, the observance of holy days. We are not to misconstrue freedom as license to commit immorality or to participate in idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 and Acts 15). Mature freedom serves the weak and the vulnerable as Christ and his apostles have done for us (1 Corinthians 11:1).

There are secondary areas in which, after careful study, earnest Christians do come to different conclusions on Scripture’s teaching. It is in precisely these areas that extending freedom to one another enables us to remain united and, as we remain united amid our diversity and the tensions of disagreement, preserve the possibility of growing in faithful obedience to God’s word. In Christ, unity does not imply or require uniformity but allows for rich diversity. We value dialogue with one another to help us hear the full counsel of Scripture, praying for the illumination of the Holy Spirit. For this reason, Covenant “freedom in Christ” has especially focused on making adequate space for conscience and conviction to mature together in community. The Covenant has recognized that “Christian vitality has not always been maintained by the majority” and so has sought to respectfully consider dissenting voices.8

Respect for dissenting voices exists in dynamic tension with the responsibility of the Christian body to discern the Spirit of truth. Working together we are called to distill truth from error, to practice restorative discipline, and to train ourselves in godliness. As the Covenant understood in 1963, “Therefore, whether the body be one of our local congregations or the denomination itself or any other organization within the denomination, it must have some way of determining that its freedom

6 The Evangelical Covenant Church, Constitution and Bylaws, “Preamble.”

7 Covenant Affirmations, 19.

8 Biblical Authority and Christian Freedom (Chicago: Covenant Committee on Freedom and Theology, 1963), 13.

remains within the bounds of biblical authority.”9 In the polity of the Covenant this communal discernment rests in the authority of the Annual Meeting (congregational, conference, and denominational) and the elected bodies and leaders called and accountable to shepherd the church and to direct ministry and mission.

Such freedom and responsibility enable a living orthodoxy and application of faith and learning (Hebrews 4:12). We do not attempt to fill in all the spaces in our Christian understanding with neat and simple answers. The same Spirit who inspired the authors of Scripture to write is present to illuminate its faithful application to our contemporary situation. Extending this freedom to one another protects and honors dissenting voices and enables godly diversity to flourish within the unity of the Spirit. Covenant freedom seeks to realize Christ’s prayer for our unity (John 17) and the Apostle Paul’s counsel that we do everything to maintain this gift of unity in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). Such extension of freedom to others also requires a faithful and reflective reading of Scripture that holds individual passages within the whole of Scripture.10 This is a profound call to respect truth and extend grace to those with whom we disagree in the name of a shared life in Christ and the creation of a gracious, loving community that reflects the profound unity of the Triune God.

Covenant freedom is exercised within the church as a fellowship of believers for the sake of improving our faithful reading of Scripture. But the flower of godly dissent bears the fruit of the Spirit. The personal exercise of dissent does not exist in isolation from the unity and discipline of the church. The stewardship of dissent requires wisdom and discernment. In the Covenant, dissent exists within and is accountable for what it proposes under the polity adopted by the Covenant. The people of God share the responsibility of exercising godly discernment and self-discipline. This is especially necessary when errors in teaching or practice threaten our witness, worship, and unified mission. Local congregations, regional conferences, denominational boards, and ultimately the Covenant Annual Meeting help us discern and determine that the exercise of freedom remains faithful and fruitful.

To be free then is not to be independent but to be devoted to one another in the bond of love, sharing in a common grace extended by the faith of Jesus Christ. That same responsible concern for unity may require restraints on the personal or local exercise of freedom. Since a principle of Christian freedom has as a primary aim the unity of Christian fellowship, there needs to be great care not to exercise

9 Biblical Authority and Christian Freedom, 14.

10 See the first Covenant Resource Paper, The Evangelical Covenant Church and the Bible (2008)

such freedom in ways that damage or break fellowship (1 Corinthians 8:7–13; Romans 14:13–23). “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another” (Galatians 5:13). Freedom in Christ is not selfishly demanded; it is selflessly given, stewarded for the building up of the body of Christ.

This is now and has always been a difficult and challenging freedom. Our stewardship of this freedom for over 130 years has profoundly shaped the identity of our denomination. It has enabled sacramental unity between those who affirm the validity of infant baptism and those who hold to baptism only for believers. It has upheld theological unity among Christians holding diverse interpretations of the end times. It has upheld ethical unity among Christians holding diverse interpretations of justice and just war vs. non-retaliation. It enabled the Covenant to weather controversies of the 1920s and 1950s over dogmas of biblical inspiration and interpretation that divided many other Protestant denominations. It has facilitated the Covenant’s shift from a predominantly Swedish-American denomination to a body increasingly reflecting the multiethnic mosaic of people that is the Covenant Church today.

Historically, we have understood primary doctrines of orthodoxy that shape our understanding of salvation to follow the framework of the confession of the historic Church in the Apostles’ Creed. “On the central issues of our faith, doctrine, and conduct, the biblical message is sufficiently clear: the creation of all things by God, humanity made in the divine image but fallen in sin, their consequent moral inability to achieve redemption, the incarnate and sinless life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, his atoning death and resurrection, redemption through faith in him, the regenerative and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of Christ’s coming again to consummate his kingdom and judge the world. These affirmations constitute the essential core of the biblical message and are sufficiently clear for our salvation.”11

As stated earlier, the presenting tensions that occasioned this paper’s commissioning surround the ongoing pastoral questions and ethical guidelines that arise from the biblical meaning of marriage and how best to welcome and disciple LGBTQ+ persons in our communities. How do the central issues of our faith, doctrine, and conduct bear on our understandings of sexual orientation, gender identity, marriage and parenting? Which of these qualify as primary or secondary matters in the Christian faith? In what ways are the ordering of our sexual relations connected to “the sanctifying work of the

Holy Spirit”? How should biblical perspectives about our bodies and marriage lead us in these questions? A review of existing Covenant resources can provide a helpful starting point.12

Our ongoing discernment involves the integration of beliefs and values all Covenanters hold dear: the commitment to biblical authority, the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, the avoidance of sexual immorality, the honoring of chaste vocations in singleness and marriage, and the commitment to human dignity and rights. Some Covenanters fear that these may be discounted or compromised. These debates highlight both our values and our fears. Let us acknowledge them, recognizing the hopes and hurts behind them, naming them honestly in the church. Neither preemptive condemnation nor presumptive affirmation reflects the grace and liberation of Jesus Christ. Let us enter into genuine dialogue with one another, truly listening to both values and fears.

WEAVING FREEDOM, UNITY, AND RESPONSIBILITY TOGETHER

“Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

In exercising freedom and responsibility, we are accountable to God as we form disciples prospering in the work of the Lord. Both freedom and responsibility derive their necessity and purpose from the unity of the word of God and the royal law of love (James 2:8). Endowed with these gifts, we are responsible to build up the unity of the Church in the knowledge and love of God. To claim one is to claim the other also. There is no freedom in Christ without responsibility to Christ. The reverse is equally true. As beloved children of God we are both free and responsible. As siblings one to another in the body of Christ, all Covenanters are called to exercise these gifts in unity and in love.

In Christ, freedom, unity, and responsibility form a cord of essential strands that weave the strong bond of peace between us. Taken in isolation, any of the three (freedom, unity, or responsibility) can break down into distorted absolutist claims. Joined together they make possible the giving and receiving needed to live as one body in Christ.

In granting one another freedom in interpretation, we also hold one another accountable in application to the way of Jesus being practiced in our congregations. Covenanters find Scripture to be the only perfect rule for conduct, as well as faith and doctrine. In affirming the vows of baptism13 and vows of congregational membership, we promise to follow Christ as Lord by how we live among God’s

12 See note 2.

13 The Covenant Book of Worship (Chicago: Covenant Press, 2003), 131.

faithful people, hear God’s word and share in the Lord’s Supper, proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, and strive for justice and peace in all the earth. We promise to support the ministries of our church, including the conference and denomination to which we belong.14

Covenant congregations commit to work with each other in regional conferences and faithfully support the mission and ministries of each. Likewise Covenant ministers, in assuming the common vows of ordered ministry, pledge to live in conformity to Christ and his teachings, to be a faithful witness and wholesome example for God’s people, to submit to the church’s discipline, to pledge loyalty to and support for the Covenant and its mission, and to follow the ethical guidelines for Covenant ministers.15 These are all sacred vows voiced in the presence of God and one another. They qualify positively how freedom, unity, and responsibility work together in harmony in the Covenant Church. The burden and blessing of local church leadership, of all conference and Covenant boards, and of the Covenant Annual Meeting is to steward these commitments.

Freedom in interpretation does not exempt any individual or congregation from the fundamental koinonia of the church: our devotion to the Apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, to prayer, to generosity, to acts of mercy, to doing justice, to mutual submission, and especially to the transcending law of love, which is the stem on which grow all the fruit of the Spirit. For both laity and clergy, the yoke of Jesus tethers disciples together in communal participation in the way of Christ because we form the body of Christ.

HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE…TOGETHER?

“May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:5–7)

At the denomination’s centennial anniversary in 1985, Covenant president Milton B. Engebretson could report that “the challenge to abandon [the Covenant’s] insistence on maintaining a mystique of freedom within the bounds of biblical Christianity and exchange it for a doctrinal system has ever been present. The fact that it has not been abandoned even though it has been tested and altered

14 The Covenant Book of Worship, 361.

15 The Covenant Book of Worship, 402.

by such challenges puts it, I believe, in a unique position to influence the whole evangelical world on its path to unity and strength.”16 The need for unity and strength within the church is no less pressing today, and the Covenant remains in a unique position to contribute to the strengthening of Christ’s church amid the heightened polarizations of our time.

As previously stated, Covenant Resource Papers are not binding statements but rather serve as formational teaching resources to generate and facilitate communal discernment. This paper is an invitation to commit anew to our founding values described above, for the sake of our present and future unity, identity, obedience, and witness. At this juncture in our history, it is essential that we establish a listening posture from which we can invite the Holy Spirit to do God’s work in and through us as we cry out, “Lord, have mercy!” In the ways described in this section, every Covenanter and Covenant congregation is invited to remain in community, in conversation, and in mission with one another. If we are to live and serve together, to maintain the bond of unity as brothers and sisters within congregations, this is a solid starting posture. Certainly, it requires more than this, but it does not allow for less.

Every Covenanter is invited to begin with humble self-reflection. To those “who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else,” Jesus offered this parable (Luke 18:9–14):

Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people robbers, evildoers, adulterers or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Even as we lament divisions broadly, our goal should not first be to point out the sins or failures of others but first to recognize and repent of our own. Let us implore God’s mercy so that the Holy Spirit might work in us toward our transformation and through us toward a transformed church and world.

16 Milton Engebretson, “Foreword” to Karl A. Olsson, Into One Body, vol. 1 (Chicago: Covenant Press, 1986), vii.

“God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13). Humbly acknowledge and repent of thoughts, speech, and actions that have diminished Christian unity, denied freedom to others, or asserted personal freedom without due regard for the larger community. Ask for God’s Spirit to transform your thinking, speaking, and acting in the areas you have confessed. Where possible, seek reconciliation and repair of relationships with those you have injured.

***

Every Covenanter is invited to seek truth and transformation. The call to Christian unity and to extend freedom for its sake does not foreclose the reality of truth. It is not concession to the lowest common denominator for the sake of conflict avoidance. Nor does the simple fact of personal disagreement about any matter of theology or practice automatically entail that it is open for churchwide debate or disagreement. Racism and slavery once had their theological and biblical defenders, but faithful Christians of all denominations have recognized that one cannot simply “agree to disagree” about racism or slavery. There are issues of clear conviction where we must not give moral equivalence to all sides.

In the Covenant Church, “Where is it written?” remains our primary question as we seek to hear and obey God’s will. “We believe that the Bible is the place where God is to be met, where his forgiveness is proclaimed, and where his will is made known”17 and that “to read it properly, therefore, is to find it an altar where one meets the living God.”18 Christ is our Living Bread (John 6), Truth itself (John 14:6), and we are called to come to him continually, to trust in him, to listen to him, and to follow his full teaching in a life of discipled obedience. This is the way of freedom.

As we pursue the living Truth, it is imperative that we read Scripture within community since each of us sees in part (1 Corinthians 13:9) and none of us alone has the final word on all matters of faith, doctrine, or conduct. Moreover, our Pietist roots remind us that it is insufficient merely to know or speak the truth; we must also do the truth. We must be transformed, moving beyond isolated statements or legislated changes to lived, communal transformation through the work of the Holy Spirit. This is the call to be doers of the word and not merely hearers (James 1:22–25). This is a living faith in the risen Lord.

17 Biblical Authority and Christian Freedom, 6.

18 Biblical Authority and Christian Freedom, 5.

Reflect anew on the first Covenant Resource Paper, “The Evangelical Covenant Church and the Bible.”19

We encourage frequent encounter with God at the altar of Scripture, seeking to read “faithfully, communally, rigorously, charitably, and holistically, with commitments to grace, transformation, and mission.”20 (See fuller descriptions within that paper.) ***

Every Covenanter is invited to honor every person as God’s image-bearer. One clear message of God’s word is that all people are equal in creation, equal in human dignity, equally addressed by the gospel, and equal in welcome before the cross and throne of the Lamb. This truth compels us to honor every person as created in God’s image, and to extend to every person the life-giving gospel and ministries of the church. Christ’s life and death is for all people, tearing down the dividing walls of hostility between diverse peoples and opening the ministry of reconciliation. The church must not rebuild the walls Christ himself tore down or reject someone whom Christ himself has welcomed. We are called to embody the radical hospitality of the kingdom of God in which the first are last and the last are first (Matthew 20:16).

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Regard every person as God’s child, honoring God’s image in them by treating them with the utmost respect and value. Assess how your congregation can more fully reflect gospel hospitality in its worship and ministries. ***

Every Covenanter is invited to hold fast to diversity in community. True unity preserves faithful diversity. As our society becomes increasingly polarized, we must be especially attentive to Christ’s call to unity within the single family of God, in witness to the one gospel. We must actively resist the pull to reduce the one church of Christ, in which dividing walls are torn down, into affinity groups of shared thought, functionally disenfranchising those who disagree with the prevailing view. Our congregations should reflect the fullness of our local communities in ethnicity, and socioeconomic standing. We cannot claim for ourselves the privilege of comfortable fellowship among those with whom we have only minor disagreements while failing to work for and offer to everyone the gift of freedom and responsibility to love one another in Christ. We cannot grasp what it means to love those

19 Available at https://covchurch.org/resource/covenant-resource-papers/

20 The Evangelical Covenant Church and the Bible, 2.

with whom we disagree while failing to desire and strive for the liberation of those who are most different from us.

True community amid difference is not simply coexisting—sharing space in a pew or on a membership roster. True community requires that we listen to one another, that we know and actively bear one another’s burdens that our brother’s or sister’s burdens become our own. We are forced to break down stereotypes, surrender privileges, and to see life from other points of view. This is a task of tearing down and of building up, a task that is messy…and beautiful! But it is a precondition for fulfilling the whole mission of the church. Our unity in Christ for the sake of witness and mission must be greater and more important to us than our differences, disagreements, or debates over secondary matters of interpretation.

Evaluate to what extent your congregation reflects the full diversity of your wider community ethnically, socioeconomically, politically, etc. Seek opportunities for shared mission and respectful conversation with people with whom you disagree. What can you learn from that person? How can you together pursue Christ’s mission? ***

Every Covenanter is invited to maintain the practice of love in all things. The pursuit of unity does not circumvent disagreement or conflict. Yet it is imperative that if we disagree, we do so in love. No degree of conviction or perceived rightness excuses us from the command to love, not only our neighbor but also those whom we perceive as enemies. “If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).

It is crucial that we learn and practice respectful forms of conversation with each other around disputed matters, and that we speak respectfully both to and about one another in person, in absentia, and in social media. “Christians cannot discern soundly or witness winsomely while on the rhetorical attack against one another. Whatever convictions we hold or passions we feel, we must

remember that at the other end of our words stand sisters and brothers and that our words are overheard by a listening world.”21

If we find ourselves differing to a significant degree in how we read and understand Scripture’s meaning and application, we remain responsible for stewarding our disagreements in ways that avoid provoking division or expressing disrespect toward one another. We must resist making enemies out of our brothers and sisters in Christ, instead asking God to grow our love for each other. We must resist toxic polarities that caricature those who disagree with us, instead allowing Christ to develop mutual respect and affection among us. If the Covenant is to be an agent of God’s kingdom in the twenty-first century, we must learn anew to see one another as Christ sees us and to treat one another as Christ treats us: with mercy, grace, and love.

Commit to renewed obedience to Christ’s command that we love one another in imitation of and participation in his own limitless, sacrificial love (John 13:34; Ephesians 3:16–19) and to active cultivation of the Christlike love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7: curbing envy, boasting, arrogance, rudeness, irritability, and resentfulness in order to practice patience and kindness, to rejoice in the truth, and to bear, believe, hope, and endure all things. We encourage within Covenant communities the formal adoption of practices that embody charity in conversation and action.

***

Every Covenanter is invited to seek God’s grace for our common life, mission, and witness. Above all we must act and interact in conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit. This is not work we can accomplish with human effort. We need one another and together we need the Spirit of our Lord to help us keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We must make space for the Holy Spirit to act and to transform. Apart from God we can do nothing. For this reason, this paper does not offer solutions to particular debates. Rather, it offers a starting point to prepare the way for God to act, forming and transforming us, as individuals and congregations bearing witness in local communities.

Commit to frequent prayer for the unity, fidelity, and witness of our denomination and every regional conference, congregation, and individual within it. Pray that the world would know we are Christ’s disciples by our love for one another (John 13:35) and that God would be glorified in all we do and say.

21 Darrin W. Snyder Belousek, Marriage, Scripture, and the Church: Theological Discernment on the Question of Same-Sex Union (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2021), xiii.

Holy Father, whose incarnate Son prayed for his disciples that they would truly be one, as you and he are one, gather and uphold us in holy covenant, united in Christ, empowered by one Spirit, as true companions and friends, to obey the great commandment and the great commission, for the sake of God’s glory and the pursuit of neighbor’s good. Amen.

COVENANT RESOURCE PAPER WRITING TEAM

Appointed Members:

Dr. Stephen Bilynskyj, Eugene, OR, Secretary

Doug Bixby, Attleboro, MA

Howard K. Burgoyne, Cromwell, CT, Chair

Donn Engebretson, Chicago, IL

Nilwona Nowlin, Chicago, IL

Dr. Hauna T. Ondrey, Chicago. IL (NPTS)

Ex-Officio Members:

Angela Yee, Tustin, CA

Lance Davis (’18–’22), Chicago, IL

Herb Frost (’22–’23), Chicago, IL

Dr. John Wenrich (’18–’22), Vancouver, WA

Call of North Park Theological Seminary Faculty Member

REV. MICHELLE DODSON

ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF NEW COMMUNITY COVENANT CHURCH –BRONZEVILLE, IL

Michelle has been dedicated to the work of racial reconciliation for more than two decades, helping to plant two intentionally multiracial churches in Chicago, Illinois: New Community Covenant Church–Logan Square and New Community Covenant Church–Bronzeville.

She received her master of divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, her master of arts in sociology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is currently a doctoral candidate at Loyola University-Chicago. Her research centers on the role of multiracial churches in society.

Michelle is the co-editor of Challenging the Status Quo: Diversity, Democracy and Equality in the 21st Century. She and her husband, Karlos, are the proud parents of Hadassah and Prisca, who are two of the most amazing human beings she knows.

The Milton B. Engebretson Chair dates back to a 1986 partnership between the Covenant Board of Church Growth and Evangelism. Renamed the Chair of Evangelism and Justice, this role will serve as a member of the NPTS faculty and director of the master of arts in restorative justice ministry offered at Stateville and Logan Correctional Centers.

On the basis of her pastoral wisdom, academic acumen, and proven dedication to liberative carceral pedagogy, Pastor Michelle Dodson’s is being enthusiastically recommended as the next Milton B. Engebretson Chair in Evangelism and Justice.

Introduction of President of Covenant Trust Company, Steve Klimkowski

On April 27, 2023, Covenant Trust Company announced the appointment of Steve Klimkowski as its next president, effective July 1, 2023. He succeeds Ann Wiesbrock, who will retire after serving in the role since 2010.

Klimkowski comes to Covenant Trust after serving as chief financial officer for the Evangelical Covenant Church for the past four years. Previously, he worked in the investment industry, where he led the Northwestern Medicine investment program as its chief investment officer. He has experience with trusts, client servicing responsibilities, and operational leadership.

He holds a master’s of business administration in finance from the University of Chicago, a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He serves on the board of Alaska Christian College, and until his appointment, served on the Covenant Trust board of directors.

In a joint statement Scott Hanson, chair of the search committee, and Mollie Newsome Sudhoff, chair of Covenant Trust board of directors, wrote, “Steve brings many qualities and attributes to this position including a passion for Covenant Trust, its values, and mission to serve clients; vision for the organization and a sense of how to grow and expand; depth of professional experiences and knowledge across investments, operations, and management both for profit and not for profit organizations in financial services; and ability to engage and communicate effectively with multiple constituencies, including existing clients, staff, and stakeholders.”

President Tammy Swanson-Draheim thanked Klimkowski for his commitment to financial sustainability.

“Steve, thank you for your efforts in navigating Covid realities and helping us to manage our finances through that season. We look forward to your leadership as the next president of Covenant Trust Company. Your background and experiences have prepared you well for this new role.”

“It has been my honor to serve the Covenant Church as its chief steward,” Klimkowski said. “Getting to know and work alongside the incredibly gifted and faithful team at Covenant Offices has been the highlight of my ‘8303’ experience. I have been especially blessed by our Finance team and their tireless dedication to ensuring the sustainability of the Covenant mission and the health of our pastors and churches. I look forward continuing my service to the church as a member of the Covenant Trust Company team and helping to advance Covenant Trust’s vital mission of ‘awakening people to the significance of stewardship through estate planning and financial management.’”

Steve and his wife, Alana, are active members of Hinsdale Covenant Church in Hinsdale, Illinois. They have four children and one grandchild

2023 Annual Meeting Ballot

The following names have been nominated by the Board of Nominations and the Covenant Executive Board and are now on the official ballot for the 137th Covenant Annual Meeting. Biographical sketches of these candidates are included.

The listing of nominees may be altered on the official ballot if any candidate declines before the time of election.

2023 BALLOT FROM THE BOARD OF NOMINATIONS:

EXECUTIVE BOARD

(six-year terms)

William Davidson

Hillside Covenant Church, Walnut Creek, CA

David Im

Highrock Covenant Church, Arlington, MA

Troy Nichols

Common Ground Covenant Church, Sacramento, CA

(four-year term)

Dean Erickson

Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN

(two-year term)

Kanyere Eaton

Fellowship Covenant Church, Bronx, NY

BOARD OF THE ORDERED MINISTRY

(five-year terms)

Pamela Pangborn

Hope Community Church, Detroit, MI

Pia Peña Restrepo

Edgebrook Covenant Church, Chicago, IL

T J Smith

Covenant Youth of Alaska, Anchorage, AK

BOARD OF PENSIONS AND BENEFITS

(five-year terms)

Virgil Biggs

Saranac Community Church, Saranac, MI

Heather Perkins

The Journey Church, Wichita, KS

BOARD OF PENSIONS AND BENEFITS

(five-year terms) - continued

Michael Rice

Faith Covenant Church, Farmington Hills, MI

David Tien

Access Evangelical Covenant Church, Houston, TX

(four-year term)

Sean Hoffbeck

Alaska Christian College, Soldotna, AK

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

(three-year terms)

Jay Carstenbrock

Glen Ellyn Evangelical Covenant Church, Glen Ellyn, IL

Gregory Crawford

Naperville Covenant Church, Naperville, IL

Mary Miller

Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin, CT

Peter Nelson

Winnetka Covenant Church, Wilmette, IL

COVENANT MINISTRIES OF BENEVOLENCE

(five-year terms)

Curt Anderson

Northwest Covenant Church, Mount Prospect, IL

Mary Palmer

Hillside Covenant Church, Walnut Creek, CA

Kecia Stroot

Roseau Evangelical Covenant Church, Roseau, MN

David Otfinoski

Haddam Neck Covenant Church, East Hampton, CT

ANNUAL MEETING OFFICERS FOR 2024 & 2025

(two-year terms)

Moderator

Julia Sandstrom

Thornapple Covenant Church, Grand Rapids, MI

Vice-Moderator

Carolyn Poterek

Libertyville Covenant Church, Libertyville, IL

2023 BALLOT FROM THE COVENANT EXECUTIVE BOARD FOR BOARD OF NOMINATIONS:

(five-year terms)

Eric Hedberg, Canada Conference

Emmanuel Covenant Church, South Surrey, BC

Eric Johnson, Alaska Conference

Alaska Christian College, Soldotna, AK

Mark Mohrweis, Midsouth Conference

Redeemer Covenant Church, Carrollton, TX

Donecia Norwood-Smith, Pacific Northwest Conference

Midtown Church, Sacramento, CA

(two-year term)

Anthony Clerkin, Midwest Conference

Hope Covenant Church, El Dorado, KS

2023 Board of Nominations Candidates

NOMINEE TO THE COVENANT EXECUTIVE BOARD

Will Davidson

Pacific Southwest Conference Representative

Independent Engineering Consultant

San Ramon, California

Throughout his career as an engineer, Will primarily worked in the planning and design of rapid transit systems across North America, Jerusalem, and Sydney. He has worked with LA Metro since 1972 and been involved in every rail line built in Los Angeles since that time. In 2016, Will retired as senior vice president of Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc., a civil engineering transportation consulting firm. Since then, he has worked as an independent consultant and part-time for the San Francisco Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Will has had the honor of serving the Covenant on local, conference, and denominational levels. He has been a member of the PSWC conference for four terms and chair of the PSWC board for eight years. He served on the Covenant Executive board from 2011 to 2017, as chair from 2014 to 2016. He has served as the chair of three PSWC superintendent search committees and on three Covenant presidential nominating committees. Will has also led the creation of a one-day training course for local church chairs and vicechairs. Will and his wife, Gloria, have been members of Hillside Covenant Church for 37 years. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Personal Statement of Faith: I made my personal commitment to Christ in high school. I once considered whether God was calling me into ministry but realized that engineering was the direction for my life. Over the years, I have come to rely on the power of prayer and to lean on Christ who always goes before me. It has been exciting to watch God’s hand in everyday life, in our local church, and in the PSWC. There are miracles all around us, and I try and stop and give him the glory each day. I have learned to trust in Christ and let go of my life, so I that I can experience life.

NOMINEE TO THE COVENANT EXECUTIVE BOARD

David Im

East Coast Conference Representative

Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Burlington, Massachusetts

David and his family have been blessed to be part of the Highrock community in Arlington, Massachusetts, for the past 12 years. David, the son of a pastor, was born in Korea and raised in Brazil. His family settled into the American immigrant life in Los Angeles, California, eventually moving to Arizona where he met his wife in middle school. His family of origin and immigration journey deeply informs his outlook as a missional and purpose-driven leader. Professionally, David loves making an impact in the lives of his clients as a financial advisor and strategic corporate leader in his organization.

Personal Statement of Faith: I am a born again Christian. I believe in the divinity, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I accept him as my Lord and Savior.

NOMINEE TO THE COVENANT EXECUTIVE BOARD

Troy Nichols

Pacific Southwest Conference Representative

Pastor, Common Ground Covenant Church

Sacramento, California

Troy Nichols is an ordained pastor, entrepreneur, and educator with an MBA in entrepreneurship and a master’s of Christian ministry. He serves as the senior pastor of Common Ground Church, an adjunct professor at California State University Sacramento, and a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory. He is excited to bring his passion and experience in intercultural communities and innovative spirit to the executive board.

Personal Statement of Faith: I am a third generation “PK” (pastor’s kid) and have grown up in the ministry. However, my parents allowed for me to explore a personal relationship with Jesus on my own. I gave my life to Christ when I was seven years old. I will always remember the moment I was driving to school with my mother when a worship song was playing. I asked my mother who Jesus was, and how he was God? After some conversation, my mother led me to accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.

NOMINEE TO THE COVENANT EXECUTIVE BOARD

Dean Erickson

Northwest Conference Representative

Retired School Administrator, School/Educational Consultant

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dean Erickson is a lifelong member of Salem Covenant Church in New Brighton, Minnesota, where he taught confirmation, adult Sunday School, and served on church boards. He has a BA from North Park University, an MA degree from the University of Minnesota, and a doctorate of education from Bethel University.

Dean and his wife, Donna, taught at the International School of Lusaka in Zambia and were instructors for two years in the college line for North Park University’s international exchange program at Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhogskola in Jönköping, Sweden.

Dean was president of Legacy Christian Academy for three years in Andover, Minnesota, and served for 25 years as principal of Minnehaha Academy, a ministry of the Northwest Conference. He is currently on the Board of Directors of Minnesota Renewal, a nonprofit counseling organization that serves faith community leaders, and is the former chair of the Board of Trustees of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. He currently does consulting work on board governance issues.

Dean and Donna live in Minneapolis and have three adult children.

Personal Statement of Faith: I was born and raised in a Christian home. My parents loved the Covenant Church and both served in a variety of capacities. I attended Covenant Pines Bible Camp where I made a commitment to follow Jesus as a companion and guide for my life. I attended North

Park University where my faith matured and deepened and service to others became an important component in my career planning. Being an administrator both in public and Christian schools has given me incredible opportunities to “walk my talk” as a Jesus follower. Jesus gives me hope for today and tomorrow, gratitude for all that God has provided, and a passion to serve others.

NOMINEE TO THE COVENANT EXECUTIVE BOARD

Kanyere Eaton is the senior pastor of Fellowship Covenant Church in the Bronx, New York, where she has served for 13 years. She is the first woman to lead this urban congregation in its 123-year history. Kanyere has backgrounds in social work, substance abuse prevention, and philanthropy. She completed a bachelor of science degree at Cornell University, a master of science degree in social work at Columbia University, a master of divinity degree at Union Theological Seminary, and a doctorate of ministry at San Francisco Theological Seminary. She is married to James Dennis with whom she shares a passion for ministry.

Personal Statement of Faith: I am a joyful follower of Christ Jesus. I came to faith in the Lord in elementary school, following the powerful example of my mother, a Holy Spirit-led believer. In undergraduate school, I sensed a call to ministry, which I acknowledged in my mid-twenties. I have sought to follow, and serve, and please the Lord throughout my life. I am instructed by God’s Word, and I seek to be led by God’s Spirit every day. I have received great mercy and grace along this imperfect journey.

Kanyere Eaton East Coast Conference Representative Pastor, Fellowship Covenant Church Bronx, New York

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF THE ORDERED MINISTRY

Pamela Pangborn Great Lakes Conference Representative Director of Pastoral Care, Rooted Ministries Gross Pointe Park, Michigan

Pam Pangborn serves as the director of pastoral care at Rooted Ministries, a ministry that equips pastors to thrive in ministry and life as they become grounded in the love of God. She just concluded a 16-year tenure as pastor at Hope Community Church in Detroit, an urban faith community deeply committed to racial righteousness. She is passionate about helping pastors and leaders experience the transforming love of God through intimate relationship with Jesus and helping people embrace their identity in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to follow Jesus within the world. Pam is committed to building authentic, life-changing communities with other followers of Jesus that become a pathway for healing and wholeness within the church. She also serves as a spiritual director within the Evangelical Covenant Church and as a senior caregiver with Healing Care Ministries, a ministry dedicated to empowering God’s people for the Christian journey through pastoral care, spiritual formation, and training and equipping leaders to minister healing within the church. She is a graduate of Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio and holds a master of divinity/master of counseling degree and a doctor of ministry degree in formational counseling.

Personal Statement of Faith: My conversion to Christ began at age ten when holding a palm in my hand on Palm Sunday, and I first realized what Jesus had done for me by choosing to die upon the cross. Since that time, I have had many conversions of the heart as I have surrendered more of my life to Christ. Although I have believed in Jesus for many years, I did not receive the nurture of Christian community throughout my early life. At age 39, my sister became very ill, and the journey of walking along her side caused me to surrender my will and life to Christ and to enter fully into Christian community. That season was also the beginning of my call to full-time ministry. I continue to hunger and thirst after God and seek to follow Jesus in all things related to my life and ministry. Through the practice of the spiritual disciplines, both individually and corporately, I seek to position myself to be transformed, through the power of the Holy Spirit, more deeply into Christ’s image and likeness.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF THE ORDERED MINISTRY

Pia Peña Restrepo Central Conference Representative

Regional Coordinator, Latin America and the Caribbean

Serve Globally | Evangelical Covenant Church, Chicago, Illinois

Pia is an ordained Covenant pastor and global personnel serving with her husband Eugenio as regional coordinators to Latin America and the Caribbean. She studied linguistics and Christian education and is a spiritual director and a teacher. One of her greatest joys is to learn and teach God’s Word.

Pia enjoys reading, painting, translating, writing, swimming, and biking. She likes coffee, raspberries, vegetable gardens, white elephants, art galleries, lentil soup, fresh cilantro and spending time with family and friends.

Pia is thankful for God’s presence in her life, for opportunities to serve and learn, and for the joy and hope she finds in God’s Word. She is thankful for her daughter, Paulina, and son-in-law, Ross, for her son, Effy, and for Alithea and Elise, her twin granddaughters.

Personal Statement of Faith: I believe in God, I believe in Jesus the Son of God, I believe in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. I believe in Christ and the forgiveness of sin through his death on the cross. I believe that I am redeemed by his love; therefore, nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. I believe in the power of prayer and the power of true community. As a Covenanter, I believe the Word of God is the “only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct."

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF THE ORDERED MINISTRY

TJ Smith

Alaska Conference Representative

Spiritual Director, Covenant Youth of Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska

TJ Smith is a Lakota, Ho Chunk, Cherokee man who lives in Anchorage, Alaska, on the lands of the Dena’ina Nation. He feels honored to have served the Creator in many ways, in rural Washington, in the inner city of Anchorage, with the homeless in Anchorage, and as pastor of New Song Covenant Church for 18 years When his service as pastor ended last May, TJ took on a new role and is now working with First Nation students in Alaska as pastor of spiritual formation for Covenant Youth of Alaska. He also humbly serves the greater Covenant body in many ways. He shares Indigenous perspectives in Covenant Orientation and Crux, North Park University’s one-year program designed for first-year students who want to grow in intercultural Christian discipleship TJ also serves as a member of the Mosaic Commission, the Board of Ordered Ministry, and is currently the interim president of the Covenant Ministerium. He is married to Polly, who is an elementary PE teacher. They love to be in the Creator’s creation through fishing, walking their dogs, and hiking. They have three children.

Personal Statement of Faith: Growing up in the church, I heard the message of God my whole life. At the age of seven, I believed in who God was. I was baptized at 12 or 13 At 17, I committed my life to God at camp. It has been a continuing and deepening my relationship with God. I have always felt God calling me to serve people. I assumed that would be through teaching high school history, but God had other plans. I volunteered as a youth leader and over time opportunities to do vocational ministry opened, first with Young Life, and then in the church. The Church the last place I thought I would be serving, but God has changed my heart, and the passion I had for teens, I now have for families and adults.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF PENSIONS AND BENEFITS

Virgil Biggs Great Lakes Conference Representative Financial Advisor

Biggs, Dickerson, and Roberts Wealth Management Services Saranac, Michigan

Virgil became a licensed CPA in 1971 and over time realized his clients could benefit from investment services. Therefore in 1987, he became an Investment Adviser Representative. He takes pride in blending his knowledge of investments and tax to assist clients with investments that do not produce unexpected tax consequences. He feels fortunate to now focus on investments and still provide tax preparation and planning services to investment clients. He obtained his Michigan insurance license in 1999, and added insurance and annuity services to the options he provides clients. Insurance options include not only fixed and variable annuities, but term and whole life insurance and long-term care insurance where appropriate. He feels fortunate to add these options to the ability to offer stock, bond, and mutual fund investments as wealth management solutions.

Virgil has been married to his wife, Connie, since 1968 They have three grown daughters and six grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is active in his local church where he serves on various boards. He also serves on the Board of Sparrow Ionia Hospital and previously chaired the building campaign. He is an avid athlete and since 2019, he has participated in the Michigan Senior Olympics and qualified to attend the National Senior Olympics throughout the country. He will also participate in the upcoming 2023 games in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been successful in the javelin, shotput, hammer throw and discus competitions, and previously completed numerous marathons and half-marathons to raise almost $50,000 for charity.

Personal Statement of Faith: I had a born again experience at age and for more than 50 years have been on an exciting journey to learn more and share more about Jesus. I love how he challenges me to allow God to “open my eyes to the things unseen” and to “break my heart for the things that break his.” I strive to make that a part of my daily life.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF PENSIONS AND BENEFITS

Heather Perkins Midwest Conference Representative Director, Center Operations and Finance

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas

In her role at Wichita State University, Heather provides leadership for administrative operations. She creates and maintains the financial and operational infrastructure of an institute that supports individual centers, the university, and community partners. She provides financial analysis and reporting for research organizations and individual business units. In addition, she serves The Journey Church in Wichita, Kansas, bivocationally as associate pastor. Heather graduated from North Park Seminary and was ordained in 2018. Outside of these roles, she enjoys reading mysteries, gardening, music, and relaxing in her hammock.

Personal Statement of Faith: While still very much in process, I am fully committed to living a life committed to Christ. I desire to be conformed into his image, serve his church and be a witness of his love to the broader community.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF PENSIONS AND BENEFITS

Mike Rice Great Lakes Conference Representative Lead Pastor, Faith Covenant Church

Westland, Michigan

Born and raised in metro Detroit, Mike has been involved in vocational ministry since 2005 and has served at Faith Covenant Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan, since 2018. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology from William Tyndale College and a master’s in theology from Michigan Theological Seminary. Mike has a discerning and organized mind and has served in a range of different church settings. He has been married to his

wife, Laura, since 1992, and they have one son and one daughter. Outside of church, he loves backpacking, bodyboarding, and a good triathlon!

Personal Statement of Faith: In February of 1990, I put my faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and found the forgiveness of sins. Since that time, I’ve been working to follow Jesus as well as I can wherever he sends me.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF PENSIONS AND BENEFITS

David Tien Midsouth Conference Representative Consultant, bswift Houston, Texas

David Tien has spent the last 25 years of his professional career in benefits administration and is currently a senior leader at bswift. He attends and is a trustee at Access Evangelical Covenant Church in Houston, Texas, and was a member of the planting leadership team when the church was formed over 15 years ago.

David is married to his wife, Julie, and they became empty nesters when their younger of two sons went to college last fall. One of his quests in life is to see baseball games in every MLB stadium; he has seven left to visit.

Personal Statement of Faith: I’ve been a follower of Christ since high school and discovered that God gave me gifts of leadership and experience that I’ve been able to use in a multitude of ways to serve his church. I believe I must reflect his love for people by caring for and serving others in the way Jesus served those he led. I’ve been humbled that God has always invited an imperfect person such as myself to serve in ways that were seemingly above my “maturity level” from my young adult days of teaching children’s choir to helping plant a church in my late 30s, none of which I could have imagined. I’m also challenged to lead like Christ in my professional life. Making disciples isn’t exclusively done in the church or overseas, but also our interactions with people daily may be the only chance for God’s love to shine on them.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF PENSIONS AND BENEFITS

Sean Hoffback Alaska Conference Representative Vice President of Operations

Alaska Christian College

Kenai, Alaska

Born and raised in Alaska, Sean grew up in a Christian home where faith and family were always a top priority. After completing high school, he attended college in Chicago, where he met and married his wife, Shannon. Following graduation, they felt called to return to Alaska to work at Alaska Christian College. Virgil currently serves as the vice president of operations and has held various other positions during his 16 years with the college

Since his return to Alaska, Sean has furthered his education and ministry training. He earned an MDiv and was ordained to Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church. He currently serves as the vice chair for the Alaska Conference Ministerium and assists with teaching in the Covenant’s Financial Jump Start Program. In his free time, Sean loves to fish, snowboard, and travel to places that are not as cold as Alaska. He also enjoys playing hockey (his lifelong passion) and coaching his kids’ three hockey teams.

Personal statement of faith: From as early as I can remember I have gone to church and believed in God. The first time Christ became especially real in my life was when I attended a camp called Youth Empowerment before my freshman year of high school. After I tasted what it meant to have a personal relationship with God, my faith began to become my own. I began to take leadership positions within my youth group and was the president of the Christian club at my public high school. I felt God calling me to full-time ministry, so after high school I pursued a degree in pastoral ministry at Moody Bible Institute. After college graduation, my wife and I moved up to Alaska to work at Alaska Christian College serving Alaska Natives. I have found myself humbled again and again that God would use me to serve his people, not only to come to know Christ, but to encourage them to walk and grow in their faith.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

Jay Carstenbrock Central Conference Representative Retired VP of Operations Support Wheaton, Illinois

Jay is currently a member of the North Park University Board of Trustees. He serves as vice chair of the Board and has chaired various committees as a member of the Board.

Jay earned his BS and MBA from the University of Minnesota. He is a retired vice president of operations support for BP; in a more than 26-year career with BP, Jay held numerous senior level finance and operations positions and was often called upon to lead through change. His roles have included CFO, transformation program director, strategy and performance director, and senior business advisor. After retirement, Jay returned to work for BP as a contractor for three years to assist BP with the Gulf of Mexico crisis response.

Jay has engaged in numerous other charitable, civic and religious involvements, formerly serving on the Board for the Repeat Boutique in Wheaton, Illinois; and the Board of Metro Chicago Youth for Christ. Jay currently serves on the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry Board and is church chair and a member of Glen Ellyn Evangelical Covenant Church. He and his wife, Barbara, have three daughters.

Personal Statement of Faith: Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. It has been my joy to walk with him or a lifetime. I owe him everything, and my deep desire is to be light and salt wherever or in whatever circumstance he places me. To God be the glory.

Gregory Crawford Central Conference Representative SVP, Human Capital Management Assured Partners Illinois Lisle, Illinois

Greg Crawford brings more than 30 years of human resources management experience to his current position as senior vice president, Human Capital Management with Assured Partners Illinois. He is a certified professional in human resources and has held leadership positions that include director of employment, Empire BlueCross BlueShield of New York; director of compensation and benefits, BlueCross BlueShield Associations; director of human resources for the startup operations of National Futures Association, and manager of human resources for the Chicago Board of Trade. In addition to Greg’s human resources background, he has held sales and marketing positions with the Signature Group as vice president, employer marketing; Adecco as area vice president; and TJ Adams Group as vice president, human capital management. Greg is an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Business and Nonprofit Management, North Park University. His courses and lecture activities include Strategic Human Resources Planning and Staffing, Strategy and Metrics in Human Resources and Talent Development and Retention. He has also been a guest lecturer at the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management’s “Boot Camp” for new nonprofit CEOs.

Greg currently serves as a member of North Park University’s Board of Trustees and is a member of the board’s executive committee. He is also on the Board of Directors and has served as a mentor in the Transitional Housing Program for Bridge Communities, an organization that provides programs and services for homeless families. Greg holds a bachelor of arts in communication from North Park College and a master of arts in communication from Governors State University.

Personal Statement of Faith: I firmly believe that the Bible is the Word of God and Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I promise to follow him as a faithful follower and member of the church.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

Mary Miller

East Coast Conference Representative Chaplain

Covenant Village of Cromwell Middleton, Connecticut

Mary is a current member of the North Park University Board of Trustees, serving in her role since 2017 and during that time as board secretary. Mary is a chaplain at Covenant Living of Cromwell, Connecticut. Previously, she was a pastor in the Midwest, a vice president (and first woman officer) of the Evangelical Covenant Church, and the director of a Lilly Endowment grant. Mary has served on many national boards in the Covenant, including the North Park University Board of Trustees for five years during the 1990s. She has been a columnist for The Covenant Companion and authored articles printed in Leadership Journal, The Christian Century, and The Covenant Quarterly, among others.

Mary has also authored a book, Living with Loss. During the 2017 Midwinter Conference, she received the North Park Theological Seminary’s Alumni Award for Distinguished Service. Mary is a member of Bethany Covenant Church in Berlin, Connecticut

Personal Statement of Faith: My faith has deepened over the years, knowing that God created me from his love, saved me through Christ’s salvation, and nurtured me in the Holy Spirit. As an ordained minister, I have had the privilege of daily enhancing my own spiritual growth by participating in the body of Christ, studying his Word, and serving others inside and outside the church. Teaching confirmation, preparing texts for sermons, and Christian spiritual direction training were treasured activities that kept me on my knees and challenged!

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

Peter Nelson Central Conference Representative Dean of Engineering University of Illinois Chicago Wilmette, Illinois

Peter was appointed dean of the University of Illinois Chicago’s (UIC) College of Engineering in 2008. Prior to assuming his deanship, he was head of the UIC Department of Computer Science. In 1991, he founded UIC’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, which specializes in applied intelligence systems projects in fields such as transportation, manufacturing, bioinformatics, and e-mail spam countermeasures.

Peter has published more than 80 scientific peer-reviewed papers and has been the principal investigator on over $40 million in research grants and contracts on issues of importance such as computer-enhanced transportation systems, manufacturing, design optimization, and bioinformatics.

These projects have been funded by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Motorola. In 1994-1995, Peter’s laboratory, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation, developed the first real-time traffic congestion map on the world wide web, which now receives more than 100 million hits per year.

Peter received his undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science from North Park University and his MS and PhD degrees in computer science from Northwestern University.

Personal Statement of Faith: I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

David Otfinoski East Coast Conference Representative President

Catamount Medical Education

Chester, Connecticut

David is the current chair of the North Park University Board of Trustees. He has served as a member of the board since 2016, and also was a board member from 2009 to 2014. David is currently president and CEO of Catamount Medical Education and former CEO of MedKnowledge, LLC. Previously he has served as CEO of MyBusinessAssistant and account director at R.R. Donnelly and Sons Corporate Giving Program.

David graduated from North Park in 1984 with a BA in history and earned an MBA from Sacred Heart University. He is married to Maria (Varalli) Otfinoski C’84, and they have two children, Annie and Benjamin C’14, as well as a daughter-in-law, Sommar (Johnson) C’14 G’21. David is a member of Haddam Neck Covenant Church in East Hampton, Connecticut

Personal Statement of Faith: I came to faith in Christ as a young teenager at the Covenant camp in New Hampshire. Since that time, my faith has served as the motivating factor shaping how I behave toward others, exist within my work environment, and consider where to focus my time, talents, and resources. I know I am an imperfect vessel for the Christian message, yet each day I pray I can bring the presence of the living God to the world around me.

NOMINEE AS ANNUAL MEETING MODERATOR

Julia Sandstrom

Great Lakes Conference Representative

Teaching Pastor

Thornapple Covenant Church

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Julia serves as the teaching pastor at Thornapple Covenant Church and has served as the chair of the Board of Nominations for the Covenant for the past three years. She believes good governance assists in creating successful meetings and ministries. The Covenant Church is her denominational home, and she looks forward to serving in this way.

Prior to joining the Thornapple Covenant staff, Julia served as associate pastor at Holy Community Covenant Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is ordained to Word and Service in the Evangelical Covenant Church and holds a master’s of theology from Regent College in Vancouver. Julia double majored in biblical studies and philosophy at North Park University. Prior to her time there, she attended Covenant Bible College. Born and raised in California, Julia grew up in a Covenant church and went to camp every summer at the Covenant’s Mission Springs Camp. It was at camp where she first felt a call to ministry. Preaching and discipleship are a passion for Julia. She loves studying the Word, writing sermons, and witnessing the Holy Spirit work through preaching. One of Julia’s greatest joys is helping people not only learn more about God, but also experience his love for them. She is currently learning more about how to do this well through her training to become a spiritual director.

Julia met her husband, Bryan, when she moved to Canada to work in the Covenant’s Canadian conference office as the director of ministry support. They have two children, Hudson and Hava. Their dog, Ollie, was a rescue pup and resembles a small polar bear. Gardening and crossword puzzles are two of Julia’s favorite hobbies. She also enjoys cheering for Ferrari during every Formula One Grand Prix.

Personal Statement of Faith: I believe in Jesus Christ. He’s my king.

NOMINEE AS ANNUAL MEETING VICE-MODERATOR

Carolyn Poterek Central Conference Representative Assistant Professor, School of Education North Park University

Libertyville, Illinois

Carolyn teaches at North Park University as an assistant professor in the School of Education and as a visiting professor at North Park Theological Seminary. She previously held positions as a full-time as Covenant pastor and a K-12 history and Spanish teacher; she still operates in these roles (in a smaller capacity) when time allows. She loves teaching and pastoring and feels blessed to have found her calling in these areas at an early age.

Carolyn and her husband, Chris, have five children and reside in the Chicagoland area. Carolyn truly enjoys learning new things with (and from) her children and students, traveling, and spending time catching up with close friends near and far.

Personal Statement of Faith: I grew up in a Christian home and had wonderful support from many throughout my upbringing. I made a personal commitment to follow Christ at Covenant Point Bible Camp when I was in middle school. Over the years, in different stages of my life (and in different countries) I have recommitted my life to serving the Lord in ways that seek to be faithful, just, loving, joyful, and peaceful.

NOMINEE TO COVENANT MINISTRIES OF BENEVOLENCE BOARD

Curt Anderson

Central Conference Representative

Retired Finance Manager

Beckman Coulter Inc.

Mount Prospect, Illinois

Curt has more than 40 years of experience in corporate finance. He has held various positions with Motorola, Washington Mutual, and Beckman Coulter where he provided finance support and advice to major business units, managed large finance teams, and was responsible for financial planning and forecasting.

Curt previously served on the Covenant Ministries of Benevolence and Covenant Retirement Communities boards and found his experience from corporate finance and church finance work to be valuable in board discussions and decisions. He has been retired for two years. He and his wife, Jan, have two adult children. They attend Northwest Covenant Church where Curt serves as secretary on the leadership team.

Personal Statement of Faith: I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He takes away my sins and gives me the example to love others and do service.

NOMINEE TO COVENANT MINISTRIES OF BENEVOLENCE BOARD

Mary Palmer Pacific Southwest Conference Representative Director of Finance

Hillside Covenant Church

Walnut Creek, California

Mary’s career included teaching and accounting. She worked in the private sector as well as multi-national real estate, often using her teaching background to develop and implement training courses across the portfolio. Retirement offered opportunities for volunteer work in health care and not-for-profit organizations in the Chicago area. Five years ago, Mary moved to California to be close to family. She joined Hillside Covenant Church in Walnut Creek and when a staff position opened, she welcomed the opportunity to serve as director of finance.

Mary has served on various Covenant boards since 1991, including Covenant Trust, CRC Services, and Covenant Living. She completed a term on the Board of Benevolence in 2021.

Personal Statement of Faith: I was born into a Covenant family and was baptized at the Elim Mission Covenant Church in Cokato, Minnesota. My family moved during my childhood, and we did not always attend a Covenant church locally. However, the decision to attend North Park College (University) was never in doubt. I found at North Park my Christian home and grew in my faith as I studied the Bible with Christian friends who have continued to be my support. My life today is Christ-centered and I rejoice in his saving grace for me. I am happy that I can continue to serve Christ and the Covenant Church with my tenure on the Board of Benevolence.

NOMINEE TO COVENANT MINISTRIES OF BENEVOLENCE BOARD

Kecia Stroot

Northwest Conference Representative

Hospice Chaplain

LifeCare Medical Center

Roseau, Minnesota

Kecia Stroot is an ordained Covenant pastor serving as hospice chaplain in Roseau County. She is wife to Rob, mom to 11, mother-in-law to two, and grandma to one. Kecia’s heart to follow God wherever God leads, has led her on many amazing adventures including having more than the two kids she originally planned, seminary, starting a charity in Haiti, and providing foster care. God continues to teach Kecia what it means to love sacrificially and to hold all things with an open hand.

Personal Statement of Faith: Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I am a sinner and cannot save myself. Jesus’s death on the cross has paid the penalty for my sins, and through this atonement, we are restored to Covenant relationship with God. He has redeemed me and saved me. I rely and trust in God as I follow Jesus. My response to God’s amazing love for me is to follow Jesus as Lord of my life.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF NOMINATIONS

Eric Hedberg

Canada Conference Representative Lead Pastor

Emmanuel Covenant Church

South Surrey, British Columbia

Eric is the lead pastor at Emmanuel Covenant Church in South Surrey, British Columbia, just outside Vancouver. He has been there since 2013 and has served in multiple capacities eighteen months as pastor of community life, one year as interim lead pastor, and almost eight years as lead pastor. After graduating from North Park University and North Park Seminary, Eric felt called out of his role in camping ministry to congregational ministry and has found incredible joy in the opportunity to lead Emmanuel Covenant’s wonderful congregation. Eric recently served as the treasurer for the Covenant Ministerium and chair of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada (ECCC) Ministerial Association. Eric and his wife, Erikka, love living outside Vancouver. Eric also coaches Ultimate frisbee at a local school and looks forward to leading a trip to Israel and Palestine this Spring through the ECCC.

Personal statement of faith: As long as I can remember, I have had a relationship with Jesus Christ. Along with my mom and dad, I was fortunate to have a number of great lay leaders speak into my life in both churches my dad pastored in Minnesota and Illinois. Like many children and youth, I was formed dramatically at camp where I encountered counselors who were fun and lived out their faith, heard music that was exciting and allowed me to connect to God in new ways, and heard preachers who opened up the Bible as a living Word. Throughout my life, my relationship with Christ has been constantly developing. I have found that my relationships with my wife, friends, mentors, colleagues, and congregants often draw me into deeper relationship with Christ. That has been in the form of encouraging or convicting words, through stories of God at work, or simply witnessing the ways my brothers and sisters in Christ find life in him It is because of the power and beauty of seeing Jesus in relationships with others that I continue to find the role of the local church so vital.

Eric Johnson Alaska Conference Representative VP of Advancement

Alaska Christian College

Soldotna, AK

Eric has served as a youth pastor and associate pastor in Covenant churches since college. He is currently the vice president of advancement at Alaska Christian College and has served in the role for seven years. During this time, he has been fortunate to grow connections with Covenant churches, ministry leaders, and individuals throughout the country, especially in Alaska. Eric and his wife, Meghan, have been married for 21 years and are blessed to be the parents of four children.

Personal Statement of Faith: I accepted Jesus into my heart as a five-year-old child. I was also five when my father unexpectedly died. My mother, a Christian, remarried when I was nine into a rough marriage and divorced when I was fifteen. During these difficult formative years, I knew the powerful and healing love of Christ through the church, specifically through some godly men who pointed me toward a heavenly Father who loves me. I look back with gratitude on the Christian influence of my extended family, including my grandfather and uncle, who served as pastors. As a high schooler at CHIC ’88, I rededicated my life to Jesus to serve him throughout my life. Following high school, I went to North Park, where my mind was challenged to understand more fully the truth claims of Jesus and God’s Word. As I have grown older, been married for 21 years, am a father of four teenagers (one in college), as an employee and as a friend, I continue to recognize my need for Jesus.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF NOMINATIONS

Mark Mohrweis

Midsouth Conference Representative

Senior Pastor

Redeemer Covenant Church

Carrollton, Texas

For the past 15 years, Mark has served as the senior pastor of Redeemer Covenant Church, a multiethnic, multi-generational congregation in Carrollton, Texas. Prior to this call, he served in ministry in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and Seattle, Washington. He graduated from the University of Washington and North Park Theological Seminary, and he has had the opportunity to serve on the Board of Benevolence as well as on the Midsouth Conference Commission on Ministerial Standing (COMS). He and his wife, Jessica, have three children.

Personal Statement of Faith: I gave my life to Christ at age four and have followed him faithfully since. At age 18, I sensed the call to vocational ministry. Since 2007, I have been serving Christ as pastor of Redeemer Covenant Church.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF NOMINATIONS

Donecia Norwood-Smith

Pacific Southwest Conference Representative

Co-Owner, Consultant, Coach

Influential LLC

Sacramento, California

Donecia has more than 20 years of experience working in both secondary and higher education as an advisor and college and career coordinator, helping young adults determine their career next steps. She has also worked as a fitness and nutrition coach and Zumba instructor. Her desire is to see individuals live purposefully, and to thrive in mind, body, and spirit. Donecia and her husband, Efrem, founded and planted Sanctuary

Covenant Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she helped to equip church leaders and served as women’s ministry coordinator. Donecia holds a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, a master of arts degree in human services with an emphasis in family life education from Concordia University, and is an associate certified coach.

Personal Statement of Faith: I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF NOMINATIONS

Anthony Clerkin

Midwest Conference Representative

Lead Pastor

Hope Covenant Church

El Dorado, Kansas

Anthony Clerkin is the lead pastor of Hope Covenant Church. He has previously served as children’s pastor, youth pastor, and associate pastor at churches in the Central and Midwest conferences over the past 20 years. He just published his first children’s book, and Anthony is excited to present gospel themes to the next generation in an approachable and entertaining way. He has served on many youth ministry boards and youth event committees and has been a presenter at Covenant Youth Workers Connection. One of his passions is walking with pastors as they discern God’s call in times of transition. Anthony and his wife, Heather, have been married for 21 years, and they have four daughters and a son. Their oldest daughter is now leading youth ministries at their church.

Personal Statement of Faith: As a follower of Christ, I hold my faith as the cornerstone of my life. Through my faith, I have come to know and love God, and I strive to live out his will in everything I do. I believe that God created us in his image and that we are called to love and serve him by loving and serving others. I find great joy and peace in reading and studying the Bible, and I believe that, powered by the Holy Spirit, it is the ultimate source of truth and guidance for our lives. My faith has sustained me through years of testing and trials, and it continues to inspire and motivate me to seek out the imago Dei in those God puts on my path.

Change in Standing of Ministerial Credentials

ACTIVE TO INACTIVE

Nicholas Bruckner (OWSa)

Robert Foster (OWSa)

Brian Haight (OWSa)

Matthew Mattoon (OWSa)

Heather Monkmeyer (OWSe)

Bob Shim (CM)

Timothy Stohlberg (OWSa)

INACTIVE TO ACTIVE

Eric Bain (OWSa)

Ronald Ferguson (OWSa)

Douglas Humphreys (OWSa/R)

TRANSFERRED CREDENTIAL

Myron Erickson (OWSa) to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

T.C. Moore (OWSa) to the Moravian Church

Nathan Salinas (OWSa) to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church

RESIGNATION OF CREDENTIAL

David Capozzi (OWSa) Michelle Clifton (OWSa)

Tina Herrin (OWSa/I)

Anders Johnson (OWSa/I)

Jonathan MacDonald (OWSa) Erin McDermott (OWSa/I)

Mark Nilson (OWSa)

William Walles (OWSa)

Rebekah Strobel (OWSa)

2023-2024 Licenses

Licenses valid July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024

Conference License Name

Alaska

BVL

Ministry Setting

Agenda Item 20.b.

Hoffbeck Randall J. Community Covenant Church Eagle River AK

Mastroyanis S. George Community Covenant Church Eagle River AK

Razzo Abel Anthony Evangelical Covenant Church Unalakleet AK

VanAmburg Stan O. Community Covenant Church – Fairbanks Fairbanks AK

ML

Alverts Michael G. Community Covenant Church Eagle River AK

Barefoot James W. Mat-Su Covenant Church Wasilla AK

Shaw Tyler D. Community Covenant Church Eagle River AK

Ventress James C. Evangelical Covenant Church Nome AK

Williams Andrew D. Scammon Bay Covenant Church Scammon Bay AK

Total in conference: 9

Canada

BVL

Bayley Karen R. Hope Community Covenant Church Strathmore AB

Johnson Kenneth T. Evangelical Covenant Church Fort Frances ON

Mast Mark D. One Hope Canada Rainy River ON Ndiom Michel Green Timbers Covenant Church Surrey BC

ML

Anderson Erik V. Faith Covenant Church

Winnipeg MB

Charles Jason S. City Collective Evangelical Covenant Church Surrey BC

Dyck D. Sean Evangelical Covenant Church

Minnedosa MB

Filicicchia Michael D. A. Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada Strathmore AB

Friesen Shannon Marie Stonehouse Evangelical Covenant Church

Jensen Gavin W. Holy Community Covenant Church

Kane Jesse Johnston Evangelical Fellowship Church

Lerch Jesse J. Junction Covenant Church

Penner Richard F. Evangelical Covenant Church

Strong Jeffrey W.G. Evangelical Covenant Church

Tam Darrick The Worship Project

Westerhoud Natasha B.M. Evangelical Covenant Church

Total in Conference: 16

Steinbach MB

Winnipeg MB

Edmonton AB

South Slocan BC

Nelson BC

Nelson BC

Maple ON

Norquay SK

BVL

Chang Samuel Y. Christ Covenant Church of Villa Park Villa Park IL

Choi Lin Lakeview Covenant Church Northbrook IL

Colar Lloyd Mission Covenant Church Blue Island IL

Coleman Tiana E. Missio Dei Uptown Chicago IL

Cornelius Robert L. Church of Gary Covenant Church Gary IN

Cornelius Cheryl D. Church of Gary Covenant Church Gary IN

Crozier Thomas M. Jesus People USA Covenant Church Chicago IL

Davis Phyllis E. Fellowship Christian Church Oak Park IL

Duncan Melissa Beth Bethany Covenant Church St. Charles IL

Fisk Rick K. DeerGrove Covenant Church Palatine IL

Fredrickson Beth L. Harbor Point Ministries Lake Geneva WI

Jones Michael D. Community Covenant Church Calumet Park IL

Kholodenko Trishia Oksanna Core Christian Community Church Chicago IL

Kholodenko Max Core Christian Community Church Chicago IL

Kim John S. New Life Covenant Church Palatine IL

Lizama Rafael A. Luz de Esperanza Campton Hills IL

Lizama Drina B. Luz de Esperanza Campton Hills IL

Nowlin Nilwona E. Kingdom Covenant Church Chicago IL

Ramos Norma Iglesia Del Pacto Evangelico Peniel Chicago IL

Spicer Andrea J. Jesus People USA Covenant Church Chicago IL

Strahan Debra L. Jesus People USA Covenant Church Chicago IL

Thomas Anthony R. Calvary Covenant Church Chicago IL

Thomas-Flagg LaNiece M. Mission Covenant Church Blue Island IL

Wendt Ryan Christopher Missio Dei Uptown Chicago IL

Winter Andrew Gregory Jesus People USA Covenant Church Chicago IL

Wright Jerry The Rock Covenant Church DeKalb IL

Wright Tracey The Rock Covenant Church DeKalb IL

ML

Anderson Eric P. Covenant Harbor Lake Geneva WI

Barron Francisco Javier Iglesia del Pacto Evangelico Renacer Algonquin IL

Boggs Jessica Evangelical Covenant Church Princeton IL

Catanus Gabriel Jay Garden City Covenant Church Chicago IL

Cha Kwang Sun New Vision Covenant Church Wilmette IL

Choi Hyang Sook Department of the Army

Choi Min Ho Peacemakers Korean Covenant Church Schaumburg IL

David Prajakta S. ECC Denominational Offices Chicago IL

Edstrom Andrew N. Northwest Covenant Church Mt. Prospect IL

Fogel Jonathan M. Hope Covenant Church Orland Park IL

Gaiya Zachs T. Faith Evangelical Covenant Church Wheaton IL

Herrold Sinchi Megan R. Edgebrook Evangelical Covenant Church Chicago IL

Hill Angelo Community Covenant Church Calumet Park IL

Hinz Daniel R. Bethesda Evangelical Covenant Church Rockford IL

Johnson Rachel M. Northbrook Covenant Church Northbrook IL

Kang Joshua Minsoo Lakeview Covenant Church Northbrook IL

Kim Won J. Christ Covenant Church of Villa Park Villa Park IL

Kwak Sung Ryong Dodam Covenant Church Mt. Prospect IL

Mercado Osvaldo Iglesia Del Pacto Evangelico Belen Chicago IL

Miller Lynnea Kay Winnetka Evangelical Covenant Church Wilmette IL

Pak William M. Lakeview Covenant Church Northbrook IL

Pointer Lawrence P. The City of Truth Covenant Church Matteson IL

Randolph Travis C. Beacon of Hope Hospice

Galesburg IL

Raymond Daniel J. Batavia Covenant Church Batavia IL

Robinson Darnell Dion Harvest Covenant Church

Milwaukee WI

Shakya Ram K. Transformation Christiya Nepali Church Batavia IL

Swieringa Robin P. St Paul's Evangelical Covenant Church Franklin Park IL

Tarro Laura Bethany Covenant Church St. Charles IL

Taylor Alexander J. Evangelical Covenant Church Princeton IL

Taylor Cody Paul Hope Evangelical Covenant Church Crystal Lake IL

Tetrault Michael R. Riverside Covenant Church West LaFayette IN

Torres Mario R. Iglesia Del Pacto Vida Eterna Rockford IL

Townsend Charles W Evangelical Covenant Church Belvidere IL

Total in Conference: 60

East Coast

BVL

Barrett Alison Ruth Highrock North Shore Beverly MA

Becker Amy Julia Salem Covenant Church Washington Depot CT

Freimuth Gary G. The Covenant Church Thomaston CT

Mitchell Laura R. Central Square Church Cambridge MA

Packnick Deborah E. Covenant Church of Easton Easton CT

Privitt Marcus L. Haverhill Commons Covenant Church Haverhill MA

Sadlier Daniel J. Mosaic Covenant Church New York NY

ML

Bang Steve Metro Community Church

Englewood NJ

Carrion Sixto Michael Redeemer City to City New York NY

Dennis James R. Fellowship Covenant Church Bronx NY

Graham Ian M. Ecclesia Princeton Pennington NJ

Jakubowski Richard T. Sanctuary North Providence RI

Jarrett Travis L. Great Road Covenant Church Acton MA

Lindberg Rebekah J. Salem Covenant Church Washington Depot CT

Marcucci Joseph P. Highrock Church, Inc. Arlington MA

May Ethan C. Evangelical Covenant Church

Tomahawk WI

Mook Andrew L. Sanctuary Church Providence RI

Mury John L. Highrock Church, Inc. Arlington MA

Myung Phyllis K. Highrock Covenant Church of Acton Acton MA

Okpala Craig O. Hope Church Jersey City Jersey City NJ

Ostos Cruz Rut Esther Expansion Covenant Church Corona NY

Padilla Castro Simon A. Expansion Covenant Church Corona NY Park Gene J. Evangelical Covenant Church

Proulx Dale Anthony Pilgrim Covenant Church

Tomahawk WI

Lunenburg MA

Sadlier Amanda J. Mosaic Covenant Church New York NY

Taber Michael John Highrock Church, Inc. Arlington MA

Venturini Elisabeth A. Bethany Covenant Church Bedford NH

Wall David D. Bethany Covenant Church Bedford NH

Webel Matthew R. Haverhill Commons Covenant Church Haverhill MA

Yung Jason Mui Central Square Church

Total in Conference: 30

Cambridge MA

Great Lakes

BVL

Arakelian Phillip G. Crossroads Community Church South Lyon MI

Beale Rita R. Hope Community Church Detroit MI

Dry Brendan D. LifeChurch Auburn Hills Auburn Hills MI

Ehrich Karen Sue Christ Community Church Allegan MI

Ginger Dawn Life Covenant Church Canton MI

Henderson Harlan A Faith Covenant Church Westerville OH

Hill N. David First Evangelical Covenant Church Grand Rapids MI

Kareithi John M. Revival Covenant Church Columbus OH

Mayer Katherine M .M. One Church Louisville KY

McClain Benjamin D. Crossroads Community Church South Lyon MI

Morgan Micah J.M. Sanctuary Columbus Columbus OH

Niemi Jennifer L. Crossroads Community Church South Lyon MI

Piper Jay R. Bachelor Evangelical Covenant Church Fountain MI

Raju Azia N. Citadel of Faith Covenant Church Detroit MI

Russ Brian D. Christ Covenant Church Livonia MI

Stone Linda Ann First Evangelical Covenant Church

ML

Barger Scott R. Cran-Hill Ranch

Bryde James Alan Faith Covenant Church

Buckner Katelyn R. Life Covenant Church

Carey Harvey F. Citadel of Faith Covenant Church

Connell Charles A. Evangelical Covenant Church

Cozart Harvey Lighthouse Church

Dalman Dale A. Esperanza Covenant Church

Duren Arthur L. Kingdom Embassy Covenant Church

Ek Peter William Thornapple Evangelical Covenant Church

Filipiak Noah Mosaic Covenant Church of Grand Rapids

Rapids MI

MI

Rapids MI

Rapids MI

MI Hill Georgia A. LifeChurch Riverside Detroit

Grandy John E. Life Covenant Church

MI Jackson Laura S. Faith Covenant Church

Johnson Donearl L. LifeChurch Auburn Hills

Ludge Michelle L. First Evangelical Covenant Church

Miyamoto Shunichi Faith Covenant Church

Nesburg David K. Grand Valley State University CM Campus Ministry

Hills MI

Hills MI

Rapids MI

Hills MI

Charter Township MI

Rahill Alexander W. Life Church Livonia Livonia MI

Reinard Aaron D. Scandia Evangelical Covenant Church Russell PA

Smith Craig R. Evangelical Covenant Church Whitehall MI

Strabbing Timothy R. Hope Community Church

Valentine Jeanette D. Journey Covenant Church

MI

Falls OH

Van Voorst Jared R. Life Covenant Church Canton MI

Williams David Anthony Life Transformation Church

OH

Younger Leeann R. Cityview Covenant Church Pittsburgh PA

Total in Conference: 41

Midsouth

Midwest

ML

ML

Matthew R.

Ferris Joshua R. Primal Church

Fick Jessica Lynn-Leep Hillcrest Covenant Church

C. First Covenant Church

Henoch Tyler First Covenant Church Salina KS

Hinman Philip Michael Evangelical Covenant Church Lindsborg KS

Hutsell Tamara Linn Swedeburg Covenant Church Wahoo NE

Joos Charlotte Marie Community Covenant Church Lenexa KS

LaFollette Preston C. Deerbrook Covenant Church Lees Summit MO

Lang Alexia B. Engage South KC Kansas City MO

Leonard Kayleigh Elizabeth Arvada Covenant Church Arvada CO

Ndegwa Samuel M. Imani Restoration Center Church Aurora CO

Nickerson Nicki Renee Centennial Covenant Church Littleton CO

Parry Daniel E. New Gottland Evangelical Covenant Church McPherson KS

Penn Austin Daniel Community Covenant Church Osage City KS

Pickering Chad M. New Life Wichita Covenant Church Andover KS

Redenius Allan M. First Covenant Church Fort Dodge IA

Rojas Amadeo Roberto Renuevo Covenant Church Arvada CO

Russell Gregory A. Renovate Church Parker CO

Russell Susan R. Renovate Church Parker CO

Sanchez

Rodriguez Jose Kansas City Covenant Church Kansas City KS

Severson Nathan P. Hillcrest Covenant Church Prairie Village KS

Stephens William E. Ascent Community Church Louisville CO

Vair Deborah Lyn Castle Oaks Evangelical Covenant Church Castle Rock CO

Vair L. Scott World Orphans Castle Rock CO

Vaughan Philip A. Castle Oaks Evangelical Covenant Church Castle Rock CO

Total in Conference: 49

Northwest BVL

Burton Brian A. Evangelical Covenant Church Cook MN

Cassell James R. New City Covenant Church Edina MN

Coronna Mark S. Calvary Covenant Church Stockholm WI

Damberger Erin Marie Lakeside Covenant Church Victoria MN

Freeman Linda M. Essentia Health Virginia MN

Jacobson Kristine Lynnette Crossroads Evangelical Covenant Church Forest Lake MN

Nyhuis Paul A. The Gallery Covenant Church St. Paul MN

Renlund Lisa M. Crossroads Church Woodbury MN

Ross Roger Alexander Turtle Mountain Epiphany Covenant Church Belcourt ND

Todhunter Paulita Colleen Epiphany Covenant Church Minneapolis MN

Wagar-Gilreath Gayle S. Community Covenant Church Minneapolis MN ML

Anderson Matthew D. Ace in the City Minneapolis MN

Arland Sophie Marie Crossroads Church Woodbury MN

Asker Sandra L. Crossview Covenant Church North Mankato WI

Asker Brian J. Crossview Covenant Church North Mankato WI

Brown James W. Real Life Covenant Church Waseca MN

Christian Adam J. First Covenant Church River Falls WI

Christiansen Matthew Brent Evangelical Covenant Church New London MN

Delaney Daniel J. Crossroads Church Woodbury MN

DellArciprete Mauricio Nicolas Destino Covenant Church Minneapolis MN

Felty Aaron M. Plymouth Evangelical Covenant Church Plymouth MN

Finsaas David C. Harvest Church Crookston MN

Golnick Jessie L. Crossroads Church Woodbury MN

Gunderson Kyle R. Cedarbrook Church

Hanson Kohl M. Karmel Evangelical Covenant Church

Hart Rachel M. Linwood Covenant Church

Hoffner David T. Minnehaha Academy

Hovda Roger Wayne First Covenant Church

Hovis Jason S. Karmel Evangelical Covenant Church

Inestroza Polly E. Crosstown Covenant Church

Bradley W. Crossview Covenant Church

Jones Cynthia Marie Catalyst Covenant Church

Keehr Sullivan G. Catalyst Covenant Church

King Jake C. Evangelical Covenant Church

MN

Kozamchak Laura A. Presbyterian Homes and Services

MN Larson Justin D. North City Covenant Church

Linna Georgiana L. Riverwood Covenant Church

Maley Jonathan P. Crossroads Church

Mason Douglas M. Evangelical Covenant Church

Mergens David R. Alexandria Covenant Church

Nathan L. Mission Covenant Church

Nordin Galen R. Lancaster Covenant Church

Nygaard Mark L. Saint Therese of New Hope Senior Services

Pitts Verna M. Ecumen Hospice

Risley Sarah E. Mission Covenant Church

Russell Terri Michelle Salem Covenant Church

Schanil Gregory B. Bethlehem Covenant Church

Soto Lopez Edith G. Jesus Fiel Amigo Covenant Church

Jamison Robert Renew Covenant Church

Hope

Claire

Starr Ryan W. Lakeview Covenant Church Duluth MN

Stenerson Caitlyn E. Bethel University Arden Hills MN

Swartz Daniel P. Emmanuel Covenant Church Shoreview MN

Tobiason Mia A. Hope Evangelical Covenant Church Grand Forks ND

Turrill Joseph J. Evangelical Covenant Church Lake Norden SD

Total in Conference: 54

Pacific Northwest

Dewald-Grauer Tyra L. The Well Covenant Church

Corvallis OR

Ernst Asher B. City Covenant Church Spokane WA

Figueroa Mendoza Magdiel A. Iglesia Esperenza Viva Sumner WA

McDaniel Heather Alive Covenant Church Poulsbo WA

Randolph Lynda S. Southeast Conference Atlanta GA

Robison Alison Lynn Renew Covenant Church

Lynnwood WA

Segura Rosa M. Iglesia Latinoamericana Covenant Church Bellevue WA

Tzec Magdiel Pacific Northwest Conference Mercer Island WA

VanHoy Ronald G. St. Clare Hospital Lakewood WA

Worl Rebecca J. Pine Lake Covenant Church Sammamish WA

Anderson Timothy J. Creekside Covenant Church Redmond WA

Anderson Brooke E. Salem Hospital Salem OR

Andlovec Kathleen M. First Covenant Church Portland OR

Cheng Ian Seattle Chinese Covenant Church Bellevue WA

Collard Paul G. Columbia Grove Covenant Church East Wenatchee WA

Cramer Joshua D. Resurrection Covenant Boise Boise ID

Do Bob Uc Thang The Table Covenant Church Mercer Island WA

Duppenthaler Troy R. Countryside Community Church Sherwood OR

Emmons Benjamin Lee Crossroads Community Covenant Church Yelm WA

Fairbanks Robert A Immanuel Church Spokane WA

Finney Mark D. Emmaus Church Spokane WA

Gothold Peter A. Evangelical Covenant Church Kent WA

Grosskopf Jeff A. Bellingham Covenant Church Bellingham WA

Harmon Kyle Joseph Pine Lake Covenant Church Sammamish WA

Haughee Christopher M. Intermountain Helena MT

Huskamp Michelle L. M. Monroe Covenant Church Monroe WA

Khilchenko Andrey Y. City of Rain Covenant Church Kent WA

Kidd Jeremy Harbor Covenant Church Gig Harbor WA

Knapp Matthew R. Harbor Covenant Church Gig Harbor WA

Kwon Sangkil Tacoma Trinity Church Tacoma WA

Matousek Michael A. Countryside Community Church Sherwood OR

McCann Angela Mary Cascade Covenant Church North Bend WA

Muia Amy J. New Earth – Tierra Nueva Burlington WA

Salcedo Torina M. Evangelical Covenant Church Kent WA

Sanchez Lynette E. Countryside Community Church Sherwood OR

Strunk O. William Multicare Deaconess Hospital Spokane WA

VanderLinda Richard E. Praise Covenant Church Tacoma WA

Wadsworth Zahra J. A. West Hills Covenant Church Portland OR Watson Lyndsey M. Covenant Kids Congo WA

Total in Conference: 39

Pacific Southwest

BVL

Carlson Lori E. Come, Learn, Rest Ministries Oakdale CA

Carrillo Leonardo E. Ciudad Cristiana Covenant Church Alhambra CA

Collins Anthony L. Hillside Covenant Church Walnut Creek CA

Engle Karyn L. Edgewater Covenant Pittsburg CA

Fearnside Janet All Things New Covenant Church Monterey CA

Forrest Bruce M. Calveras Co Sherriff's Office

Frick Robert W. Puna Covenant Church Keaau HI

Gonzales Jaime Nueva Esperanza Church Antioch CA

Guzman Edwin O. Pacific Southwest Conference Walnut Creek CA

Hong Albert O. New Hope Covenant Church Oakland CA

Huerta Rebecca Iglesia Del Pacto Evangelico Kingsburg CA

Kreisher Debbie A. Freedom Point Covenant Church Loomis CA

Molina Carlos Arturo Abstractus Covenant Church Riverside CA

Nesta Juana I. Stockton Covenant Church Stockton CA

Pabalate David L. Rock Harbor Covenant Church Loomis Ca

Quinche Carmen R. Ciudad Cristiana Covenant Church Alhambra CA

Ramos Jorge A. La Jornada Covenant Church Pleasant Hill CA

Robertson Joseph M. Hope Church of Turlock Turlock CA

Sorenson Anita L. Pasadena Covenant Church Pasadena CA

Stahl Lesley Hollis The River Church Community San Jose CA

Sutton Roldon P. Modesto Covenant Church Modesto CA

Villela Sandra L. Amistad Covenant Church Las Vegas NV

ML

Aanderud Nathan E. Rolling Hills Covenant Church Rolling Hills Estates CA

Alessio Jennifer M. Heights Church Citrus Heights CA

Amaya Benito City Gateway Covenant Church Long Beach CA

Barboza David M. US Coast Guard

Barsotti Catherine M. CHET Compton CA

Blue Jennifer C. Servant Partners Pomona CA

Boies Judson B. Church Goals Roseville CA

Buitrago Cesar A. Amigos de Jesus Covenant Church

Byron Caleb M. Modesto Covenant Church

Cane Trudy J. Community Covenant Church

Carter Fred L. Eagle Rock Covenant Church Los Angeles CA

Coray Joseph R. Modesto Covenant Church Modesto CA

Del Carlo Jenks Cosette P. Ocean Hills Covenant Church Santa Barbara CA

Ding Hsing-jou University Covenant Church Davis CA

Fishler Joy A. Life Community Church

Glynn Douglas Hope Covenant Church Chandler AZ

Groenwald Joseph E. Genesis Church

AZ

Hawkins Jack D. Canyon Springs Covenant Church San Diego CA

Hernandez Nichole Marie Coastline Covenant Church

Huang Daniel G. Newsong Community Church Irvine CA

Johnson Melody D. Pacific Southwest Conference

Kirksey Scott C. Peninsula Covenant Church

Masten Deborah D. ECC Denominational Offices

Merida Fredy Amilcar Vida Abundante

Nielsen Hannah F. The River Church Community

Reiher Aaron F. First Covenant Church

Sanborn Brianne N. Desert City Church

Scott Joel D. Bridge Covenant Church

Sinclair Serena A. Covenant Grove Church

Solomon Israel B. The Harbor Covenant Church

Speedie Rachel Kimiko University Covenant Church

Sweeney Craig E. Heights Church

Terashima Norifumi Rolling Hills Covenant Church

Tomscak Heather M. Freedom Point

Weber Chelsea Megan La Vina Covenant Church

CA

Hills Estates CA

CA

CA

Wysong Stephen C. Hillside Covenant Church Walnut Creek CA

Zuehlsdorff Shelly Marin Evangelical Covenant Church San Rafael CA

Zuehlsdorff Benjamin R. Marin Evangelical Covenant Church San Rafael CA

Total in Conference: 60

Serve Globally GSL

Duncan Sheryl L. Covenant Merge Ministries

Klein Marta Global Personnel

Muniz Fabio Global Personnel

Nahnychuk Colleen Global Personnel

Noren Karl E. Global Personnel

AK

Noren Mary L. Global Personnel

Paul Evans Global Personnel

Total in Conference: 6

Southeast BVL

Diamond Angela Renee Rock Harbor Covenant Church Melbourne Beach FL

Grimes Valarie Radiant Church Savannah Savannah GA

Johnson Darryl R. Walk of Faith Church Mound Bayou MS

Kosec Jonathon Bay Indies Evangelical Covenant Church Venice FL

Owens Mary Ann Trinity World Christian Center Douglasville GA

Reed Dorean Trinity World Christian Center Douglasville GA

Wade Samantha Y. Department of the Army

Wong-Turner Sharon A. Kingdom Covenant Church Miami FL

Zentz Jenny Elaine Rock Harbor Covenant Church Melbourne Beach FL

Larsen Andrew J. Safety Harbor Covenant Church Safety Harbor FL

Menne Paul R. Department of the Army

Miller Timothy A. Lakeview Community Church Tarpon Springs FL

Strickland Brian D. Gracespring Covenant Church Vero Beach FL

Willocks Gregory O. Department of the Navy

Total in Conference: 14

Grand Total: 389

Presentation of Candidates for Transfer of Ordination

Ira A. Carty

Serving: Avenue Community Covenant Church, Toronto, ON

Ordaining Body: Pentecostal Holiness Church of Canada

Conference: Canada

John C. Lassen

Serving: Maywood Covenant Church, Foley, MN

Ordaining Body: Lake Sarah Baptist Church, Slayton, MN

Conference: Northwest

Presentation of Candidates for Ordination to Word and Service

Rebecca L. Homan

Serving: Covenant Community Church, Fairfield, OH

Specialization: Children, Youth, and Family Ministries

Conference: Great Lakes

Kristi M. Ivanoff

Serving: First Evangelical Covenant Church, Anchorage, AK

Specialization: Christian Formation (all ages)

Conference: Alaska

Christopher J. Kelly

Serving: Linwood Covenant Church, Wyoming, MN

Specialization: Christian Formation (all ages)

Conference: Northwest

Bronwyn Murphy

Serving: University Covenant Church, Davis, CA

Specialization: Christian Formation (all ages)

Conference: Pacific Southwest

Kristi S. Smith

Serving: Milwaukie Covenant Church, Milwaukie, OR

Specialization: Christian Formation (all ages)

Conference: Pacific Northwest

Mika M. Strait

Serving: Rock Harbor Covenant Church, Loomis, CA

Specialization: Christian Formation (all ages)

Conference: Pacific Southwest

Melanie

Kay Viana

Serving: Serve Globally Personnel: Mozambique

Specialization: Leadership

Conference: Serve Globally

Theodore J. Wilson

Serving: Hilmar Covenant Church, Hilmar, CA

Specialization: Youth Ministries

Conference: Pacific Southwest

Sarah Winter

Serving: Forest City Church – Elgin Campus, Elgin, IL

Specialization: Christian Formation (all ages)

Conference: Central

Presentation of Candidates for Ordination to

Word and Sacrament

Aaron W. Anderson

Serving: United Evangelical Covenant Church, Gladstone, MI

Conference: Central

Robert J. Balian

Serving: Midtown Covenant Church, Sacramento, CA

Conference: Pacific Southwest

Kara A. Berg

Serving: Elevation Hospice, Arvada, CO

Conference: Midwest

Paul H. Betancourt

Serving: La Viña Covenant Church, Kerman, CA

Conference: Pacific Southwest

Kelly Ladd Bishop

Serving: Newton Covenant Church, West Newton, MA

Conference: East Coast

Scott A. Burnett

Serving: Newport Covenant Church, Bellevue, WA

Conference: Pacific Northwest

Christina Burrows

Serving: North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL

Conference: Pacific Southwest

Jacqui L. Crumrine

Serving: Selah Covenant Church, Selah, WA

Conference: Pacific Northwest

John N. DePalma

Serving: Countryside Covenant Church, Milbank, SD

Conference: Northwest

Anthony C. Emerson

Serving: Mosaic Community Covenant, Sugar Land, TX

Conference: Midsouth

Melissa L. Emerson

Serving: Mosaic Community Covenant, Sugar Land, TX

Conference: Midsouth

Annie Espinoza

Serving: Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico Douglas Park, Chicago, IL

Conference: Central

Jeremiah J. Fair

Serving: Community Covenant Church, Santa Cruz, CA

Conference: Pacific Southwest

Peter A. Frost

Serving: Brookdale Covenant Church, Brooklyn Center, MN

Conference: Northwest

Rachel Gough

Serving: Monroe Covenant Church, Monroe, WA

Conference: Pacific Northwest

Shaun Higgins

Serving: Midway Community Covenant Church, Des Moines, WA

Conference: Pacific Northwest

Joshua W. Hinken

Serving: First Evangelical Covenant Church, Grand Rapids, MI

Conference: Great Lakes

Erin W. Johnson

Serving: Newton Medical Center, Newton, KS

Conference: Midwest

Danielle L. Kilgore

Serving: Marin Evangelical Covenant Church, San Rafael, CA

Conference: Pacific Southwest

Lawrence K. Kim

Serving: Central Square Church, Cambridge, MA

Conference: East Coast

Seung Evelyn La

Serving: Lakeview Covenant Church, Northbrook, IL

Conference: Central

William E. Lopez

Serving: Pan y Vino Covenant Church, Prairie Village, KS

Conference: Midwest

Andrew J. Mark

Serving: Pasadena Covenant Church, Pasadena, CA

Conference: Pacific Southwest

Leslie D. McAuley

Serving: Immanuel Church, Spokane, WA

Conference: Pacific Northwest

Criss William Mitchell

Serving: First Evangelical Covenant Church, Anchorage, AK

Conference: Alaska

Nicholas S. Munn

Serving: Orchard Covenant Church, Indian Orchard, MA

Conference: East Coast

Matthew S. Ness

Serving: One Church, Louisville, KY

Conference: Great Lakes

Michael R. Nunan

Serving: Flatirons Community Church, Lafayette, CO

Conference: Midwest

Erico V. Ortega Romero

Serving: Nueva Pacto Church of Fridley, Fridley, MN

Conference: Northwest

Taylor M. Sexton

Serving: DeerGrove Covenant Church, Palatine, IL

Conference: Central

Jean H. Shim

Serving: Central Square Church, Cambridge, MA

Conference: East Coast

Garrett R. Smith

Serving: Newton Covenant Church, West Newton, MA

Conference: East Coast

Alexander Song

Serving: RE/ACT, Windsor, ON

Conference: Canada

Phillip K. Tolbert

Serving: Lake Beauty Bible Camp, Long Prairie, MN

Conference: Northwest

Dianira P. Ulin

Serving: Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico Belen, Chicago, IL

Conference: Central

Elizabeth A. Whitney

Serving: First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield, Fairfield, CT

Conference: East Coast

Emily B. Wickstrom

Serving: Common Ground Covenant Church, Sacramento, CA

Conference: Pacific Southwest

Sharad Yadav

Serving: Re-Entering Call Process

Conference: Pacific Northwest

Daniel J. Yoon

Serving: Cornerstone Church of Boston

Conference: East Coast

Clergy Vocational Service Recognition

Our denomination calls, credentials, and sends individuals into ministry. We believe it is most appropriate that our community of pastors and congregations join together at each Covenant Annual Meeting to honor a group of clergy who have offered faithful service and godly obedience. Therefore, on behalf of the Evangelical Covenant Church and the Office of the Ordered Ministry, the 137th Annual Meeting would like to honor the following individuals:

Paul Anderson, Champlain, MN

Darlene Anderson, Adolphe, MB

Keith Bergstrom, Tustin, MI

James Black, Alexandria, MN

Judson Boies, Loomis, CA

Janice Bros, Mounds View, MN

Michael Brown, Elk River, MN

Thomas Cowger, Moodus, CT

Stephen Cushing, Wakefield, MA

David Dahms, Palmer, AK

Earl Dunbar, Marysville, OH

Robert Fairbanks, Spokane, WA

Gary Freimuth, Northfield, CT

Samuel Galdamez, Turlock, CA

William Gardner, North York, ON

R.Michael Gillett, Wichita, KS

Beth Haydon, Waltham, MA

Alice Johnson, New Brighton, MN

Deena Jones, Stanwood, WA

David Kelly, Plymouth, MN

Cheryl Klem, San Clemente, CA

Dale Kuehne, Manchester. NH

Matthew Marzluft, Hampden, MA

Keith Matthews, Upland, CA

Gricel Medina, Carrollton, TX

Todd Michero, Eagle River, AK

Rick Miller, Jamestown, NY

William Miller, Liverpool, NY

Scott Nellis, Hoyt Lakes, MN

Peter Nielsen, East Northport, NY

Galen Nordin, Lancaster, MN

William Nylund, Rhododendron, OR

Mark Pearson, Westbrook, ME

Mary Rowlands, Overland Park, KS

Janet Russell, Bellingham, WA

Kenneth Satterberg, Oakland, CA

Jeffrey Saville, Temecula, CA

Brian Schanil, New Richland, MN

Daniel Schuttler, Kent, WA

James Sequeira, Vancouver, WA

Mark Seversen, Santa Barbara, CA

Timothy Smith, Las Cruces, NM

Phillip Sommerville, Rocklin, CA

Anita Sorenson, Altadena, CA

Carolyn Stoker, Vista, CA

Patricia Thompson, Swannanoa, NC

R.Brent Thompson, Swannanoa, NC

Douglas Thorpe, Richmond, VA

John Vogel, Moran, KS

David Wallin, Kensington, MN

Service Recognition for Global Personnel

ANDY LARSEN

MEXICO, SPAIN, AND MIDDLE EAST NORTH AFRICA

1988 - 1999, 2006 – 2007, 2017 - 2023

GARY AND PAULINE CARLSON JAPAN

1983 - 2023

CELIA AND DAVID STOCKAMP

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

1978 – 1994, 2014 – 2023

CAROLYN AND JEFF STOKER

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO AND CAMEROON

1988 – 1997, 1998 - 2023

IN GRATEFUL APPRECIATION FOR SERVICE TO GOD’S KINGDOM AND THE GLOBAL CHURCH THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH RECOGNIZES ANDY LARSEN

FOR WILLINGLY ACCEPTING the call to serve in Mexico from 1988 to 1999, ministering in Spain from 2006 to 2007, and returning to join the Middle East North Africa (MENA) team from 2017 to 2023.

FOR HUMBLY RECEIVING as privilege the opportunity to learn from and embrace the Mexican, Spanish, and diverse Middle East cultures while joining the missio Dei in an often complex yet sacred context.

FOR FAITHFULLY SERVING ministries of evangelism and church planting in Mexico, working with the Mosaics Project in Spain, and engaging in a broad range of justice and peacemaking relationship in the MENA region.

FOR GRACIOUSLY ENCOURAGING others, both missionary colleagues and national friends, through your gifts of pastoral care, peacemaking, cultural brokering and stellar, bridge-building photography.

FOR FAITHFULLY investing in the ongoing partnership with Peace Catalyst International.

FOR EFFECTIVELY LEADING by coaching the local church to engage in healthy insight and dialogue with their Muslim neighbor.

FOR STEADFAST CO-LEADERSHIP WITH YOUR WIFE, CARI, in ministry and resourcing of refugee and immigrant communities.

FOR COMPASSIONATELY AND GRACIOUSLY SHARING your gifts, life, and caring hospitality with many ministry partners, international friends, and guests for the last 35 years.

ANDY AND CARI, FOR AUTHENTICALLY LOVING one another and others, and modeling what it looks like to live as citizens of the kingdom of God

WE ALWAYS THANK GOD FOR YOU… your faith has shown itself in action, your love in labor, and your hope of our Lord Jesus Christ in fortitude” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).

Presented in Garden Grove, state of California, this 30th day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three.

TAMMY SWANSON DRAHEIM, PRESIDENT GRACE SHIM, EXECUTIVE MINISTER SERVE GLOBALLY

IN GRATEFUL APPRECIATION FOR SERVICE TO GOD’S KINGDOM AND THE GLOBAL CHURCH THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH RECOGNIZES

PAULINE AND GARY CARLSON

FOR WILLINGLY ACCEPTING the call to serve in Japan from 1983 to 2023.

FOR HUMBLY RECEIVING as privilege the opportunity to learn from and embrace the Japanese culture while joining the missio Dei in an often complex yet sacred context.

FOR FAITHFULLY SERVING within your calling and gifting for church planting, evangelism, Christian education, English Language courses, and counseling.

FOR GRACIOUSLY ENCOURAGING others, both missionary colleagues and national friends, through your gifts of pastoral care and church leadership, and for serving as country coordinators of the Covenant Missionary Committee of Japan.

FOR FAITHFULLY representing the kingdom, working in mutual partnerships, strengthening local churches, transforming individuals, families, communities, and affirming dignity.

GARY, FOR EFFECTIVELY LEADING while teaching missiology courses at Covenant Seminary in Tokyo, and for diligently serving as mission team treasurer.

PAULINE, FOR STEADFAST LEADERSHIP and teaching at Shonan Community Church and as chair of the board of Christian Academy in Japan.

PAULINE AND GARY, FOR COMPASSIONATELY AND GRACIOUSLY SHARING your home and lives with many friends and guests for the last 40 years.

FOR AUTHENTICALLY LOVING one another and others, and modeling what it looks like to live as citizens of the kingdom of God.

WE ALWAYS THANK GOD FOR YOU… your faith has shown itself in action, your love in labor, and your hope of our Lord Jesus Christ in fortitude” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).

Presented in Garden Grove, state of California, this 30th day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three.

TAMMY SWANSON DRAHEIM, PRESIDENT GRACE SHIM, EXECUTIVE MINISTER SERVE GLOBALLY

CITATION FOR DAVID AND CELIA STOCKAMP

IN GRATEFUL APPRECIATION FOR SERVICE TO GOD’S KINGDOM AND THE GLOBAL CHURCH THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH RECOGNIZES

DAVID AND CELIA STOCKAMP

FOR DAVID WILLINGLY ACCEPTING the call to serve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1978 to 1994 and returning to serve from 2014 to 2023.

FOR HUMBLY RECEIVING as privilege the opportunity to learn from and embrace the Congolese and other cultures while joining the missio Dei in an often complex yet sacred context over the span of 45 years of service.

FOR FAITHFULLY SERVING in mission roles on congregational, conference, and denominational levels with dedication and commitment.

FOR GRACIOUSLY ENCOURAGING others, both missionary colleagues and Congolese leaders, through your gifts of continuing pastoral education and theological training.

FOR FAITHFULLY FORMING theological students at the Ubangi Protestant University.

FOR STEADFASTLY LEADING by mentoring a new generation of Congolese pastors with training and resources that will have lasting impact.

FOR CELIA’S TIRELESS LOVE in encouraging and enabling David’s ministry.

FOR DAVID AND CELIA’S WILLINGNESS in spending more than two years apart from one another over the course of the past nine years to advance theological education in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

DAVID AND CELIA, FOR COMPASSIONATELY AND GRACIOUSLY SHARING your gifts and your lives with ministry partners, pastors, and lay leaders.

FOR AUTHENTICALLY LOVING one another and others, and modeling what it looks like to live as citizens of the kingdom of God.

WE ALWAYS THANK GOD FOR YOU… your faith has shown itself in action, your love in labor, and your hope of our Lord Jesus Christ in fortitude” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).

Presented in Garden Grove, state of California, this 30th day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three.

TAMMY SWANSON DRAHEIM, PRESIDENT GRACE SHIM, EXECUTIVE MINISTER SERVE GLOBALLY

IN GRATEFUL APPRECIATION FOR SERVICE TO GOD’S KINGDOM AND THE GLOBAL CHURCH

THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH RECOGNIZES

CAROLYN AND JEFF STOKER

FOR WILLINGLY ACCEPTING the call to serve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1988 until 1997, followed by service in Cameroon from 1998 to 2023.

FOR HUMBLY RECEIVING as privilege the opportunity to learn from and embrace both the Congolese and Cameroonian cultures while joining the missio Dei in an often complex yet sacred context.

FOR FAITHFULLY SERVING ministries within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cameroon with dedication and commitment.

FOR GRACIOUSLY ENCOURAGING others, both missionary colleagues and national friends, through your gifts of financial management and education.

FOR FAITHFULLY engaging in vibrant partnerships with educational benefits for your team, ministry partners, families of missionaries, and others within the national community.

CAROLYN, FOR EFFECTIVELY LEADING by teaching, mentoring, and providing leadership as the director for the Rain Forest International School.

JEFF, FOR STEADFAST LEADERSHIP by teaching and faithfully providing organizational stability and support through accounting, financial care, and oversight.

CAROLYN AND JEFF, FOR COMPASSIONATELY AND GRACIOUSLY SHARING your gifts and your lives with ministry partners, team members, students, and guests for the last 34 years.

FOR AUTHENTICALLY LOVING one another and others, and modeling what it looks like to live as citizens of the kingdom of God

WE ALWAYS THANK GOD FOR YOU… your faith has shown itself in action, your love in labor, and your hope of our Lord Jesus Christ in fortitude” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).

Presented in Garden Grove, state of California, this 30th day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three.

TAMMY SWANSON DRAHEIM, PRESIDENT GRACE SHIM, EXECUTIVE MINISTER SERVE GLOBALLY

T.W. Anderson Outstanding Layperson Award

THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH GRANTS

THE 2023 THEODORE W. ANDERSON AWARD TO JANET WOODS

In grateful recognition of her dedicated service to her local congregation and community and her deep commitment to Christ and Christ’s church.

When Janet Woods moved to Rochester, Minnesota, with her husband, John, and their five children 63 years ago, she began playing the organ at the two-year-old Rochester Covenant Church. She went on to accompany the sanctuary choir and the junior choir, play for many vacation Bible schools and Sunday evening services, and accompany countless soloists. She played for funerals and weddings and continued taking organ lessons well into her adult years.

Her ministry expanded to leading weekly women’s Bible studies, co-hosting small groups, serving dinner after church to visitors, taking meals to people in need, corresponding with missionaries and more.

She led Bible Study Fellowship for years and helped start Community Bible Study, now attended by more than 200 people. She volunteered in the medical community and in the wider Rochester community, serving as president of the Methodist Hospital Auxiliary. She and John received the Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Service to the City of Rochester.

Before moving to Rochester, she and John had served in a small town outside of Quito, Ecuador he as a physician while she ran the hospital guest house for visitors. They later taught a class at Rochester

Covenant called “Do You Want to Be a Missionary?” More than half the class went on to serve in the mission field.

We honor her for her practice of radical hospitality, hosting visitors to Rochester who came seeking medical attention or with other needs, at one point welcoming a local teacher into their home with late-stage cancer in an era before hospice.

For sending innumerable birthday cards and notes of encouragement, demonstrating care and compassion for everyone she meets.

For a life deeply grounded in prayer and reflection on Scripture.

For prioritizing her children and family, even as she tirelessly served her church and community.

For serving as a matter of course, never seeking the spotlight, doing everything with humility and a servant’s heart.

For always seeking to bring glory to God and serve him in whatever way she can, for living a life that points to Jesus.

We celebrate Janet Woods, recipient of the 2023 TW Anderson Award, and give thanks to God for her faithful service. Presented at the 137th Annual Meeting, on the 30th day of June in the year of our Lord, two thousand twenty-three.

2023 Irving Lambert Outstanding Urban Ministries Award

THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH PRESENTS

THE 2023 IRVING C. LAMBERT AWARD TO HAROLD SPOONER

In grateful recognition of faithful commitment and passionate dedication to the cause of Christ through wholistic urban and ethnic ministries.

For stepping into a role with the Evangelical Covenant Church that was instrumental in setting a path forward in justice and reconciliation and leading the new Department of Compassion, Mercy, and Justice under the umbrella of Covenant Ministries of Benevolence; for shepherding that transition to the denominational office, where Love Mercy Do Justice became one of our five mission priorities.

For being a key architect in launching the Sankofa Journey; for enduring multiple bus trips; and for your commitment to justice and racial righteousness that was deeper than your comfort.

For servant leadership through your roles within Covenant Ministries of Benevolence Covenant Initiatives for Care, Covenant Retirement Communities (now Covenant Living), the Council of Administrators, advisor to Compassion, Mercy, and Justice/Love Mercy Do Justice. For your work creating spaces and inviting people to tables where their voices could be heard, particularly the gathering of the Ethnic Roundtable introducing the Five-Fold Test (now the Six-fold Test for Multiethnic Ministry) that you were instrumental in crafting.

For your skill in navigating systems within the Covenant community, for being gracious and speaking your mind, for being a visionary and a realist; for your ability to work across constituencies of the church to achieve kingdom impact.

For your strong commitment to justice, love for God’s people and the Covenant family.

For being a “Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwelling” (Isaiah 58:12).

For being a stellar collaborator, equalizer for justice with a strong emphasis on race and class; for being a courageous and heroic leader, stepping into and staying in hard places, all in the spirit of love for God's glory and neighbor's good.

For embodying the spirit and service of Irving C. Lambert, we celebrate Harold Spooner and give thanks to God for his faithful and compassionate service.

Presented at the 137th Annual Meeting, on the 30th day of June in the year of our Lord, two thousand twenty-three.

Tammy Swanson

Paul Robinson, Executive Minister, Love Mercy and Do Justice

Fiscal Year 2022 Financial Report

As we prepare to gather at our Annual Meeting, please find the following summary of the financial materials and information related to our financial stewardship, our operating results, and our benefit programs.

OUR STEWARDSHIP

The Covenant Finance team endeavors to ensure that Covenant resources are stewarded in a manner that sustains and advances our mission, glorifies God, and honors the intent of our donors. We are grateful for the trust that our donors and members place in us

As detailed at Gather 2022, the Covenant is experiencing a downturn in unrestricted giving which is the giving that funds our mission priorities and operating budget. Our fiscal year 2023 budget projects that annual net unrestricted giving (total unrestricted giving less the giving to global personnel) will be nearly $507,000 less than we received five years ago in FY18. This is proving particularly challenging as we return to normal (post-pandemic) levels of mission activity.

Accordingly, Covenant leadership has been engaged in a rigorous and thoughtful endeavor to better align our mission spending with our mission provision. This is one of the guiding principles that President Tammy Swanson-Draheim shared at Midwinter 2023, declaring that we will “work within” what has been provided financially for mission. We have earnestly attempted to reduce the cost of our mission over the past several years, but meaningful progress has been hampered by the need for a strategic restructuring. Accordingly, we are excited about the “Phase 1” strategic redesign to be presented at Gather 2023 for delegate consideration. This plan lays the foundation for Covenant Offices to more effectively and efficiently serve our churches and members.

FY2022 OPERATING RESULTS

Our mission budget in fiscal year 2022 totaled $18,214,725. While that spend was 3.6% over budget, it is 3.7% lower than our total spend in FY2019, reflecting our expense reduction efforts. The table below is a detailed breakout of our FY22 results:

FY22 Mission Provision highlights:

• Total unrestricted giving was 2.9% under budget, with Church Support 8.5% behind budget and Individual Donor Support running 14.6% ahead of budget.

• Other Income and Rent was significantly behind budget due to depressed Communications sales and subscription income. The FY22 budget anticipated a return to pre-pandemic levels of Communications income that did not materialize

• Required Mission Investment support (the draw on general mission reserves to fund any budget gap) was $1,054,420 more than projected in the FY22 budget. Net of required Mission Investment support, Total Mission Provision was 2.6% behind projection, primarily due to the decline in unrestricted giving.

FY22 Mission Investment highlights:

• The FY22 consolidated spend of our five Mission Priorities was $4.78 million, or 5 6% under budget. The Develop Leaders cost overrun is primarily due to increased investment in pastoral care and interim leadership costs.

• The Shared Services (Operations, HR, Finance, Advancement, Governance, President’s Office) cost was 32.5% over budget due to increased investment in IT, governance, and events management as well as expenses related to leadership turnover.

• Net Church Plant Appropriations were 21.3% below budget due to reduced church planting activity.

• We are pleased to have been able to continue our annual support of North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary at a level of $1 million.

LOOKING FORWARD

We are more than halfway into fiscal year 2023, and thus far, our budget appears to be very much on track. Total unrestricted giving is in line with expectations, and total mission expenses are running slightly under our projections We are hopeful that, should these trends persist, we will require less required Mission Investment support from our reserves than the $1.46 million projected in the approved FY23 budget.

COVENANT BENEFITS

The Covenant Pension Plan’s total asset value declined 11% over calendar 2022 in what was a very challenging year for capital markets. Fortunately, the CPP was approximately 118% funded heading into the year, and as of January 1, 2023, is estimated to still be fully funded. Our 403b9 plan with Guidestone has become an increasingly larger piece of our retirement paradigm with nearly 300 churches participating and a total assets under management of $26 million.

Covenant Benefits continues to experience solid enrollment, sound reserves, and good operating results. Year after year, the Covenant Benefits team strives to provide Covenant churches, affiliates, pastors, global personnel, and retirees with affordable, high quality, and comprehensive care— without compromising the plan’s long-term sustainability. The team rolled out enhanced and expanded service offerings in calendar year 2023. We now offer three levels of coverage for our members: the platinum-rated “Covenant Plus” plan, the gold-rated “Covenant Standard” plan, and the high deductible silver-rated “Covenant Value” plan that includes an HSA component. We also increased medical premiums in 2023 by 10% to better reflect the increasing cost of medical care. Both the new plan offerings and the increased premium were well-received by our churches and members.

FINANCIAL AUDIT UPDATES

We provide you with the most recent Covenant audited financial reports at our annual meeting. Enclosed in this packet is the audited consolidated financial statements of the Covenant for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. This report includes both “base mission” activity as well as broader global “project ministries” and related Covenant financial obligations This is the most comprehensive view of our mission activity from a financial perspective.

Although our fiscal year 2022 audit is still in process, we anticipate that it will be completed prior to the Annual Meeting in June and made available at our gathering.

Thank you for serving the Covenant as a delegate to Gather 2023. Please know that our goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Covenant’s finances in its support of our mission. If we are to mission well, we must steward well. We continually seek better accountability, prudent financial

and risk management, and faithful allocation of God’s provision across the entire sphere of Covenant ministries and people so that we might all become three strands stronger.

We continue to be blessed by talented and faithful Covenanters who work alongside us on the Finance Committee of the Executive Board and on the Board of Pensions and Benefits. Our work would not be possible without them, or without you.

We look forward to sharing more with you at Gather 2023

With deep gratitude,

Steve Klimkowski Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

INDEPENDENTAUDITORS'REPORT

TotheExecutiveBoardof

TheEvangelicalCovenantChurch Chicago,Illinois

WehaveauditedtheaccompanyingconsolidatedfinancialstatementsofTheEvangelicalCovenantChurch, whichcomprisetheconsolidatedstatementsoffinancialpositionasofSeptember30,2021and2020,andthe relatedconsolidatedstatementsofactivitiesandcashflowsfortheyearandeightmonthsthenended, respectively,andtherelatednotestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.

Management'sResponsibilityfortheConsolidatedFinancialStatements

Managementisresponsibleforthepreparationandfairpresentationoftheseconsolidatedfinancialstatementsin accordancewithaccountingprinciplesgenerallyacceptedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica;thisincludesthe design,implementation,andmaintenanceofinternalcontrolrelevanttothepreparationandfairpresentationof consolidatedfinancialstatementsthatarefreefrommaterialmisstatement,whetherduetofraudorerror.

Auditors'Responsibility

Ourresponsibilityistoexpressanopinionontheseconsolidatedfinancialstatementsbasedonouraudits.Wedid notauditthefinancialstatementsofCovenantTrustCompany,aninvesteeofwhichTheEvangelicalCovenant Churchhasasignificantinfluence.Thosestatementswereauditedbyotherauditors,whosereporthasbeen furnishedtous,andouropinion,insofarasitrelatestotheinvestmentinCovenantTrustCompany,isbased solelyonthereportoftheotherauditors.TheinvestmentinCovenantTrustCompanymadeup2.9%ofThe EvangelicalCovenantChurch'stotalassetsand16.1%ofit'schangeinnetassets.Weconductedourauditsin accordancewithauditingstandardsgenerallyacceptedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica.Thosestandardsrequire thatweplanandperformtheauditstoobtainreasonableassuranceaboutwhethertheconsolidatedfinancial statementsarefreefrommaterialmisstatement.

Anauditinvolvesperformingprocedurestoobtainauditevidenceabouttheamountsanddisclosuresinthe consolidatedfinancialstatements.Theproceduresselecteddependontheauditor'sjudgment,includingthe assessmentoftherisksofmaterialmisstatementoftheconsolidatedfinancialstatements,whetherduetofraudor error.Inmakingthoseriskassessments,theauditorconsidersinternalcontrolrelevanttotheentity'spreparation andfairpresentationoftheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsinordertodesignauditproceduresthatare appropriateinthecircumstances,butnotforthepurposeofexpressinganopinionontheeffectivenessofthe entity'sinternalcontrol.Accordingly,weexpressnosuchopinion.Anauditalsoincludesevaluatingthe appropriatenessofaccountingpoliciesusedandthereasonablenessofsignificantaccountingestimatesmadeby management,aswellasevaluatingtheoverallpresentationoftheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.

Webelievethattheauditevidencewehaveobtainedissufficientandappropriatetoprovideabasisforouraudit opinion.

TotheExecutiveBoardof

TheEvangelicalCovenantChurch

Chicago,Illinois

Opinion

Inouropinion,theconsolidatedfinancialstatementsreferredtoabovepresentfairly,inallmaterialrespects,the consolidatedfinancialpositionofTheEvangelicalCovenantChurchasofSeptember30,2021and2020,andthe changesinitsconsolidatednetassetsandcashflowsfortheyearandeightmonthsthenended,respectively,in accordancewithaccountingprinciplesgenerallyacceptedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica.

Naperville,Illinois

December14,2022

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

September30,2021and2020

1.SIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIES:

NATUREOFORGANIZATION

TheEvangelicalCovenantChurch(the“Church”)andotherCovenantinstitutionsareaccountabletothe ExecutiveBoardoftheCovenantandtheCovenantAnnualMeeting.OnlythosefundsundertheExecutive Board'scontrolthatareassociatedwiththeChurchactivitiesareincludedintheseconsolidatedfinancial statements.Theconsolidatedfinancialstatementsexcludetheaccountsofmemberchurchesandregional conferences.TheyalsoexcludeotherCovenantinstitutionsadministeredbyseparateBoards.TheseCovenant institutionsarerelatedpartiesoftheChurchastheExecutiveBoardisamemberoftheirinstitutionalboards. RelatedpartiesincludeCovenantMinistriesofBenevolence,NorthParkUniversity,NationalCovenant Properties,CovenantTrustCompany,PaulCarlsonPartnership,andCentroHispanodeEstudiosTeologicosdel PactoEvangelico.TheChurchisexemptfromtaxationpursuanttoSection501(a)asanorganizationdescribed inSection501(c)(3)oftheInternalRevenueCode(IRC).Inaddition,theChurchhasbeenclassifiedasan organizationthatisnotaprivatefoundationunderIRCSection509(a)(1).Accordingly,noprovisionforfederal orstateincometaxesisrequired.

BASISOFCONSOLIDATION

Bezalel,Inc.andCovScholarsLLCarenonprofitorganizationswhosesolememberistheChurch.Theyhave beenincorporatedintheStateofIllinoiswithinthemeaningofSection501(c)(3)oftheIRC.Bezalel,Inc.was formedin2016toassisttheChurchinacquiringanddevelopingrealpropertyforfamiliesinlow-income communities.CovScholarswasformedin2017toprovidealoanprogramforscholarsatNorthPark TheologicalSeminary.Intercompanytransactionsandbalanceshavebeeneliminatedforconsolidatedfinancial statementpurposes.

BASISOFACCOUNTING

Thepreparationofconsolidatedfinancialstatementsinconformitywithaccountingprinciplesgenerally acceptedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica(U.S.GAAP)requiresmanagementtomakeestimatesand assumptionsthataffectthereportedamountsofassetsandliabilitiesanddisclosureofcontingentassetsand liabilitiesatthedateoftheconsolidatedfinancialstatements,andthereportedamountsofincomeandexpenses duringthereportingperiod.Actualresultscoulddifferfromthoseestimates.

CHANGEINFISCALYEAR

InMarch2020,theExecutiveBoardchangedtheChurch'sfiscalyearendtoSeptember30.Therefore,the consolidatedfinancialstatementspresentedfortheyearendedSeptember30,2021andperiodendedSeptember 30,2020,reflecttheresultsofactivityfortheyearandeightmonthperiod,respectively.

CASHANDCASHEQUIVALENTS

Cashandcashequivalentsincludechecking,savings,andmoneymarketaccounts.Attimesthesebalancesmay exceedfederallyinsuredlimits.AsofSeptember30,2021and2020,theChurchhadcashondepositthat exceededfederallyinsuredlimitsby$882,225and$2,719,449,respectively.TheChurchhasnotexperienced anylossesontheseaccountsanddoesnotbelieveitisexposedtoanysignificantrisk.

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

NotestoConsolidatedFinancialStatements

September30,2021and2020

1.SIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIES,continued:

INVESTMENTS

Investments,includinginvestmentswhoseuseislimited,withreadilydeterminablefairvaluesarereportedat fairvaluebasedonquotedmarketprices.Investments,includinginvestmentswhoseuseislimited,inNational CovenantProperty(NCP)CertificatesandNCPDemandAccountsarereportedatcostplusaccruedinterest. InvestmentinCovenantTrustCompany(CTC)isreportedundertheequitymethod.Investmentincomeand realizedandunrealizedappreciationanddepreciationareincludedininvestmentincomeintheconsolidated statementsofactivities.Assetsfundingendowmentnetassetsareincludedininvestmentsontheconsolidated statementsoffinancialposition.

CONTRIBUTIONSANDBEQUESTS

Contributionsandbequestsarerecordedatthetimeofnotificationofanunconditionalpromisefromthedonor andareclassifiedasnetassetswithoutdonorrestrictionsornetassetswithdonorrestrictions(seeNote10).Net assetswithoutdonorrestrictionsareprimarilyderivedfrommemberchurches,individualdonors,andfees(see Note8).Restrictedcontributionsarereceivedfrommemberchurchesandindividualdonorsinsupportof variousministriesoftheChurch.Fundsareraisedbymemberchurches,directmailingstoindividuals,and promotionofministryopportunitiesthroughtheChurch'swebsite.Contributionsreceivablerepresentamounts expectedtobecollectedwithinlessthanoneyear.

NOTESANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLE

NotesandaccountsreceivableconsistofdiscretionaryloansmadetoCovenantentitiesforbuildingprojects withrelatedaccruedinterestandvariousreceivablesfromotherCovenantentities.Allnotesandaccounts receivablearedueondemand.Theallowancefornotesandaccountsreceivableismaintainedatalevelthat,in management'sjudgment,isadequatetoabsorbprobablelosses.

PROPERTYANDEQUIPMENT

Propertyandequipmentinexcessof$5,000arecapitalizedatcost,orifdonated,atthefairmarketvalueonthe dateofthegift.Propertyandequipmentisdepreciatedonastraight-linebasisovertheirestimatedusefullives, rangingfrom5to50years.Propertydonatedwithrestrictionsregardingitsuseandcontributionsofcashto acquirepropertyarereportedasrestrictedsupport.Absentanydonorstipulations,theserestrictionsexpirewhen theassetisacquiredorplacedinservice,andareclassificationismadefromnetassetswithdonorrestrictions tonetassetswithoutdonorrestrictionsatthattime.

REALESTATEHELDFORSALE

Realestateheldforsaleisinitiallyreportedatcost,ifpurchased,orfairvalueonthedateofreceiptas determinedbyappraisalsandthereafteradjustedtoestimatednetrealizablevalue.Allrealestateheldforsaleis activelymarketedandisexpectedtobesoldwithinoneyear.Subsequentgainsfromdispositionofproperty heldforsalearerecordedasgainonsaleofpropertyintheperiodrealized.Subsequentlossesarerecordedin theperiodwhenitisprobableandabletobeestimated.

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH NotestoConsolidatedFinancialStatements

September30,2021and2020

1.SIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIES,continued:

INSURANCEPAYABLE

CovenantBenefitsService(CBS),formerlynamedBethanyBenefitService,anactivityoftheChurch, administersthevoluntaryhealth(includingmedical,dental,prescriptiondrugandvision),life,andlongterm disabilityinsuranceplanforthedenomination'sministers,missionaries,andstaff.CBScollectsandremitsthe benefitpremiumsonbehalfoftheparticipants.Amountspayablerepresentbenefitpremiumscollectedfrom participantsnotyetremittedtotheinsurancecarrieratyearendaswellasreservesallocatedtoCBStocover futureliabilitiesincludingclaimsincurredbutnotreceived.

ANNUITYAGREEMENTS

TheChurchhasanobligationtomakepaymentsundercharitablegiftannuityagreements.Inaccordancewith variousstateregulations,theChurchmaintainsseparatetrustfundsasareservefundtomeetthefuture paymentsundertheseagreements(seeNote13).Annuitiespayablearedeterminedbasedupontheannuitants’ agesandlifeexpectanciesusingrateswhichcomplywithvariousstaterequirements.Adiscountrateof7%and theAnnuity2015MortalityTablewereusedinthevaluationoftheannuityagreements.Payoutsaremadefor thelifeoftheannuitantsatratesrangingfrom4.2%to21.6%basedonexistingannuityagreements.Theexcess ofamountsavailabletofundtheannuitiesoverthecalculatedamountofannuitiespayableisrecordedasnet assetswithorwithoutdonorrestrictionsiftheresidualisavailabletotheChurchorasaliabilityiftheresidual ispayabletoothersorotherCovenantentities.

DEFERREDINCOME

Deferredincomeincludesmoniesreceivedinadvanceformeetingsandevents,andpaymentsreceivedfor subscriptionsnotyetmailed.Inaddition,deferredincomeincludesgrantfundsreceivedthathavenotyetbeen expendedandaresubjecttocertainconditions.

CLASSESOFNETASSETS

Theconsolidatedfinancialstatementsreportamountsseparatelybyclassesofnetassetsasfollows:

NetassetswithoutdonorrestrictionsarethosecurrentlyavailableatthediscretionoftheExecutiveBoardfor useintheChurch'soperations,thosedesignatedbytheBoardforspecificpurposes,andthoseresources investedinpropertyandequipment.

Netassetswithdonorrestrictionsarethosecontributedwithdonors'restrictionsforspecificoperatingpurposes orprograms,orthosewithtimingrestrictions.TheyarenotcurrentlyavailableforuseintheChurch'sministries untilcommitmentsregardingtheirusehavebeenfulfilled.Whenadonorrestrictionexpires,thatis,whena stipulatedtimerestrictionendsorthepurposerestrictionisaccomplished,netassetswithdonorrestrictionsare reclassifiedtonetassetswithoutdonorrestrictionsandreportedintheconsolidatedstatementsofactivitiesas netassetsreleasedfromrestrictions.Netassetswithdonorrestrictionsalsoincludethoserestrictedbydonorsin perpetuity.Theseassetsareincludedwithinvestments.

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

NotestoConsolidatedFinancialStatements

September30,2021and2020

1.SIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIES,continued:

EXPENSES

Expensesarerecordedasincurredinaccordancewiththeaccrualbasisofaccounting.Thecostsofproviding thevariousprogramservicesandsupportingactivitieshavebeensummarizedonafunctionalbasisinNote14. Accordingly,certaincostshavebeenallocatedamongtheprogramservicesandsupportingactivitiesbenefited. Advertisingcosts,ifany,areexpensedasincurred.

MEETINGSANDEVENTS

MeetingsandeventsincomeandexpensesincludetheactivitiesoftheChurch'sannualmeetingandanannual conferenceheldforChurchpastors.Additionally,awomen'sconferenceisheldeverythreeyears.Paymentsfor theseeventsareduepriortotheeventstakingplace,andrevenueisrecognizedratablyovertheeventperiod, whichtypicallyrangefrom3-5days.Salesrevenueisrecognizedatthepointofsale.

RECENTLYADOPTEDACCOUNTINGSTANDARDS

AsofOctober1,2020,theChurchadoptedtheprovisionsoftheFinancialAccountingStandardsBoard(FASB) AccountingStandardsUpdate(ASU)2018-13,ChangestotheDisclosureRequirementsforFairValue Measurement.Thenewstandardisdesignedtosimplifythedisclosuresrelatedtofairvaluemeasurements. Adoptionofthisstandardhadnoeffectonchangeinnetassetsornetassetsintotal.

AsofOctober1,2020,theChurchadoptedtheprovisionsoftheFASBASU2014-09,RevenuefromContracts withCustomers.ASU2014-09appliestoexchangetransactionswithcustomersthatareboundbycontractsor similararrangementsandestablishesaperformanceobligationapproachtorevenuerecognition.Followingthe adoptionoftheASU,theChurchcontinuestorecognizerevenuefromprogramfeesasservicesareprovided, whichcorrespondstotheyearinwhichtherelatedprogramsandservicesarerendered.Therewasnomaterial impacttotheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsasaresultofadoption.TheASUhasbeenapplied retrospectivelytoallperiodspresented,withnoeffectonnetassetsorpreviouslyissuedconsolidatedfinancial statements.Additionaldisclosuresregardingrevenueaccountingpolicieswithregardstocontractswereadded.

RECLASSIFICATIONS

Certainprioryearbalanceshavebeenreclassifiedtoconformwiththecurrentyearpresentation.Assetsheldfor boarddesignatedpurposes(consistingofcashtotaling$199,750andinvestmentstotaling$6,246,312)at September30,2020,werereclassifiedoutofcashandcashequivalentsandinvestments,respectively,and presentedinaseparatelineitemontheconsolidatedstatementsoffinancialposition.

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

NotestoConsolidatedFinancialStatements

September30,2021and2020

2.INVESTMENTSANDINVESTMENTSWHOSEUSEISLIMITED:

InvestmentsasofSeptember30,2021and2020,consistofthefollowing:

InvestmentsasofSeptember30,2021and2020,arereportedontheconsolidatedstatementsoffinancial positionasfollows:

Investments,whoseuseislimitedasofSeptember30,2021and2020,consistofthefollowing:

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

NotestoConsolidatedFinancialStatements

September30,2021and2020

2.INVESTMENTSANDINVESTMENTSWHOSEUSEISLIMITED,continued:

InvestmentsinNCPCertificatesbearinterestatratesrangingfrom0.75%to3.5%andmaturethrough2026. InvestmentsinNCPDemandAccountsbearinterestat0.75%andareredeemableondemand.

InvestmentintheCTCrepresentstheChurch'sownershipinterestintheCTC,whichisequallyownedwith relatedpartiesNorthParkUniversityandCovenantMinistriesofBenevolence.

FeespaidforinvestmentsheldandmanagedbytheCTCwere$54,355and$52,579fortheyearandeight monthsendedSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively.Includedininvestmentincomeis$243,428and $157,575ofinterestincomeearnedfromsourcesheldatotherthanfairvaluefortheyearandeightmonths endedSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively.

AtSeptember30,2021,approximately$53.3millionoftheChurch'sinvestmentportfoliowasheldand managedbyCTCandapproximately$16.7millionwasheldatNCP.Whiletheseassetsaresubjectto investmentrisk,theChurchhasnotincurredanddoesnotexpecttoincuranylossesrelatedtothesolvencyof theentitiesthemselves.TheChurchdoesnotbelieveitisexposedtoanysignificantriskoflossrelatedtothese entities.

3.FAIRVALUEMEASUREMENTSANDDISCLOSURES:

TheChurchusesappropriatevaluationtechniquestodeterminefairvaluebasedoninputsavailableusingthe hierarchicaldisclosureframeworkwhichprioritizesandranksthelevelofmarketpriceobservabilityusedin measuringtheinvestmentsatfairvalue.Marketpriceobservabilityisimpactedbyanumberoffactors, includingthetypeofinvestmentandthecharacteristicsspecifictotheinvestment.Investmentswithreadily availableactivequotedpricesorforwhichfairvaluecanbemeasuredfromactivelyquotedpricesgenerally willhaveahigherdegreeofmarketpriceobservabilityandalesserdegreeofjudgmentusedinmeasuringfair value.

Investmentsmeasuredandreportedatfairvalueareclassifiedanddisclosedinoneofthefollowingcategories:

LevelI—Quotedpricesareavailableinactivemarketsforidenticalassetsorliabilitiesasofthereportingdate. ThetypeofinvestmentsincludedinLevelIarepubliclytradedsecurities.

LevelII—Pricinginputsareotherthanquotedpricesinactivemarkets,whichareeitherdirectlyorindirectly observableasofthereportingdate,andfairvalueisdeterminedthroughtheuseofmodelsorothervaluation methodologies.

LevelIII—Pricinginputsareunobservableandincludesituationswherethereislittle,ifany,marketactivity fortheinvestment.Theinputsintothedeterminationoffairvaluerequiresignificantmanagementjudgment. Duetotheinherentuncertaintyoftheseestimates,thesevaluesmaydiffermateriallyfromthevaluesthatwould havebeenusedhadareadymarketfortheseinvestmentsexisted.

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

NotestoConsolidatedFinancialStatements

September30,2021and2020

3.FAIRVALUEMEASUREMENTSANDDISCLOSURES,continued:

Incertaincases,theinputsusedtomeasurefairvaluemayfallintodifferentlevelsofthefairvaluehierarchy.In suchcases,anassetorliability'slevelwithinthefairvaluehierarchyisbasedonthelowestlevelofinputthatis significanttothefairvaluemeasurement.Management'sassessmentofthesignificanceofaparticularinputto thefairvaluemeasurementinitsentiretyrequiresjudgementandconsidersfactorsspecifictotheinvestment.

ThefollowingtablesummarizesthevaluationoftheChurch'sfinancialassetsbytheabovefairvaluehierarchy levelsasofSeptember30,2021:

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

NotestoConsolidatedFinancialStatements

September30,2021and2020

3.FAIRVALUEMEASUREMENTSANDDISCLOSURES,continued:

ThefollowingtablesummarizesthevaluationoftheChurch'sfinancialassetsbytheabovefairvaluehierarchy levelsasofSeptember30,2020:

InvestmentsinNCPDemandAccounts,NCPCertificates,andtheinvestmentintheCTChavebeenexcluded fromthefairvaluehierarchyastheyarecarriedatcost,whichapproximatesfairvalue.

Otherassetsilliquidconsistsoflimitedliabilitypartnershipsandarecarriedatfairvalue,asdeterminedbythe funds'generalpartnersbasedoninformationprovidedbythefunds’underlyingprofessionalmanagers.The fundsdonotallowforwithdrawalsofinvestmentsbutwillmakedistributionsofitsdistributablecashflowsto itslimitedpartnersovertheestimatedtenyearlifeofthefund.TheChurchhasanoutstandingcapital commitmentof$87,500and$87,500asofSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively.TheChurchmade additionalpurchasesofitslimitedpartnershipinvestmentstotaling$0and$19,173duringtheyearandeight monthperiodendedSeptember30,2022and2021,respectively. 204

4.PROPERTYANDEQUIPMENT:

PropertyandequipmentatSeptember30,2021and2020,consistofthefollowing:

5.LINESOFCREDITANDNOTESPAYABLE:

TheChurchhasalineofcreditwithNCP.AsofSeptember30,2021and2020,theavailablelineofcreditwas $2,500,000.AtSeptember30,2021and2020,theoutstandingbalancewas$600,000and$1,200,000, respectively.Theinterestrateissetattheprimerate,butinnoeventlessthan4.0%perannum.AtSeptember 30,2021and2020,theinterestratewas4.0%.Thislineofcreditispayableondemandwithsixtydayswritten notice.

TheChurchalsohasamortgagenotepayablewithNCPonthebuildingitnowownsandoccupies.Thisloan wasrefinancedinMay2019atatotalloanamountof$2,680,000.AsofSeptember30,2021and2020,the outstandingbalanceonthemortgagenotepayablewas$2,389,562and$2,516,973,respectively.Theinitial interestratewas4.75%.TheinterestratewasadjustedonMay1,2020andwillbeadjustedeverytwelve monthsthereafter.AtSeptember30,2021and2020,theinterestratewas3.875%and4.25%,respectively. Undertherefinancedloanterms,principalandinterestispaidmonthlyinarrearsininstallmentsof$18,792, basedonthemostrecentinterestrateadjustment.AllunpaidprincipalandinterestisdueandpayableonMay1, 2032.Thenoteissecuredwithrealestate.

DuringtheyearendedSeptember30,2021,theChurchacquiredrealestatelocatedinDolton,Illinoisby assumingtworelatedmortgagenotespayablewithNCPtotaling$1,298,049.Onemortgagenotepayableinthe amountof$551,735wassubsequentlypaidoffduringtheyearendedSeptember30,2021.AsofSeptember30, 2021,theoutstandingbalanceowedbytheChurchontheremainingmortgagenotewas$744,991.At September30,2021,themortgagenotepayableboreinterestat3.875%,subjecttoarateadjustmenteverythree years,andisdueonFebruary28,2035.Monthlypaymentsofprincipalandinteresttotaling$4,895arerequired. Thisloanissecuredbyrealestate.

DuringtheyearendedJanuary31,2017,Bezalel,Inc.obtainedamortgagewithNCPtoacquirerealestatein Dolton,IL.Theoriginalprincipalamountwasnottoexceed$500,000.Interest,chargedatprimerate,butno lessthan4%,wasaddedtotheprincipaloftheloan.AtSeptember30,2020,theinterestratewas4.0%.The mortgagebalanceofeachpropertywasdueinfulluponthesaleoftheproperty.Theoutstandingbalanceonthe mortgagenotepayablewas$0and$663,399asofSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively.Thisnotewas securedwithrealestate.

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

NotestoConsolidatedFinancialStatements

September30,2021and2020

5.LINESOFCREDITANDNOTESPAYABLE,continued:

DuringtheyearendedJanuary31,2018,theChurchstartedaprogramcalledCovScholars.TheChurch obtainedaloanwithNCPtobeabletooffereligibleCovenantScholarsinterestfreeloans.Theoriginal principalamountfortheECCisnottoexceed$1,000,000.Interest,chargedatprimerate,butnolessthan4.0%, isaddedtotheprincipaloftheloan.AtSeptember30,2021and2020,theinterestratewas4.0%,andisdue monthly.Principalpaymentswillbeduefromthestudentscommencingontheearlierofsixmonthsafter completionofthecoursework/graduationatNorthParkTheologicalSeminaryorsixmonthsafterceasingtobe enrolledatleasthalf-time.ThetotaloutstandingasofSeptember30,2021and2020,is$225,600and$225,653, respectively.

DuringtheyearendedJanuary31,2019,theChurchestablisheda$1,000,000lineofcreditwithNCPinsupport ofpastoralgrantmaking.Theinterestrateissetattheprimerate,butinnoeventlessthan4.0%perannum.At September30,2021and2020,theinterestratewas4.0%.Thislineofcreditispayableondemandwithsixty dayswrittennotice.Theoutstandingbalanceonthelineofcreditis$292,295and$303,309asofSeptember30, 2021and2020,respectively,andissecuredbyinvestedfundsfromproceedsofagrantfromtheLilly

AspartoftheresponsetotheimpactofCOVID-19,theChurchappliedforaPaycheckProtectionProgram (PPP)loan,administeredbytheSmallBusinessAdministration(SBA),undertheCARESAct,whichwas signedintolawinMarch2020.TheChurchwasapprovedforaloanintheamountof$1,775,900inMay2020. ThePPPloanprogramprovidesforpotentialloanforgivenessuptothefullamountoftheloanprovidedthe Churchovercomes(meets)certainloanstipulations.TheChurchreceivednoticefromitslenderinJuly2021 thatthefullamountoftheloanhadbeenforgiven.

PrincipalpaymentsonlinesofcreditandnotespayablearedueasfollowsfortheyearsendingSeptember30:

InterestexpensefortheyearendedSeptember30,2021andeightmonthperiodendedSeptember30,2020,was $114,884and$87,170respectively.

GUARANTOROFDEBT

TheChurchisliableasjointguarantor,withtheregionalconferences,ofvariousmortgageloansoflocal Covenantchurches.AsofSeptember30,2021,theoutstandingprincipalbalanceontheseloanstotaled $66,422,956.Theseloansaresecuredbytherelatedproperties.TheChurchhaspledgedinvestmentstotaling $1,256,546assecurityfortheseloans.Themortgageloanshavematuritydatesrangingfromondemand throughtheyear2050.

6.COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIES:

GUARANTOROFDEBT,continued

TheChurchalsoguaranteedamortgageloantoalocaldevelopmentcompanyforitspurchaseofrealproperty inDolton,IL.Theoutstandingbalanceonthisloanwas$250,000asofSeptember30,2020.Thenotewas securedwithavariableratecertificateintheprincipalamountofnotlessthan$200,000andpropertiesowned bythedevelopmentcompany.TheChurchassumedthisloaninJuly2021,andpaidthebalanceinfull.

COVENANTAGREEMENTS

TheChurchparticipatesinsponsoringvarious“CovenantAgreements”withregionalchurchconferences. Theseintentionstogivearenotrecordedintheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsbecausetheyonlyconstitute expressionsofintenttogivewherealldiscretiontotransfertheresourcesrestswiththeChurch.TheCovenant Agreementsprovidesupportforpastorsalariesandbenefitsatvariousmemberchurches.Thereareno commitmentsbeyondfiscalyear2026.TheChurch'splannedexpendituresunderexistingCovenantAgreements areasfollowsfortheyearsendingSeptember30:

7.BENEFICIALINTERESTOFGIFTINSTRUMENTS:

AsourceoffundstotheChurchisintheformofbequestsfromdeceasedchurchmembersandotherparties. TheCovenantEstatePlanningServices,anaffiliateoftheChurch,maintainsinformationastotheestimated valuesoftheChurch'sshareoftrustsandotherestateplanningmechanismsusedbydonors.Estimatesofvalue astotheunderlyingassetsofthetrustsorotherarrangementsrelyonquotedmarketpricesinthecaseofstocks andotherequityandtradeddebtsecurities,appraisalvalue(whereavailable)forrealproperty,andother reasonableestimatesmadebythetrusteesforspecificassets.

AmountsrelatedtoirrevocabletrustsforwhichtheChurchisnamedasbeneficiaryarereflectedinthe consolidatedstatementsoffinancialpositionasInterestinIrrevocableTrusts.TrustswhichnametheChurchas beneficiary,butwhichallowthebeneficiarytobechangedtoadifferentChurchrelatedentityatthediscretion ofthegrantor,arenotconsideredirrevocableforaccountingpurposesand,accordingly,havenotbeenrecorded intheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.TheInterestinIrrevocableTrustsbecomesavailabletotheChurch upondeathofthegrantor.DuringtheyearendedSeptember30,2021andeightmonthperiodendedSeptember 30,2020,theChurchwasnotthebeneficiaryofanynewirrevocabletrusts.

TheChurchchargesfeesforadministrativeandmanagementservicesprovidedtootherCovenantinstitutions andfundsoftheChurch.Feesareassessedmonthly,andtheChurchrecognizesrevenueastheservicesare performed.FeeschargedtorelatedCovenantinstitutionsandfundswere$3,904,879and$2,601,221forthe yearendedSeptember30,2021andeightmonthperiodendedSeptember30,2020,respectively.Inaddition,the Churchrecorded$296,109and$181,568fortheyearendedSeptember30,2021andeightmonthperiodended September30,2020,respectively,asreimbursementofexpensesincurredbytheChurch,whicharereflectedas areductionofgeneraladministrationexpendituresintheconsolidatedstatementsofactivities.

TheChurchparticipatesintwomultiemployerplans.Therisksofparticipatinginthesemultiemployerplans differfromsingle-employerplansinthefollowingaspects:

Assetscontributedtothemultiemployerplanbyoneemployermaybeusedtoprovidebenefitstoemployees ofotherparticipatingemployers.

Ifaparticipatingemployerstopscontributingtotheplan,theunfundedobligationsoftheplanmaybeborne bytheremainingparticipatingemployer.

Iftheorganizationchoosestostopparticipatinginthemultiemployerplan,itmayberequiredtopaytothe plananamountbasedontheunderfundedstatusoftheplan,referredtoasawithdrawalliability.

Allfull-timeministersparticipateintheCovenantPensionPlan.Thismultiemployerplan,administeredbythe BoardofPensionsandBenefitsoftheEvangelicalCovenantChurch,isnoncontributoryandprovidesdefined benefitsbasedonyearsofserviceandremuneration.Covenantordainedorlicensedministersservingfulltime inthedenomination,inoneofitsconferencesorinCovenantchurchesarerequiredtoparticipateinthe CovenantPensionPlan.Full-timemissionariesoftheCovenantarealsorequiredtoparticipate.The contributionrateis12.5%oftheannualcompensation,includinghousingallowances,ofparticipating personnel.Participantswithfiveyearsofserviceareentitledtopensionbenefitsuponretirement.Pension benefitsarepaidmonthlyandarebasedonlengthofserviceandcompensation.Pensionexpense,representing theChurch'srequiredcontributiontotheCovenantPensionPlan,was$538,030and$403,438fortheyearand eightmonthsyearendedSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively.ThecontributionsmadebytheChurch representedapproximately8%and5%ofthetotalcontributionsmadetotheCovenantPensionPlanin2021 and2020,respectively.TotheextenttheCovenantPensionPlanisunderfunded,futurecontributionstothe Planmayincrease.

TheCovenantPensionPlanisnotanEmployeeRetirementIncomeSecurityAct(ERISA)Planandisnot requiredtofileForm5500.TheCovenantPensionPlan'sfiscalyearisJanuary1toDecember31.

TotalcontributionsfromallemployerstothePlanfortheyearsendedDecember31,2021and2020,areas follows:

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

NotestoConsolidatedFinancialStatements

September30,2021and2020

9.PENSIONTRUSTFUND,continued:

AsofDecember31,2021,theCovenantPensionPlan'stotalnetassetsavailableforbenefitswere$306,843,183 andtheactuarialpresentvalueofaccumulatedplanbenefitswas$260,689,484.AsofDecember31,2020,the CovenantPensionPlan'stotalnetassetsavailableforbenefitswere$272,741,488andtheactuarialpresent valueofaccumulatedplanbenefitswas$256,243,955.AsofDecember31,2021,thePlanwas100%funded, basedonthechurchplanassumptionsutilizedbymanagement.

LayemployeesoftheChurchhiredbeforeMay2013participateinTheEvangelicalCovenantChurchLay PensionPlan(the“LayPlan”).Thismultiemployerplan,administeredbytheChurch,isnoncontributoryand providesdefinedbenefitsbasedonyearsofserviceandremunerationnearretirement.ThisLayPlanwas previouslyapartofTheEvangelicalCovenantChurchRetirementPlan(the“Plan”)andwasadministeredby theBoardofBenevolenceoftheEvangelicalCovenantChurch.TheLayPlanbeganoperationsonJanuary1, 2014.

EligibleemployeesarealllayemployeesoftheChurchanditsrelatedentities.Participantswithfiveyearsof serviceareentitledtopensionbenefitsuponretirement.Retirementbenefitsarepaidtopensionersor beneficiariesinvariousformsofjointandsurvivorannuities,includingalump-sumpaymentoptionifthe earnedbenefitislessthan$10,000.Pensionexpense,representingtheChurch’srequiredcontributiontotheLay Plan,was$62,526and$353,199fortheyearendedSeptember30,2021andeightmonthperiodended September30,2020,respectively.ThecontributionsmadebytheChurchrepresentedapproximately67%and 63%ofthetotalcontributionsmadetotheLayPlanin2021and2020,respectively.TotheextenttheLayPlan isunderfunded,futurecontributionstotheLayPlanmayincrease.EffectiveDecember31,2021,theLayPlan wasfrozen.

TheLayPlanisaChurchplan(notanERISAPlan)andisnotrequiredtofileForm5500.ThePlan'sfiscalyear isfromJanuary1toDecember31.

TotalcontributionsfromallemployerstotheLayPlanfortheyearsendedDecember31,2021and2020,areas follows:

EvangelicalCovenantChurchLay

PensionPlan

AsofDecember31,2021,theLayPlan’stotalnetassetsavailableforbenefitswere$12,732,033andthe actuarialpresentvalueofaccumulatedplanbenefitswas$10,376,206.AsofDecember31,2020,theLayPlan's totalnetassetsavailableforbenefitswere$11,506,542andtheactuarialpresentvalueofaccumulatedplan benefitswas$10,266,094.AsofDecember31,2021,thePlanwas100%funded,basedontheChurchPlan assumptionsutilizedbymanagement.

Full-timeemployeeshiredinMay2013orthereafterarecoveredundera403(b)contributoryplan.TheChurch contributed$262,605and$144,365tothe403(b)contributoryplanintheyearendedSeptember30,2021and eightmonthperiodendedSeptember30,2020,respectively.Asthe403(b)plancoversemployeesofother institutions,assetandbenefitinformationapplicabletotheChurchisnotavailable.

10.NETASSETS:

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

TheChurch'sgoverningboard,throughspecificaction,hascreatedself-imposedlimitsonnetassetswithout donorrestrictions.Theboardhassetaside$6,243,284and$6,446,062foritsFinancialReliefInitiative programasofSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively.Thesenetassetscanbedrawnuponiftheboard approvessuchaction.

September30,2021and2020

11.ENDOWMENTFUNDS:

TheChurch'sendowmentnetassetsconsistofseparateinvestmentaccountsestablishedforavarietyof purposes.AsrequiredbyGAAP,netassetsassociatedwithendowmentfundsareclassifiedandreportedbased ontheexistenceorabsenceofdonor-imposedrestrictions.MostoftheChurch'sendowmentfundsrequiredto beheldinperpetuityareintheCovenantEndowmentTrust(CET).CETismanagedbytheCTCasTrustee.It wascreatedasasupportingorganizationtoprovidefortheorderlyinvestmentandmanagementofgiftswitha permanentdonorrestrictiontobeconsistentwiththedonor'scharitablepurposesandobjectivesforthebenefit oftheChurch,allitschurchesandallorganizationsaffiliatedwithit.WhileitcontainsgiftsfortheChurch,the majorityofthefundisforthebenefitofotherCovenantentities.TheChurch'sendowmentnetassetsalso includeinvestedfundsheldundertermagreementsforStart&StrengthenChurchesandCovenantWorld Relief.

TheChurchhasinterpretedtheUniformPrudentManagementofInstitutionalFundsAct(UPMIFA)as requiringthepreservationofthefairvalueoftheoriginalgift,asofthegiftdateofthedonorfundswitha permanentrestrictionabsentexplicitdonorstipulationstothecontrary.Asaresultofthisinterpretation,the Churchclassifiesasnetassetsrestrictedinperpetuity(a)theoriginalvalueofgifts,(b)theoriginalvalueof subsequentgifts,and(c)accumulationsmadeinaccordancewiththedirectionoftheapplicabledonorgift instrumentatthetimetheaccumulationisaddedtothefund.Theremainingportionofthefundwithdonor restrictionsthatisnotclassifiedinnetassetsrestrictedinperpetuityisclassifiedasnetassetsrestrictedby purposeortimeuntilthoseamountsareappropriatedforexpenditurebytheChurchinamannerconsistentwith thestandardofprudenceprescribedbyUPMIFA.

InaccordancewithUPMIFA,theorganizationconsidersthefollowingfactorsinmakingadeterminationto appropriateoraccumulatedonor-restrictedfunds:

1Thedurationandpreservationofthefund.

2Thepurposesoftheorganizationandthedonor-restrictedfund.

3Generaleconomicconditions.

4Thepossibleeffectofinflationanddeflation.

5Theexpectedtotalreturnfromincomeandappreciationofinvestments.

6Otherresourcesoftheorganization.

7Theinvestmentpoliciesoftheorganization.

September30,2021and2020

11.ENDOWMENTFUNDS,continued:

ChangesinendowmentnetassetsfortheyearendedSeptember30,2021:

FundswithDeficiencies:Fromtimetotime,thefairvalueofassetsassociatedwithindividualdonorrestricted endowmentfundsmayfallbelowthelevelthatthedonororUPMIFArequirestheChurchtoretainasafundof perpetualduration.TherewerenosuchdeficienciesasofSeptember30,2021and2020.

ReturnObjectivesandRiskParameters:TheChurchhasadoptedinvestmentandspendingpoliciesfor endowmentassetsthatattempttoprovideapredictablestreamoffundingtoprogramswhileseekingtomaintain thepurchasingpoweroftheassets.Endowmentnetassetsincludethoseassetsofdonor-restrictedfundsthatthe ChurchmustholdinperpetuityandthoseassetsthattheChurchmustholdfordonor-specifiedperiodsor purposesalongwithrelatedinvestmentearnings.

StrategiesEmployedforAchievingObjectives:Tosatisfyitslong-termrate-of-returnobjectives,theChurch reliesonatotalreturnstrategyinwhichinvestmentreturnsareachievedthroughbothcapitalappreciation (realizedandunrealized)andcurrentyield(interestanddividends).

SpendingPolicy:DistributionsaremadefromCETattherateof5%annuallywithpaymentsbeingmade quarterly.Thedistributionismadefirstfromincomeandtotheextentthatincomeisinsufficient,from principal.

BasedonresolutionsadoptedbytheExecutiveBoardoftheChurch,theChurchprovidessupplemental retirementbenefitpaymentstoseveralformeremployees.TheChurchhasaccruedaliabilityof$541,647and $575,308atSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively,tofundthesepayments.Theliabilityisestimatedbased onlifeexpectancyofformeremployeesandadiscountrateof7%atSeptember30,2021and2020.Duringthe yearendedSeptember30,2021andeightmonthperiodendedSeptember30,2020,thesupplementalretirement benefitpaymentswere$89,893and$59,928,respectively.

TheChurchhasanobligationtomakepaymentsundercharitablegiftannuityagreements.Inaccordancewith variousstateregulations,theChurchmaintainsseparatetrustfundsasareservetomeetthefuturepayments undertheseagreements.

fees,function.Therefore,theseexpensesrequireallocationonareasonablebasisthatisconsistentlyapplied.Theexpensesthatareallocatedincludesalariesandbenefits,travel,conferencesandmeetings,professionalsupportingactivitiesfortheyearsendedSeptember30,2021and2020.TheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsreportcertaincategoriesofexpensesthatareattributabletomorethanoneprogramorsupportingThecostsofprovidingthevariousprogramservicesandsupportingactivitieshavebeensummarizedbelowonafunctionalbasis.Accordingly,certaincostshavebeenallocatedamongtheprogramservicesand board expense, and certain office expenses, which are allocated on the basis of estimates of time and effort, as well as certain occupancy costs, which are allocated on a square footage basis.

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH NotestoConsolidatedFinancialStatements

September30,2021and2020

15.REALESTATEHELDFORSALE:

RealestateatSeptember30,2021,consistsofpropertylocatedinDolton,Illinois,andrealestateatSeptember 30,2020,consistedofpropertyheldundertheBezalel,LLCministry.DuringtheyearendedSeptember30, 2021,pursuanttoanagreementwithNCPandNewZionChristianFellowshipChurch,theChurchacquired titletorealpropertyinDolton,Illinoisvaluedat$815,388,andassumedthetwounderlyingloanswithNCP.

BezalelInc.purchasedpropertyinDolton,Illinoistoacquireandrenovatehomesforcommunityfamiliesas partoftheChurch'sinitiativeofcommunitydevelopment.AsofSeptember30,2021and2020,therecorded valueofthepropertywas$0and$592,719,respectively.Thesepropertiesweresoldduringtheyearended September30,2021,fornetproceedstotaling$426,099,resultinginalossonsaletotalingapproximately $166,620.

16.TRANSACTIONSWITHAFFILIATEDENTITIES:

Inadditiontothetransactionswithaffiliatedentitiesnotedelsewhere,thefollowingwerealsonoted:

TheChurchgiftedapproximately$1,073,000and$667,000toanaffiliatedorganizationduringtheyearand eightmonthsendedSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively.TheChurchalsoreceivedapproximately $255,000and$170,000fromthisaffiliatedorganizationforadministrativeandmanagementservicesprovided duringtheyearandeightmonthsendedSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively.

TheChurchreceived$0and$7,000,000incontributionsfromanaffiliatedorganizationduringtheyearand eightmonthsendedSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively,thatwasdesignatedbytheChurchboardfor theFinancialReliefInitiativeprogram.TheChurchalsoreceived$1,512,000and$1,008,000fromthis affiliatedorganizationforadministrativeandmanagementservicesprovidedduringtheyearandeightmonths endedSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively.

TheChurchreceivedapproximately$495,000and$328,000fromanaffiliatedorganizationforadministrative andmanagementservicesprovidedduringtheyearandeightmonthsendedSeptember30,2021and2020, respectively.

TheChurchreceived$60,000and$40,000fromanaffiliatedorganizationforadministrativeandmanagement servicesprovidedduringtheyearandeightmonthsendedSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively.

AspartoftheChurch'sliquiditymanagement,itinvestscashinexcessofdailyrequirementininvestments. Thereisanestablishedfunddesignatedbymanagementwiththeobjectiveofsettingfundsasidetobedrawn uponintheeventoffinancialdistressoranimmediateliquidityneedresultingfromeventsoutsideofthetypical lifecycleofconvertingfinancialassetstocashorsettlingfinancialliabilities.Intheeventofanunanticipated liquidityneed,theChurchcouldalsodrawuponits$2,500,000operatinglineofcredit(asfurtherdiscussedin Note5),ofwhich$600,000and$1,200,000wasoutstandingatSeptember30,2021and2020,respectively.

ThefollowingreflectstheChurch'sfinancialassetsasofthebalancesheetdate,includingamountsnot availablewithinoneyearofthebalancesheetdate.Amountsnotavailableincludeamountsilliquidornot convertibletocashwithinoneyear,perpetualandtermendowmentsandaccumulatedearningssubjectto appropriationbeyondoneyear,contractualordonor-imposedrestrictions,orbecausetheboardhassetaside fundsforspecificprojects.Theseboarddesignationscouldbedrawnuponiftheboardapprovesthataction.

Lessthoseunavailableforgeneralexpenditureswithinoneyear,dueto:

THEEVANGELICALCOVENANTCHURCH

NotestoConsolidatedFinancialStatements

September30,2021and2020

18.RISKSANDUNCERTAINTIES:

InMarchof2020,theWorldHealthOrganizationdeclaredtheoutbreakofthecoronavirus(COVID-19)asa pandemicwhichcontinuestospreadthroughouttheUnitedStates.COVID-19hascausedaseverenegative impactontheworldeconomyandhascontributedtosignificantvolatilityinfinancialmarkets.Thedurationand impactoftheCOVID-19pandemic,aswellastheeffectivenessofgovernmentandcentralbankresponses, remainsunclearatthistime.Itisnotpossibletoreliablyestimatethedurationandseverityofthese consequences,aswellastheirimpactonthefinancialpositionandresultsoftheChurchforfutureperiods. Managementiscarefullymonitoringthesituationandevaluatingitsoptionsascircumstancesevolve.

19.SUBSEQUENTEVENTS:

SubsequenteventshavebeenevaluatedthroughDecember14,2022,whichrepresentsthedatetheconsolidated financialstatementswereavailabletobeissued.Subsequenteventsafterthatdatehavenotbeenevaluated.

SUPPLEMENTARYDATA

INDEPENDENTAUDITORS'REPORT ONSUPPLEMENTARYDATA

TotheExecutiveBoardof TheEvangelicalCovenantChurch Chicago,Illinois

WehaveauditedtheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsofTheEvangelicalCovenantChurchasofandfortheyear endedSeptember30,2021andeightmonthsendedSeptember30,2020,andourreportthereondatedDecember 14,2022,whichexpressesanunmodifiedopiniononthoseconsolidatedfinancialstatements,appearsonpage1. Ourauditswereconductedforthepurposeofforminganopinionontheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsasa whole.Theconsolidatingstatementsoffinancialpositiononpage29ispresentedforpurposesofadditional analysisoftheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsratherthantopresentthefinancialpositionoftheindividual organizations,anditisnotarequiredpartoftheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.Suchinformationisthe responsibilityofmanagementandwasderivedfromandrelatesdirectlytotheunderlyingaccountingandother recordsusedtopreparetheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.Theinformationhasbeensubjectedtotheauditing proceduresappliedintheauditoftheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsandcertainadditionalprocedures, includingcomparingandreconcilingsuchinformationdirectlytotheunderlyingaccountingandotherrecords usedtopreparetheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsortotheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsthemselves,and otheradditionalproceduresinaccordancewithauditingstandardsgenerallyacceptedintheUnitedStatesof America.Inouropinion,theinformationisfairlystatedinallmaterialrespectsinrelationtotheconsolidated financialstatementsasawhole.

Naperville,Illinois

December14,2022

Presentation and Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2024 Mission and Ministry Budget

We always appreciate the opportunity to provide you with a detailed overview of our finances and the Base Mission Investment budget. Together, we partner in a 3StrandStrong mission, and it is important that you are provided with the information you need to gauge the scope, stewardship, and effectiveness of that shared mission. Ultimately, our aim is to support, equip, and encourage our churches and members in the flourishing of their local ministries. On Saturday, July 1, we will present the proposed Mission and Ministry Budget for fiscal year 2024 (covering the period from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024). This budget was reviewed and affirmed by the Council of Administrators, as well as the Covenant Executive Board, who remanded primary approval authority to its Finance Committee. The FY2024 Base Mission Investment

Proposal

The details of that budget proposal are found in the table below:

totals $17,551,054.

For the purposes of this presentation, the budget data herein is formatted in accordance with the “Phase 1” strategic restructuring that will be brought before the Annual Meeting for consideration.

The FY2024 budget proposal of $17,551,054 is 4% lower than the FY2023 budget ($18,289,248) and 3.6% less than the FY2022 actual total spend ($18,214,725). Although the proposal assumes a 3% increase in the salary pool and a 9% increase in health insurance premiums, total employee compensation is $434,900 less than the FY23 budget primarily due to thoughtful consolidation of mission responsibilities (the result of the proposed strategic redesign). Other Base Mission Investment highlights:

• The total Serve Clergy budget is -2.2% below FY23 levels due to minor staff restructuring. However, the total reflects an increased investment in pastor care, and we are grateful to be able to continue our annual support of North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary at a level of $1 million.

• Despite an increase in projected church planting activity in FY24, the total Serve Locally budget projects a -19.7% decrease in net expenses versus FY23, primarily due to increased funding of Church Plant Appropriations via closed church funds.

• The cost of Total Mission Support (shared services) is projected to be 11.7% higher than FY23. The President’s Office budget is -18.4% less than FY23 due to staff consolidation and the absence of transitional costs expensed last year. The Advancement budget projects increased investment in staff and necessary travel costs, as well as a more accurate reflection of embedded gift processing costs.

• Total Mission Support (shared services) comprises 38% of the Base Mission Investment budget. One may wonder if that spend comprises perhaps too large a portion of the annual operating budget. Covenant leadership would insist that it does not. This spend supports much more than Covenant Office’s mission priorities. It also undergirds our vital ministry projects (e.g., Paul Carlson Partners, Covenant World Relief and Development), our affiliates (e.g, National Covenant Properties), our pastors (Covenant retirement and health insurance plans), our local churches (e.g., discipling materials and liability guarantees), our wider fellowship (e.g., Midwinter, Gather), and much more. We centralize our support functions to eliminate redundancies across ministry teams and to provide the utmost transparency around

this spend. The support cost details would disappear from our financials if we allowed each ministry team to hire its own IT expert, advancement professional, financial analyst, et cetera and it would thus appear that more provision was going directly into mission. However, the opposite would be true, and that paradigm would constitute poor stewardship on our part. Instead, we centralize our mission support spending only what is necessary to serve our whole mission and fully disclose that spend to you. (And I assure you that if you spent time with any of our hardworking, underpaid, mission-driven support teams, you would see that mission support is indeed mission!)

• The Other Expense category is projecting an increased spend in FY24 to reflect higher supplemental retirement benefit costs, as well as the expense of an annual staff gathering.

The FY2024 budget proposal includes the following funding projections:

The FY2024 budget proposal is the first fruits of a multiyear effort by Covenant leadership to attain a sustainable balanced annual budget. As I noted in the budget presentation at Gather 2022, this is a two-part endeavor. The FY2024 budget process focused primarily on mission provision the giving, fees, and income that fund the coordinated budget. Next year, the FY2025 budget process will be primarily oriented around Mission Investment or the cost of our mission. Please know that the “Phase 1” strategic redesign (that will be brought before this year’s Annual Meeting) is an important component of the FY2025 budget endeavor.

Our FY24 budget exploration (to assure that we are fully utilizing the resources available to fund our mission) was quite successful. While our Advancement team is projecting a -4.4% decline in unrestricted giving versus the FY2023 budget (representing the lowest projected level of giving to the coordinated budget since fiscal year 2015), the FY2024 budget includes $972,554 in new sources of

income that more than offset that decline. The “new” income includes increased annual support from Covenant Ministries of Benevolence, increased endowment income, and expanded (and allowable) budget coverage by project funds. This increase in provision, in tandem with the $697,603 increase in the Living Legacy Fund contribution (detailed above), has enhanced our projected FY2024 funding by over $1.67 million.

Accordingly, we are pleased to bring before you a balanced FY2024 Covenant budget proposal. The proposed budget requires only $167,485 in Mission Investment (a draw on our general reserves) to balance, which meets the criteria for a balanced budget as detailed in the board-designated policy. The $167k budget gap is a significant reduction from the $1.46 million gap projected in FY23 budget and the actual gap of $2.38 million in FY22 results.

In my presentation at Gather, we will further review the key data and drivers of the proposed budget, including: the operating activities of our Mission Priorities and our Mission Support teams, the substantial annual “external appropriations” activity in support of our mission friends, and the faithful giving of our churches and individual donors.

We thank you for your support of our shared mission and the daily confidence you place in us to shepherd the overall financial strategies of the Covenant. Please know that the Covenant Finance Team always seeks to ensure that our resources are stewarded in a manner that sustains and advances the Covenant mission, glorifies God, and honors the intent of our donors. If we are to mission well, we must steward well.

Respectfully,

Steve Klimkowski Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

Celebrating Covenant Mission and Ministry Together

Gifts to the Covenant Mission and Ministry Fund provide support to all fie mission priorities of the Evangelical Covenant Church—Make & Deepen Disciples, Start & Strengthen Churches, Love Mercy Do Justice, Develop Leaders, and Serve Globally. The fie mission priorities guide our kingdom work so that together we are able to join God in God’s mission to see more disciples among more populations in a more caring and just world.

As we reflect on this past year of mission and ministry, we are overflowing with thankfulness to God for all he accomplished through the Evangelical Covenant Church in 2022.

860 Covenant Churches

Serving a variety of communities

33% of Covenant congregations are ethnic or multiethnic

Reflecting ou roots as an immigrant church

26% of Covenant churches serve town and country or rural settings

150 town and country leaders receive support through the Covenant's Rural Impact Leadership Conference and Covenantsponsored webinars

1,200+ leaders from 39 congregations participated in the new phCheck missional health survey

Congregational health checkups

57% of Covenant church plants are led by persons of color

400+ leaders and pastors from across the country attended Eleva Conference

Spanish-language leadership training conference

$1,030,000 in consumer aid grants awarded to 100 pastors

Covenant Financial Leadership Initiative

56 church plants received coaching, training, and financial resourcing

Coaching extended for fie years to each pastor/plant

Raising Up New Leaders

A record 476 fist-year students enrolled at North Park University. 227 Ministry Leaders at North Park Theological Seminary on campus and regional satellite centers, and School of Restorative Arts

The Center for World Christian Studies

Training 214 individuals at North Park Theological Seminary

$960,000

to people of Ukraine

To assist with housing, food, clothing, medical care, transportation, trauma counseling, and immigration services

Global church short-term learning and service

328 participants in Merge/Global Engagements

Medical ambassadors

Serving 4 hospitals and 115 regional medical clinics in DR Congo

10 bridges completed for pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, and vehicles

Increase in daily crossings by 200% from previous year in DR Congo between Bogose, Nubea, and Karawa

$2.6 million to support community development and disaster relief

121 projects in 52 countries through our partners

FREE: Anti-Sex Trafficking initiative

• 8 grants to domestic and global partners

• 112 survivor children received intervention and rehabilitative services

• 300 individuals benefite from preventative eorts through our partners

The mission and ministry of the Covenant is a collective and collaborative work we are called into together—local church, conferences, and Covenant in mutual partnership— 3StrandStrong.

Deeply rooted and built up in Christ we are woven together—to God and one another.

Thank you for your partnership!

2023

Directed Ministry Opportunities

Directed ministry projects oer opportunities to direct your support to the area of Covenant mission and ministry that most closely aligns with your heart’s passions and commitment as part of our collective ministry together.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. COLOSSIANS 2:6-7

How can I support God’s mission through the Covenant?

Gifts are needed for general mission, directed mission, and designated mission to support God’s whole mission to the whole world through the Evangelical Covenant Church. Which types of giving are right for you?

GIFTS TO

Directed Mission

Support specific, directed ministry projects. Once a project is complete, any remaining funds may be used to support another ministry in that mission priority.

• Global Personnel (Covenant Missionaries)

• FREE: Anti SexTrafficking Initiative

• Covenant Partnerships with Global Churches

•AVA

•Crescendo

•Evangelism

GIFTS TO

•Church Planting

•Missional Health

•Coaching/Training

•Sankofa

•Intercultural Agility

•Ministerial Care

• Anti-Racism

Development Pathways

• Shalom Circles

•Congregational Thriving

Designated Mission

Support specific ministry projects. Funds remain restricted even when project is complete.

•Covenant World Relief and Development

•Covenant Kids Congo

•Paul Carlson Partnership

•Lilly Financial Initiative

•Sustaining Pastoral Excellence

GIFTS TO

General Mission

Supports general mission and ministry through our five mission priorities.

• Church planting throughout the US and Canada

• International partnerships in 59 countries

•Equipping and supporting pastors

•Ordered Ministry

• Resources for evangelism and discipleship

• Gospel demonstration through resourcing and equipping to serve alongside marginalized populations for community transformation

The 3STRANDSTRONG CHALLENGE

3StrandStrong describes a powerful partnership between your church, your conference, and the Covenant denomination. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “…a triple braided cord is not easily broken.” As local churches, conferences, and the Covenant, we are woven tightly together so that we can accomplish greater work in the mission of God’s Kingdom than we could accomplish apart from each other. Your church comes face to face with the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of people and responds with Christ-like compassion. Your conference provides support and resources for pastors, churches, and church leaders, and comes alongside congregations experiencing hard times. The Covenant works in unity with congregations and conferences to—

• Send and support missionaries

• Provide help to those in the world in greatest need

• Pursue justice for the oppressed

•Plant new churches and offer resources to strengthen existing churches

• Train pastors and missionaries and chaplains

•Foster the flourishing of women

• Make new disciples, and deepen believers in the walk of faith

There is still much more we want to do together as the Lord provides funding. We have a goal of making 50,000 new followers of Christ and planting 125 new churches in the next five years, as well as partnering with numerous churches in neighborhood transformation projects. That is why 3StrandStrong is so important.

Just as we teach the people in our churches to tithe of their income, so we ask every Covenant church to faithfully present a tithe to the Lord that will be invested in the Kingdom work we do together. We ask your church to designate it this way: 6.5% of church income set aside for the Covenant; and 3.5% for your conference. Please pray and then answer this question—will your church accept the 3StrandStrong challenge?

Conference. Covenant.

Covenant Ministries of Benevolence

The mission of Covenant Ministries of Benevolence is to partner with the Evangelical Covenant Church to advance the ministry of Jesus Christ through development and support services that promote lifeenhancing ministries. The highlights below from our CMB affiliates demonstrate how the arc of the Home of Mercy reaches from the past to the present, touching lives in very real, meaningful, and transformative ways.

COVENANT INITIATIVES FOR CARE | TODD SLECHTA, PRESIDENT

Deeply rooted in the legacy of believers who were motivated to live out their faith in the streets and the pews, Covenant Initiatives for Care (CIC) continues to be a catalyst, partner, and resource to spark, advance, and support innovative Christian initiatives with the underserved. Though these ministries may honor and fulfill their missions differently today than when they were founded, CIC and its affiliates continue to draw their inspiration from the values embedded in the Home of Mercy and are on a trajectory of growth and stability.

Ädelbrook

Ädelbrook Behavioral & Developmental Services provides services and supports to 350 children and young adults and their families with the expert care of more than 650 dedicated employees in 25 locations throughout Connecticut. Ädelbrook runs a state-of-the-art residential treatment center, three special education schools, a preschool and daycare center, group homes, respite services, and in-home and community-based care and consultation services. Ädelbrook is the premier resource for children, families, and communities to meet the needs of youth and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other behavioral and developmental challenges.

Since its beginnings as the Swedish Christian Orphanage in 1900, Ädelbrook continues to live its mission of helping children and families find hope and healing in a Christian environment. Ädelbrook partners with the state of Connecticut and nearly 70 school districts to develop innovative

individualized plans and programs to help those they serve find a future filled with achievement, dignity, happiness, and hope. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability, with 1:36 children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder today. Given the need, Ädelbrook is leaning into their strategic plan and expanding services. They recently opened the Linda Reilly-Blue Respite Center for children with ASD and development/intellectual disabilities, growing their service area to the Massachusetts border. They are currently developing the first-in-the-state Children’s Step-Up/ StepDown program, providing therapeutic and behavioral support for youth with significant needs to help prevent hospital admissions or shorten hospital stays for youth.

In many ways Ädelbrook has established a quality and breadth of services that has set a bar in the state of Connecticut, so much so that in 2022 President and CEO Alyssa Goduti, was selected as one of the Hartford Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business; Jeff Swanson, chief administrative officer, was named one of the top 40 under 40; and Monica Carras, director of behavioral services and training, was named one of the region’s top healthcare heroes!

Covenant Children’s Ministries

The Covenant Children’s Home in Princeton, Illinois, enjoyed a rich, 100+ year history stretching back to 1919. It was originally founded by the Sunday School Association of the Illinois Conference of the Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant Church and served as an orphanage for children in need of shelter and care. This ministry has shifted and evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of at-risk children. In 2008, the name was changed to Covenant Children’s Ministries (CCM) to better reflect the change from a home to a broad array of ministries that serve at-risk children in the broader Princeton community.

Today CCM reflects that mission through annual granting programs that encourage and enable vulnerable youth to pursue post-high school education, provide scholarships for at-risk youth to attend one of the two Central Conference Covenant summer camps, and via a grant that promotes ministries to at-risk youth internationally through a collaborative relationship with Serve Globally.

Covenant Ability Network

Covenant Ability Network (CAN) provides residential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota. The CAN mission is to extend dignity to

every individual by optimizing independence and encouraging health and hope through Christian community.

CAN continues to provide high quality services in a challenging, post-Covid job market by developing cross-network supports and services, and augmenting and creating resources otherwise unavailable to individual affiliates. The Covenant Ability Network is seeking to responsibly expand our ministry, allowing us to serve more of the most vulnerable among us, while strengthening and enriching our community of care.

EMC HEALTH | LINDA STUHMER, PRESIDENT & CEO

EMC Health (formerly Emanuel Medical Center) is in Turlock, California, and changed the name after selling its hospital to Doctors Medical Center of Modesto in 2014 (Tenet). Assets remain in EMC Health and continue to be used to benefit the community the hospital served. EMC Health oversees fund development support, the Bill and Elsie Cancer Endowment, and various nursing scholarships and manages ongoing assets and liabilities related to the hospital sale.

Jessica’s House

EMC Health oversees the ministries of Jessica’s House, a grief support service in Turlock that offers free ongoing peer support groups for grieving children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling. Parents and other adult caregivers have their own groups where they learn how to cope with their grief and support their children. Each group combines therapeutic talk, play, and expressive arts to promote healing and hope for the future.

EMC Health Foundation

EMC Health also oversees EMC Health Foundation which was created to continue the ministry and support of individuals in the area previously serviced by Emanuel Medical Center. The Foundation continues to broaden its impact within the 19 designated zip codes with grant funding for healthrelated programs that will benefit the people living and working in our communities.

TERRI CUNLIFFE, CEO

The past year continued to test Covenant Living’s agility as we experienced ongoing Covid and postCovid impacts. We are grateful and proud of the organization’s accomplishments this year despite the workforce challenges and inflation impacts to operations and our financials. We are confident in our strategy focused on optimization and the resident and employee experience.

We are delighted with the positive impact growth through new communities has had to our overall culture and practices. Each new community brings ideas and approaches to the employee and resident experience that benefit all communities. We are inspired by our extraordinary employees around the country who continue to go over and above to serve residents every single day.

Our mission statement grounds Covenant Living to its purpose and intention to love and serve others as taught by Jesus Christ. Our common purpose to create joy and peace of mind for residents, employees, and their families by creating a better way of life defines why we do what we do. Our strategic aspiration and plan define our priorities and the direction we are headed.

Despite the challenges of 2022 and the headwinds we continue to face in 2023, Covenant Living remains a financially sound organization, led by leaders who are passionate about the people they work alongside and serve, and governed by a talented board of directors who provide oversight, direction, and support through independent and diverse perspectives. The work of the board of directors requires significant time and energy, and we appreciate their commitment to Covenant Living Communities and Services and their many contributions throughout the year.

By embracing community at Covenant Living, we are stronger and better together!

CONCLUSION

From its inception, the Covenant has sought to live out the words of Pietist theologian August Hermann Francke to promote “God’s glory, neighbor’s good.” Francke was echoing the call of Jesus to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. While we have not always done that perfectly, it has been our goal and always will be.

When those Pietists opened the Home of Mercy in 1886, they never could have foreseen how their collective, responsive heart of service to the sick, the elderly, and the orphan would unfold over the

decades. They never could have envisioned a trajectory that would, at its peak, include two medical hospitals (now part of health systems reaching tens of thousands of patients); a multi-state, missional organization offering a continuum of care for the elderly serving more than 5,700 residents; and ministries providing specialized services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the country!

Although the services of Covenant Ministries of Benevolence now encompass the administration of legacy investments and risk assessment and mitigation efforts, we remain deeply rooted, and the arc of the Home of Mercy continues through the work of affiliates EMC Health Foundation, Covenant Living and Community Services, Ädelbrook Behavioral and Developmental Services, and Covenant Ability Network (an affiliate of Covenant Initiatives for Care).

Respectfully submitted,

Todd Slechta President and CEO of Covenant Ministries of Benevolence

Report from the President of North Park University

A POSITIVE YEAR AT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

The 2022-2023 academic year was one of positive lift in spirit and progress on the campus at North Park. We began the year with our second consecutive record-breaking incoming class of first-time, full-time students. In the highly competitive, enrollment-dependent landscape of higher education today, many small private institutions like North Park are experiencing significant declines in enrollment.

We praise God for our founding mission, his faithful provision, and for the bright and engaging students we serve. The diverse incoming class of 588 new students came from 30 countries and 30 US states, five continents, and two US territories. One-third (200) were Viking student-athletes, 26 were affiliated with the Covenant, and 12 were enrolled in Crux, our living-learning discipleship community.

Covenant recruitment and enrollment remain a high priority for North Park! Covenant-affiliated undergraduate students, children of Covenant clergy, and students employed as Covenant camp staff are pursued with the highest investment of human resources and financial aid awards of all prospective students.

North Park joins in celebrating the Covenant plans to return to an in-person national Unite event for youth and stands ready to continue our long commitment of partnership and support. Unite has been a historically significant enrollment driver and staff engagement opportunity for North Park.

NEW CONVENANT LEADERS ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

We welcomed two new members to our Board of Trustees in fall 2022: Reverend Tammy SwansonDraheim, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church; and Reverend Dr. Donna Harris, president of

Minnehaha Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota. We are delighted for their contributions to leadership and partnership.

NORTH PARK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY—REV. DR. DENNIS EDWARDS

We began this academic year with new leadership in our seminary. Reverend Dr. Dennis Edwards was unanimously affirmed by North Park’s trustees and at all levels of Gather 2022 as dean of North Park Theological Seminary and vice president for church relations. Dennis was installed on campus in September 2022 and brings faithful and excellent leadership to our seminary, innovative thinking and planning, pastoral presence to the seminary and our senior team, and tremendous preaching and leadership skills representing the entire university across the denomination and beyond.

Two significant searches have been engaged in NPTS this year: the Milton B. Engebretson chair in evangelism and justice and the dean of faculty / academic dean. Our candidate for the Engebretson chair will come before Gather 2023 for affirmation.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT—MIKE NEVERGALL

On March 6, 2023, Mike Nevergall SBNM ’13, CFRE, began service and leadership as vice president for advancement, responsible for our university’s fundraising, alumni relations, and engagement, and serving as a member of the president’s cabinet.

 He will help to create and execute the next campaign efforts for North Park evolving from our strategic plan, further develop alumni engagement strategies for our rapidly diversifying alumni community, and enhance philanthropic collaboration across the university.

 Mike earned his bachelor of science degree in business administration from Valparaiso University, and his master of nonprofit administration, with a concentration in fund-raising management, here at North Park. He is a person of expressed Christian faith, passionate about our Christian, city-centered, and intercultural distinctives, and energized about this opportunity to advance the mission of North Park.

 "The distinctive core values of North Park spoke to me when I was a student, and they still resonate with me today. I am excited to partner with my fellow North Park alumni and friends to build an exciting next chapter in the university's story," Mike says.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION—LEARNING AND GROWING IN COMMUNITY

North Park’s comprehensive approach to initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion continues at all levels through several ongoing initiatives:

 The campus DEI Council with representation of faculty, staff, and students.

 A broad-based climate study endorsed by the Board, undertaken this academic year.

 Antiracism Discipleship Pathway curriculum engaged by the senior leadership team.

 Advancement of the Covenant’s Six-Fold Test for Multiethnic Ministry in a framework for higher education.

 Anti-bias training for the university’s Board of Trustees led by Covenant representatives.

 Book in Common—Subversive Witness, featuring four on-campus conversations with alumni author, Dominique Gilliard.

We were delighted to welcome Rev. Dominique Gilliard, director of racial righteousness and reconciliation for the Covenant and our guest scholar and author, for a yearlong four-part series leading seminars, fireside chats, chapel messages, and panel discussions on North Park’s Book in Common for this year, Subversive Witness. This engaging series has been informative and encouraging in promoting conversation and learning on our campus around Scripture’s call to identify and leverage privilege in ways that reflect our commitment to hold and love all persons as created in the image of God.

INCREASED FINANCIAL STABILITY

North Park has worked steadily over the past few years to reduce and reverse an increasing structural operating budget deficit that resulted from past enrollment and revenue declines. Strategic adjustments and disciplined management of our operational budget, growth and stability in undergraduate enrollment, and the application of federal relief funds allocated to higher education allowed us to stabilize our budget this year and issue compensation increases and retirement benefit restoration for all employees, for the first time in three years. In the current climate of higher education, this positive fiscal performance is a remarkable achievement. Praise God!

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND CAMPUS MASTER PLANNING

Through collaborative institutional strategic planning, we are elevating and operationalizing the three core distinctives of North Park University: our Christian identity, city-centered engagement, and intercultural community. North Park’s Christian mission provides the foundation for our plan and will focus on overarching goals that include:

 measurable improvement in student success,

 measurable improvement in professional life for faculty and staff,

 measurable improvement in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging,

 measurable improvement in organizational best practices,

 measurable and sustainable enrollment growth,

 measurable improvement in institutional financial viability for North Park.

Campus master planning includes properly evaluating, deploying, and stewarding existing facilities, along with exploring and aligning new facility opportunities with our mission and future needs.

COMMENCEMENTS

North Park celebrated three commencement ceremonies in spring 2023, conferring more than 400 degrees across all levels—undergraduate, graduate, adult degree completion, and North Park Theological Seminary—for residential students and distance students in our Ignite and Equip cohorts. The School of Restorative Arts celebrated a second in-person commencement on May 31, 2023.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Respectfully submitted,

Mary K. Surridge President of North Park University

Report from the Dean of North Park Theological Seminary

As we have emerged from the challenges of the pandemic, our community has moved beyond surviving to thriving Throughout the pandemic we continued to adapt and adjust as we worked to meet the needs of our students, and we have emerged in a position to better serve them where they are, from our campus in Chicago, online, at one of our locations inside Illinois prisons, or at one of our regional sites. We invite you to join with us in celebrating the good work God is doing through the seminary and continue to hold the seminary in prayer as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of higher theological education As the only seminary of the Evangelical Covenant Church, we are grateful for the opportunity to form women and men for ministry and witness the many ways God continues to be at work in and through North Park Theological Seminary!

ENROLLMENT AND EXPANSION

NPTS continues to thrive and innovate, bringing theological education to students in new ways while maintaining our solid theological foundation that has guided the school for more than 130 years. We are meeting the ever-changing needs of our students through innovation in our course schedules and delivery methods, which better meet the needs of students today. The fall of 2023 saw a decrease in the overall number of new students enrolling in seminary compared to the fall of 2022; this slight downward trend follows a national trend as reported by the Association of Theological Schools.

DISTANCE COHORTS

Students in our distance cohort programs, Ignite in the Pacific Southwest Conference and Equip in the Midwest Conference, continue to progress The third cohort of Ignite graduated this past May while two additional cohorts of Ignite students move through their program and two cohorts of Equip also continue. Conversations are underway with superintendents from all of the regional conferences, as well as representatives from Covenant Offices, to develop a plan to expand the distance cohort model beyond the Pacific Southwest and Midwest conferences, making this model of education accessible to

pastors from all conferences and greatly increasing the accessibility of a theological education to those serving in ministry across the Covenant. Our goal is to launch a new Covenant distance cohort in the fall of 2024.

SCHOOL OF RESTORATIVE ARTS

With a vision to bring theological education into the Illinois prison system, North Park Theological Seminary launched the School of Restorative Arts (SRA) inside Stateville Correctional Center in the fall of 2018. This innovative approach to prison education not only gave incarcerated men the opportunity to study theology, but it also bridged the gap to outside students and created the opportunity for outside students to study alongside their inside classmates, inside a maximum-security prison. The SRA program is giving hope to students to better themselves and bless others. In 2021, the SRA expanded to Logan Correctional Center, a medium-security prison for women. The SRA program is based on a cohort model with students accepted into a four-year master of arts in Christian ministry with restorative arts degree program. The inaugural cohort at Logan Correctional Center includes 18 dedicated students who are on track to graduate in 2025! We celebrate the significant achievements of each of our students as they progress toward graduation. The SRA provides a truly unique opportunity for outside and inside students to study, learn, and encourage each other side-by-side in the same classroom the only program in the country where this is possible.

COVENANT ORIENTATION

In the fall of 2020, in partnership with Develop Leaders/Ordered Ministry, NPTS took on a greater role in the administration of the Covenant Orientation program. Develop Leaders/Ordered Ministry continues to provide oversight to the program content and requirements, with NPTS providing administrative support. The partnership is going well, and by streamlining services, the cost to pastors enrolled in the program has been reduced by nearly half! Through this partnership, Covenant Orientation classes continue to be offered throughout the year in person, online, and in hybrid formats, which allow pastors several options to take classes in ways that best fit their learning style and meet their needs.

GRADUATION

This May we celebrate with 55 total graduates as they complete their studies and receive their

diploma! Dr. Willie Peterson brought the commencement address, and we celebrated awarding Rev. Mark Novak an honorary doctor of theology degree, recognizing his decades of service to the Covenant Church and beyond. The second cohort of students at Stateville Correctional Center also graduates in May with 24 graduates. Our Stateville graduates were honored to have Rev. Dominque Gilliard give the commencement address, as well as an address from Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton We are profoundly grateful for these students who have faithfully answered God’s call on their life to enter ministry and for the blessings they have been to NPTS; we know they will continue to bless others through their ministries going forward.

FACULTY AND STAFF UPDATES

We celebrate the close of the 2022-2023 academic year, marking the first year with Dr. Dennis R. Edwards as dean of the seminary and vice president for church relations. Dr. Edwards joined the faculty of North Park Theological Seminary in the fall of 2019 as professor of New Testament and was called to serve as dean in the fall of 2022. Dr. Edwards has built upon the foundation of the seminary and continues to move the seminary forward Through his strong leadership, we continue to make innovative changes establishing NPTS as a healthy, vibrant institution well positioned to form students for ministry while creating an inclusive environment that allows students, faculty, and staff to thrive. North Park is fortunate to have a leader with the skill, experience, and dedication of Dr. Edwards for this time in the life of the seminary.

Following a national search, the search committee chaired by Dr. Hauna Ondrey, interim dean of seminary faculty, unanimously voted to call Michelle Dodson to the Milton B. Engebretson chair in evangelism and justice faculty position. This position dates back to a 1986 partnership between the Covenant Board of Church Growth and Evangelism and North Park Theological Seminary. Renamed the chair of evangelism and justice in 2022, this role will serve as a member of the NPTS faculty and director of the master of arts in restorative justice ministry offered at Stateville and Logan Correctional Centers. On the basis of her pastoral wisdom, academic acumen, and proven dedication to liberative carceral pedagogy, Dodson is being enthusiastically recommended for this role.

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis Edwards

Dean of the North Park Theological Seminary and VP of Church Relations

Paul Carlson Partnership

Rooted in the gospel, through the church in the United States and the church in the Democratic Republic of Congo, creating solutions that endure over time and throughout generations.

2022-2023 MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS

• Fall 2022 Malnutrition initiative advanced with new comprehensive curriculum for medical professionals in DR Congo created by Paul Carlson Partnership Medical Ambassadors and Congolese doctors and nurses.

• September 2022 Paul Carlson Partnership Medical Ambassadors traveled to Congo and taught Congolese medical professionals in Maternal Health and Malnutrition.

• October 2022 Biking for Congo raised more than $45,000 for medical ministry.

• November 2022 Medical Ambassadors held a virtual retreat with Congolese partners.

• November 2022 Paul Carlson Partnership fall appeal for Malnutrition raised over $54,500.

• January 2023 Paul Carlson Partnership held a luncheon at Midwinter featuring Medical Ambassador founder, Dr. Eric Gunnoe.

• February 2023 Paul Carlson Partnership’s Craig Anderson and board member Sheldon Gilmer traveled to DR Congo to evaluate bridges and establish the framework for Results Based Management with medical leaders in DR Congo.

• February/March 2023 Executive Director Renée Hale traveled to DR Congo with Grace Shim, executive minister of Serve Globally, and Josef Rasheed, regional coordinator of Africa, to introduce Grace to the Covenant Church of Congo.

• March 2023 FUPROCAF coffee cooperative in Karawa, DR Congo, held its second annual general assembly. Renée Hale provided keynote message.

• April 2023 Medical Ambassadors held in-person retreat in Chicago.

• April 2023—Three metric tons of Karawa Coffee arrived in Chicago.

• May 2023 Paul Carlson Partnership semiannual Board of Directors meeting in Chicago; Rev. President Théophile Duale and his wife, Josephine (Covenant Church of Congo), in attendance.

UCARE4CONGO: PARTNERING IN HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE

The medical ministry of the Covenant Church of Congo includes five hospitals, more than 120 clinics, clean water sources near clinics, two nursing schools, and Paul Carlson Partnership Medical Ambassadors program.

• Virtual Medical Ambassador retreat in November 2022 advanced the involvement of health care professionals with the Medical Ambassadors through strategic plans for diabetes/ hypertension engagement in DR Congo for 2023.

• The Medical Ambassador diabetes/hypertension focus group and DR Congo medical professionals are creating two training curricula for diabetes engagement in 2023 one for medical professionals and one for patient education. Medical Ambassadors traveling to DR Congo in September 2023 will work with Congolese medical partners to synthesize content for printing.

• Specialties in ophthalmology, orthopedics, and dental care are currently in development for engagement in the next three to five years.

• Karawa Hospital Malnutrition Stabilization Center was completed and dedicated as the first of such centers, built with funding from the Protein Foundation of Maine. The Protein Foundation granted a second year of funding at the same level to bolster the project’s trajectory this year. Together with our partners, our goal is to reduce the childhood mortality rate from 18% to 10% within the first year and down to 5% by the second year. A second phase of expanding to other health zones (Loko, Wasolo, Bogose Nubea) will be implemented after careful evaluation of the center in Karawa.

Malnutrition Stabilization Center in Karawa (left). Training the trainers with the new malnutrition curriculum (right).

BIKING FOR CONGO – JOIN THE CHALLENGE TO RAISE SUPPORT FOR UCARE4CONGO!

Do you know that some people in DR Congo travel more than 50 kilometers (31 miles) on a bicycle to a hospital, while sick or injured? What is even harder to believe is that when they arrive at the hospital, limited medicines, clean water, and medical training often prevent a person from getting better. People in DR Congo face many challenges when they need medical care, but there is a way you can help. Paul Carlson Partnership invites you to join the October 2023 Biking for Congo Challenge –goal $50,000 as a fun way to use your bike or stationary bike to raise support for the Covenant Church of Congo healthcare system: UCare4Congo Our goal in 2022 was $50,000, and the total raised was over $45,000. Check out one inspiring story at the link here:

https://covchurch.org/2022/11/08/cycling-senior-supports-biking-for-congo/

FUPROCAF COFFEE COOPERATIVE: HOPE FOR FAMILIES

The year 2023 is the second anniversary of coffee production for FUPROCAF coffee cooperative: Fédération de l’Ubangi des Producteurs de Café (the Ubangi Federation of Coffee Producers). This is the official coffee cooperative business registered in DR Congo. Congolese owned and operated, FUPROCAF fulfilled the goal of the 4-year Karawa Coffee Project. In 2023 there are over 2,000 coffee producers whose yields aggregate to over 450 metric tons. Harvest increases each year and is expected to reach 1,000 metric tons in 2026, placing FUPROCAF among the top 10% of coffee producing entities in DR Congo. Renée Hale serves as an advisory board member for FUPROCAF and provided the keynote message for FUPROCAF’s second general assembly in Karawa, DR Congo on March 3, 2023. Three tons of Karawa coffee arrived in Chicago in April 2023. Everybody’s Coffee in Chicago distributes Karawa coffee directly to you! Order at roaster.everybodyscoffee.com/karawa.html

Annalee Burton, 88, joined the Biking for Congo Challenge in 2022.

FUPROCAF is rooted in the Covenant Church of Congo, and the testimonies of God’s blessings are coming in! During the general assembly on March 3, a coffee producer, Kelebe, shared his thankfulness to God for the abundance of his crop and what the sale of his harvest made possible for his family. Among other things, he shared that the major purchase this year was a metal roof for his family’s home. He explained that in the past there had not been enough money at one time to provide a roof. Now, with an increasingly larger harvest anticipated each year, he can plan for expenses that help his family stay healthy and safe. Thank you for investing in DR Congo!

BRIDGES – CELEBRATION AND STRATEGIC PLANS

When the ten bridges crossing over the Nguya River near Bogose Nubea Hospital were opened to vehicle traffic after 30 years of separation from the Karawa area, no one knew just how much traffic would increase. The 2-year project completed in 2022 promised access to commerce, health care, churches, and schools. Everyone was in for a “wow!” moment when the “before” and “after” statistics were compared: from 1,300 crossings to 3,400 crossings per day, and from 1 ton of goods to 90 tons of goods transported per day.

Paul Carlson Partnership continues to work alongside Congolese engineers and Hope International Development Agency for the crucial infrastructure component of bridge building and repair. Strategic plans for 2023-2024 include repairs and maintenance on bridges in the area and building two new bridges.

Respectfully submitted by the PCP team,

Renée Hale, Executive Director

Craig

Anderson, Director of Medical and Health Programs

Rebecca

Robert

Dangel, Director of Partner Communications

Anderson, Partner Engagement Representative

https://www.paulcarlson.org/

Completed bridges

Kelebe, coffee producer, and his new roof purchased with income from Karawa Coffee

Resolution of Sympathy

We are grateful to God for the following pastors, missionaries, and pastors’ spouses whose deaths have been reported to us since we last met in 2022. We will remember these partners in ministry with gratitude at the Ordination and Commissioning Service

RESOLVED, that the 137th Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church expresses its sympathy to the families of the Covenant pastors, missionaries, and pastors’ spouses who have gone to be with the Lord, and that those families be presented with a program of the worship service in which there will be a time of remembrance and thanksgiving for their lives and ministry.

PASTORS

Robert Liljegren, May 10, 2022, Joliet, Illinois

James W. Schwalm, May 14, 2022, Rockford, Illinois

Cislin Williams, May 18, 2022, Miami, Florida

Bruce Kallenberg, June 4, 2022, Edina, Minnesota

Daniel Edwards, June 18, 2022, King, Wisconsin

William A. Goodwin, June 29, 2022, Eloy, Arizona

Arnold R. Bolin, July 2, 2022, Northbrook, Illinois

D.Bruce Lake, August 2022

Richard H. Petersen, August 16, 2022, Wallingford, Connecticut

Daniel R. Seagren, August 27, 2022, Grand Rapids, Michigan

James C. Ressegieu, October 15, 2022, Lincoln, Nebraska

Robert E. Hirsch, December 25, 2022, Turlock, California

Craig W. Nelson, January 5, 2023, Maryville, Tennessee

Robert W. Anderson, February 5, 2023

Leslie Pearson, February 14, 2023, Rochester, Minnesota

J.David Wood, February 14, 2023

Joel Jueckstock, March 2, 2023, St. Paul, Minnesota

Roger Nelson, March 18, 2023, La Valle, Wisconsin

Deborah Power, April 1, 2023

Lloyd F. Alex, April 5, 2023, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

MISSIONARIES

Joann LeVahn, May 27, 2022

Helen F. Bergquist, August 13, 2022, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Glennis Heikes, March 19, 2023, Northbrook, Illinois

PASTORS’ SPOUSES

Genevieve A. Lovgren (John), May 17, 2022, La Mesa, California

Ruth E. Elia (George), May 22, 2022, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts

Mary Louise Liljegren (Robert), April 16, 2022, Joliet, Illinois

Wayne W. Hansen (Carolyn), June 12, 2022, Mercer Island, Washington

Delores E. Staurseth (Stephen), June 12, 2022, Duluth, Minnesota

Kathleen Osgood (F. Daniel), July 4, 2022, Greenfield, New Hampshire

Christie Peterson (Alton), July 23, 2022, Spring Valley, California

Richard Steel (Julie), August 25, 2022, Snoqualmie, Washington

Velma Lagerstrom, September 29, 2022, Santa Barbara, California

Bernice Anderson (Wendell), October 12, 2022, Mercer Island, Washington

Lorraine Pratt (Wallace), October 19, 2022, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

Harvetha Woodson (Terrance), November 22, 2022, Duncanville, Texas

Connie R. McCain (Mike), December 22, 2022, New London, Minnesota

Kay Johnson (David W.), December 29, 2022, Port Orange, Florida

Alan Roth (Carol), February 20, 2023, Wichita, Kansas

Kennis Bishop (Gregory), March 9, 2023, La Mesa, California

Shirley Anderson (Robert W.), March 18, 2023

Bonnie Jean Nelson (Chester), April 8, Arlington, Washington