Over the past two years, we’ve been blessed by many in the Northwest Conference who have shared an Encouraging Word video in our email Updates. Thank you to all who have contributed to this ministry of encouragement these past many months.
Today will be the last of our monthly Encouraging Words. While this Update item ends for now, let us continue to “…encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thess. 5:1).
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each month. View the next installment from Dan Pearson, Pastor of United Covenant Church in Clear Lake, WI.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each month. View the next installment from Doug Giese, Executive and Family Pastor at Bemidji Covenant Church in Bemidji, MN.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each month. View the next installment from Mark Habluetzel, Chaplain to the airmen of the 319 RW, Grand Forks AFB, ND. Mark’s role is to care for airmen and advise leadership in all things related to religious and spiritual matters, including worship services, counseling, resiliency and religious accommodations.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each month. View the next installment from Neil Vance, Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries at First Covenant Church in River Falls, WI.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each month. View the next installment from Nathan Nelson, Youth Pastor at Mission Covenant Church in Poplar, WI. He has served in this calling since 2016 and is grateful to minister in his home church alongside his father and Senior Pastor Darrell Nelson. Nathan has been in youth ministry for nine years, and he and his wife Nicole have two children, Madelyn (2.5 years old) and Eli (4 months old). Nathan is also an avid outdoorsman, videographer and producer.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each month. View the next installment from Ryan Starr, Pastor of Worship Arts at Lakeview Covenant Church in Duluth, MN. He loves spending free time outdoors skiing, hiking and biking with his wife Laura, their three kids and their dog. Ryan enjoys good coffee and honest conversation. After enjoying adventures in Mount Vernon, WA, Grand Rapids, MI, and Chandler, AZ, he is thankful that God has brought them to northern MN.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Mark Stromberg, NWC Superintendent.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed an Encouraging Word to our weekly updates over the past two years. They have brought fresh reminders of God’s constancy and grace to the wider Northwest Conference. Beginning in July, we’ll continue these on a once-a-month basis.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Jo Anne Taylor, Interim Pastor for the United Methodist Church in Willmar, MN. She is ordained to Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church and is certified as a Transitional/Intentional Interim Ministry Specialist. Jo Anne has previously served as Senior Pastor for First United Methodist Church in New Ulm, MN, and as Worship Pastor for Bethlehem Covenant Church in Minneapolis. She also taught music at Minnehaha Academy South Campus for 14 years. She is married to Bruce, and they have two grown sons.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Mike Brown, NWC Director of Church Planting.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Hollis Kim, NWC Director of Pastoral Care & Development.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Don Ruffenach, Director of Youth and Children at Salem Covenant Church in rural Pennock, MN. He has served in youth ministry as a volunteer or clergy for over 35 years. Don is married to Lisa with four adult children who are also active in volunteer and professional ministry.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Sarah Holt, Director of Student Ministries at Bemidji Covenant Church, in Bemidji, MN. She and her husband Joseph have two fantastic adult kids and their first grandchild coming in May. She loves all things family, teenagers and Tolkien, in that order.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment Rachel Jacobs, Executive Director (Worship & Youth) at Hope Covenant Church in St. Cloud, MN. Rachel recently got married to the most awesome guy she’s ever met, JJ, in October 2021 and is enjoying the newlywed life alongside their little doggo, Minnesota (Mini for short).
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Ginny Olson, NWC Director of Youth Ministry.
As a source of encouragement throughout this stressful time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Brian Burton, Pastor of Cook Evangelical Covenant Church in Cook, MN. He and his wife Liz have served in Cook since August 2019.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Linda Freeman, Hospital Chaplain at Essentia Health-Virginia Hospital in Virginia, MN. Linda has volunteered for 30 years at 12 regional nursing homes doing weekly worship with music. She joined Essentia Health in 2016 and leads Grief Support Groups, visits with hospital patients, and is helping with Celebrate Recovery 12 step groups.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Todd Spieker, Lead Pastor at Rochester Covenant Church in Rochester, MN.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from James Walsh, Associate Pastor at Mission Covenant Church in Poplar, WI. He has served the church since 1998. He is married to Heather and they have two adult sons.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Tim Johnson, Lead Pastor of Bloomington Covenant Church in Bloomington, MN. He has served the church since May 2005, and previously served churches in Minnesota, Michigan and Maryland. He’s married to Cyd (Cyndi) and they have three adult children and four grandchildren. They have a Wheaton terrier, Ole, who makes them laugh every day.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from John DuBall, Lead Pastor at NewDay Covenant Church in Rochester, MN. John is the planting pastor at NewDay and has been serving there for 13 years.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Kyle Gunderson, Lead Pastor at Cedarbrook Church in Menomonie, WI. Kyle has served over 20 years in the NWC. He was a youth pastor at Maple Grove Covenant and International Falls Covenant before moving to Menomonie in 2011. He and his wife Anna have four sons ranging from age 10 to 16 years of age.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Hollis Kim, NWC Director of Pastoral Care & Development.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Jamey Cassell, Pastor at New City Covenant Church in Edina, MN. He fills several roles overseeing worship services, managing the church facility and leading worship.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Vicki Newendorp, member of the NWC Disability Ministry Connection leadership team. Vicki attends Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville, MN, with her sweet family.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Dennis Anders, Pastor of First Covenant Church of Virginia, MN. He is in his 37th year of ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Jim Murphy, Lead Pastor at First Covenant Church, Red Wing, MN. Jim just completed his first year in Red Wing. He and his wife Deanna have two daughters, Natalie (19) and Greta (16).
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Dave Hugare, Lead Pastor of Lakeview Covenant Church in Duluth, MN. He and his wife Leslee have two children, Ethan and Macy.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Pastor Kecia Stroot, Hospice Chaplain for LifeCare Medical Center in Roseau, MN. She and her husband Rob are mom and dad to 11 kids of their own, as well as frequent kids through the foster care program. God has also called them to start a charity, Faith and Action, that works with pastors in Haiti meeting the needs of some of the poorest in that country. Faith and Action is in the process of building its second school in Haiti.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Adam Christian, Lead Pastor at First Covenant Church in River Falls, WI.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Dan Swartz, Youth and Young Adults Pastor at Emmanuel Covenant Church in Shoreview, MN. Whether it’s working with 4th-12th grade students, wrangling young adults or chasing his little girls (ages 1 and 4) and their dog Spruce with his wife, Bethany, Dan says, “I’m pretty blessed all around.”
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Chanda Winkels, Children’s Pastor at Alexandria Covenant Church in Alexandria, MN. She has a Child and Family Master’s degree from Bethel Seminary. Chanda has two adult daughters, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren. Hiking, reading and baking are favorite activities.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Amy DuFrene, Christian Formation Pastor at Oak Heights Covenant Church in Hutchinson, MN. She has served the church for the last 12 years. DuFrene and her husband Mike have two boys—Malachi (10) and Nathaniel (8). They spend most of their spare time jumping rink to rink since the family loves hockey.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Kara Stromberg, NWC Associate Superintendent.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Hollis Kim, NWC Director of Pastoral Care & Development.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Matt Kennedy, Lead Pastor at Roseville Covenant Church in Roseville, MN. Matt lives in South Minneapolis with his wife Nicole and three children Lucinda, Benno, and Rollo. He has served a number of Covenant churches in the Twin Cities over the last 10 years.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Aaron Thompson, Community Life Pastor at Crossview Covenant Church in North Mankato, MN. He lives there with his wife Stina and their four children Ruth (9), Iris (7), Eden (3), and Zion (19 months).
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Jeff Olson, NWC Church Planting Associate.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Rachel Hart, Worship Pastor at Linwood Covenant Church in Wyoming, MN. Hart loves making music with others and leading God’s people in musical worship. If she’s not making music you can find her reading a good fiction book, enjoying conversation around a campfire, or sharing a cup of coffee with friends.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Scott Sagle, Pastor of Calvary Covenant Church in Grantsburg, WI. Sagle and his wife Monica—along with their two children, Emma (17) and Micah (14)—have served Calvary Covenant for over 15 years.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Rob Jacobson, planting Pastor of Restoration Covenant Church in Burnsville, MN. Rob coaches pastors and church planters around the Covenant. He is married to Michele and has three teenaged children. He enjoys running with his wife, cheering on his kids and caring for his two apple trees. Fun fact: Rob still rides the same motorcycle he bought at 16 years old.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Sandy Norris, NWC Director of Finance.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Jonna Fantz, Worship and Community Life Pastor at Salem Covenant Church in New Brighton, MN. Jonna has also served as a spiritual director and Adult Discipleship Pastor in the Twin Cities area for over 20 years. She brings all her passion to bear as she writes and teaches and preaches, encouraging people to experience God through His word. She also makes a mean lasagna.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Brad Kindall, Lead Pastor at Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville, MN. Brad has been a Covenant pastor in the Northwest Conference for over 28 years.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Paula Frost, a Covenant pastor residing in Bayport, MN and currently serving as a spiritual director and coach for clergy and ministry leaders. She is delighted to be married to Herb and loves spending time with their grown children and spouses. She is purposefully and prayerfully investing in Kingdom leaders and her incredible grandchildren.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Jim Black, Pastor of Catalyst Covenant Church in Alexandria, MN.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Jon Kramka, NWC Director of Congregational Vitality.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Jamie Staples, planting Pastor of Renew Church in Eau Claire, WI. He is married to Emily and is Dad to “three pretty awesome kids.”
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Tim Shekleton, Pastor of Bethlehem Covenant Church in Wheaton, MN.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Joel Osterlund, Chaplain with Mayo Hospice in Rochester, MN, and Youth & Children’s Pastor at Salem Road Covenant Church. He has had the privilege of serving at various churches and camps in the Conference including Covenant Pines and Covenant Park Bible Camps. Joel is married to Merilea and they have two children, Jeremiah (19) and Anna (17).
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Hollis Kim, NWC Director of Pastoral Care & Development.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from the Rev. Steve Fitzhugh, former elder and current Interim Youth and Families Director at Sanctuary Covenant Church in North Minneapolis. He is a best-selling author, and a long-time national itinerate speaker. In addition to serving youth, as a former NFL athlete himself, Steve is a consultant for the NFL mentoring both rookies and newly retired players.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Steven Osborne, Pastor of Salem Covenant Church in Duluth, MN. In the video, he recounts the church team’s recent experience of God’s faithfulness in Haiti during a mission trip in days following the July 7 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Herb Frost, Covenant pastor currently serving as Director of Vocational and Spiritual Development for the Evangelical Covenant Church. He is married to Paula, also a Covenant pastor, and they are living in Bayport, MN. They have three married adult children and four grandchildren, all of whom are true delights in their lives.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Deb Westphal, a founding member of the Real Life Covenant Church plant in Waseca, MN. She has served in many areas of leadership, started small groups and been a core volunteer in the Children’s Ministry. She is currently serving with her husband John at Community Covenant Church in Huntley, MN, as part-time ministers while she takes classes at Oak Hills Christian College. John and Deb have 2 amazing children, Ethan and Jacqualyn.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from the Rev. Dr. Rose Lee-Norman, Formation Pastor at Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis. She is grateful to have served there for the past 11 years.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Caitlyn Stenerson, Connections Pastor at Emmanuel Covenant Church in Shoreview, MN.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Trinity Opp, Senior Pastor at Alexandria Covenant Church in Alexandria, MN. Trinity is married to Gwen, and they have five children, Josiah (15), Grace (14), Noah (9), Luke (7) and Anna (3). In his free time, Trinity enjoys riding his motorcycle, spending time outdoors and playing games with his family.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Dave Mergens, Pastor of Adult Formation at Alexandria Covenant Church in Alexandria, MN. His area of oversight includes all adult ministry, pulpit support and discipleship processes.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Michael Behm, church planting Pastor of Real Life Covenant Church in Waseca, MN. According to Behm, “I have a great passion for the small town church, an amazing wife that I love doing ministry with, and two incredible boys—Levi (10) and Matthias (7)—that keep me young and feeling old all at the same time.”
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Darren Olson, Lead Pastor of Dassel Covenant Church in Dassel, MN. Darren and his wife, Brenda, have served in ministry together for over 30 years. They are blessed with five adult children.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Jessa Anderson, Director of the Cultural Field Experience program at Minnehaha Academy’s Upper School in Minneapolis. Jessa is working to educate, equip and empower students to engage in communities both locally and abroad. She lives in St. Paul, MN, with her husband, Erik Anderson—a pastor at Crossroads Church in Woodbury, MN—and their 14 year old daughter, Nosipho.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Brian Asker, Co-Planting Pastor of Crossview Rosa Parks in Mankato, MN. Brian loves to run, swim and play strategy games. He got a degree in computer science, but realized during his senior year of college that what he really loves is helping people connect to Jesus. He spent 17 years helping college students connect with Jesus before planting Crossview Rosa Parks.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Joelle Hassler, Executive Pastor of Discipleship at Crossroads Church in the Twin Cities. She enjoys helping people come to know Jesus and take the next step in their faith—whether that’s through weekend teaching, small groups, baptism or mission trips. When she isn’t at Crossroads, you can find Joelle enjoying time with her husband of 16 years, Adam, and their kids Ryan (11) and Hannah (9). Joelle is also a big fan of coffee, cooking, running and staying up very late.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Keith Robinson, Senior Pastor at Riverwood Covenant Church in Greenfield, MN. He’s married to Amy, and they have four children and nine grandchildren, all of whom they get to see almost every week.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Char Rotvold, Family Life Pastor at Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville, MN. In addition to serving at the church, Char is wife to Kirk, and mom to Kyle and Erika.
In the weeks leading up to our Annual Meeting, we’ll be introduced to each of the 11 pastors who will be ordained this summer. Normally we’d hear from them at our NWC Annual Meeting, but this year we’ve asked each one to combine a bit of their Ordination Testimony (Word of Witness) with an Encouraging Word for the wider NWC as part of our ongoing series.
We pray that you will be blessed and give thanks for each of these sisters and brothers who have been set apart for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
View the next installment from Erik Anderson, Campus Pastor at multi-site Crossroads Covenant Church in Woodbury, MN.
In the weeks leading up to our Annual Meeting, we’ll be introduced to each of the 11 pastors who will be ordained this summer. Normally we’d hear from them at our NWC Annual Meeting, but this year we’ve asked each one to combine a bit of their Ordination Testimony (Word of Witness) with an Encouraging Word for the wider NWC as part of our ongoing series.
We pray that you will be blessed and give thanks for each of these sisters and brothers who have been set apart for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
View the next installment from Chad Melton, Campus Pastor at Crossroads Church’s Eagan location. Melton and his wife Becky are parents to five children, also serve as foster parents when possible.
In the weeks leading up to our Annual Meeting, we’ll be introduced to each of the 11 pastors who will be ordained this summer. Normally we’d hear from them at our NWC Annual Meeting, but this year we’ve asked each one to combine a bit of their Ordination Testimony (Word of Witness) with an Encouraging Word for the wider NWC as part of our ongoing series.
We pray that you will be blessed and give thanks for each of these sisters and brothers who have been set apart for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
View the next installment from Dr. Jack Shields, founder and Pastor of The Door Covenant Church in Blaine, MN. The Door is “an imperfect church for imperfect people,” and Shields still loves surprising people with how good God is.
In the weeks leading up to our Annual Meeting, we’ll be introduced to each of the 11 pastors who will be ordained this summer. Normally we’d hear from them at our NWC Annual Meeting, but this year we’ve asked each one to combine a bit of their Ordination Testimony (Word of Witness) with an Encouraging Word for the wider NWC as part of our ongoing series.
We pray that you will be blessed and give thanks for each of these sisters and brothers who have been set apart for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
View the next installment from John Meader, Associate Pastor at Crossroads Covenant Church in Forest Lake, MN. She is married to Geoff and they have two children. He leads the adult equipping ministries, while managing the overall financial and business affairs of the church. With a passion to know and experience Jesus, John has a heart to teach and bring others into a deeper, richer understanding of Christ and His kingdom.
In the weeks leading up to our Annual Meeting, we’ll be introduced to each of the 11 pastors who will be ordained this summer. Normally we’d hear from them at our NWC Annual Meeting, but this year we’ve asked each one to combine a bit of their Ordination Testimony (Word of Witness) with an Encouraging Word for the wider NWC as part of our ongoing series.
We pray that you will be blessed and give thanks for each of these sisters and brothers who have been set apart for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
View the next installment from Nicole Bullock, Lead Pastor of Blue Oaks Covenant Church in Crystal, MN. She is married to Geoff and they have two children. Nicole is a gifted communicator and has taught on many platforms including being the adjunct professor of preaching at Bethel Seminary.
In the weeks leading up to our Annual Meeting, we’ll be introduced to each of the 11 pastors who will be ordained this summer. Normally we’d hear from them at our NWC Annual Meeting, but this year we’ve asked each one to combine a bit of their Ordination Testimony (Word of Witness) with an Encouraging Word for the wider NWC as part of our ongoing series.
We pray that you will be blessed and give thanks for each of these sisters and brothers who have been set apart for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
View the next installment from Laura Johnson, Chaplain at Pine Haven Community Care Center in Pine Island, MN. Pine Haven is a 68-bed skilled nursing facility.
In the weeks leading up to our Annual Meeting, we’ll be introduced to each of the 11 pastors who will be ordained this summer. Normally we’d hear from them at our NWC Annual Meeting, but this year we’ve asked each one to combine a bit of their Ordination Testimony (Word of Witness) with an Encouraging Word for the wider NWC as part of our ongoing series.
We pray that you will be blessed and give thanks for each of these sisters and brothers who have been set apart for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
View the next installment from Andy League, Pastor of Lowry Community Covenant Church in Lowry, MN. He is married to Shannon and they have 4 children.
In the weeks leading up to our Annual Meeting, we’ll be introduced to each of the 11 pastors who will be ordained this summer. Normally we’d hear from them at our NWC Annual Meeting, but this year we’ve asked each one to combine a bit of their Ordination Testimony (Word of Witness) with an Encouraging Word for the wider NWC as part of our ongoing series.
We pray that you will be blessed and give thanks for each of these sisters and brothers who have been set apart for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
View the next installment from Kari Jacott, Covenant pastor and Clinical Mental Health Therapist at Fernbrook Family Center in Owatonna, MN. Kari loves to run, have outdoor adventures, golf, and spend time with her husband and children.
In the weeks leading up to our Annual Meeting, we’ll be introduced to each of the 11 pastors who will be ordained this summer. Normally we’d hear from them at our NWC Annual Meeting, but this year we’ve asked each one to combine a bit of their Ordination Testimony (Word of Witness) with an Encouraging Word for the wider NWC as part of our ongoing series.
We pray that you will be blessed and give thanks for each of these sisters and brothers who have been set apart for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
View the next installment from Mike Bechtold, Associate Pastor at First Covenant Church in Red Wing, MN.
In the weeks leading up to our Annual Meeting, we’ll be introduced to each of the 11 pastors who will be ordained this summer. Normally we’d hear from them at our NWC Annual Meeting, but this year we’ve asked each one to combine a bit of their Ordination Testimony (Word of Witness) with an Encouraging Word for the wider NWC as part of our ongoing series.
We pray that you will be blessed and give thanks for each of these sisters and brothers who have been set apart for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
View the next installment from interim Covenant pastor Linda Norlien below. Linda and her husband Marv are co-pastors who serve Covenant churches as interim pastors. They are currently between churches and look forward to serving another church in the near future. They are both finalizing their transfer of ordination into the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Over the next 11 weeks, we’ll be introduced to each of the 11 pastors who will be ordained this summer. Normally we’d hear from them at our NWC Annual Meeting, but this year we’ve asked each one to combine a bit of their Ordination Testimony (Word of Witness) with an Encouraging Word for the wider NWC as part of our ongoing series.
We pray that you will be blessed and give thanks for each of these sisters and brothers who have been set apart for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
View the next installment from interim Covenant pastor Marv Norlien below. Marv and his wife Linda are co-pastors who serve Covenant churches as interim pastors. They are currently between churches and look forward to serving another church in the near future. They are both finalizing their transfer of ordination into the Evangelical Covenant Church.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Renee Franzen, Lead Pastor at Brookdale Covenant Church in Brooklyn Center, MN.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Khanh Nguyen, member of Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis. She’s a wife and mother of two children and runs her own Diversity & Inclusion ministry called C3: Cultural Competency Consulting.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Mark Stromberg, Superintendent of the Northwest Conference.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Hector Calvo, Next-Gen Pastor at Destino Covenant Church. Hector, his wife Pierina and his three children Caleb, Mila and Aylee live in Brooklyn Park, MN.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Collin Quinn, Minnehaha Academy teacher and Director of the Minnehaha Leadership Institute. Collin lives in South Minneapolis with his wife, Lisa, and their four kids, and has worked at Minnehaha since 2012.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment, the third in a series of three videos featuring students from Minnehaha Academy reflecting on leadership. Emma, Uyi and Elsie are members of the Minnehaha Leadership Institute serving as chapel interns at the Upper School. The Minnehaha Leadership Institute exists to develop servant leaders, who, through God’s story of redemption, are striving to become whole and holy people.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment, a Christmas greeting from ECC President John Wenrich and his wife Julie.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Paul Robinson, Executive Minister for the Love Mercy Do Justice Mission Priority of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Paul, his wife Kim and daughter Danyelle live in Blaine, MN.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment, the second in a series of three videos featuring students from Minnehaha Academy reflecting on leadership. Ava, Annika and Lily are members of the Minnehaha Leadership Institute serving as chapel interns at the Upper School. The Minnehaha Leadership Institute exists to develop servant leaders, who, through God’s story of redemption, are striving to become whole and holy people.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Tim and Linda Anderson. The Andersons are currently retired and have moved into Covenant Living in Golden Valley, MN. After retiring from First Covenant in Red Wing, MN, they have served in three interim positions.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Natalie Swanson, Program Director at Covenant Pines Bible Camp. Swanson has called CPBC home for the last three years, and loves “creating spaces for campers and guests to play and listen for God’s voice more clearly in retreat experiences.”
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment, the first in a series of three videos featuring students from Minnehaha Academy reflecting on leadership. Miriam, Catania and Tobias are members of the Minnehaha Leadership Institute serving as chapel interns at the Upper School. The Minnehaha Leadership Institute exists to develop servant leaders, who, through God’s story of redemption, are striving to become whole and holy people.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from David Hoffner, Executive Director of Faith Formation at Minnehaha Academy. Hoffner lives in South Minneapolis with his wife Sarah and their three kids, and he has taught at MA since 2006.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Rick Carlson, Pastor of Prairie Hills Covenant Church in Sioux Falls, SD. Throughout his career, he has also served the Evangelical Covenant Church as a music composer and video producer.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Living Waters Covenant Church Co-Pastors Jon and Kris Stewart below. The Stewarts have served the church in Worthington, MN, for the past 16 years.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Pastor Stephanie O’Brien, Lead Pastor at Mill City Church in Northeast Minneapolis. She is also a professor of ministry at Bethel University and Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Stephanie has opportunities to coach leaders around the world through speaking, developing resources and her podcast Lead Stories with her friend Jo Saxton. She is a sought after leadership coach, helping women and men to be intentional with their influence in all aspects of their lives. Pastor Steph is passionate about communities and individuals participating in the mission of God to the world. Her first book was released in the fall of 2019 – “Stay Curious: How Questions and Doubts Can Save Your Faith.” Stay curious with Pastor Steph at www.pastorsteph.com.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Steven P. Larson, Senior Pastor of Oak Heights Covenant Church in Hutchinson, MN. Larson is “praising the Lord for the new call to a wonderful congregation in a community where the churches are working together for the sake of the Gospel.”
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff, as well as pastors and leaders from our churches and affiliated ministries, share a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from interim Covenant pastor Marv Norlien below. Marv and his wife Linda are co-pastors who serve Covenant churches as interim pastors. They are currently between churches and look forward to serving another church in the near future. They live in Southeastern Minnesota near the small town of Houston.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff have been sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. We’re opening up the Encouraging Words video series to feature more voices from throughout the Conference. View the next installment from retired Covenant pastor Alan Johnson below. Johnson served as a Covenant pastor for four decades and is now retired to a lake home near International Falls. He enjoys the North Country with his wife, Elaine, and continues serving as Church Chair.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff have been sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. We’re opening up the Encouraging Words video series to feature more voices from throughout the Conference. View the next installment from Plymouth Covenant Church Pastor to Kids and Families Sara Sosa below. Sosa has been married to her husband Carlos for almost 24 years, and they have two children—Emma who is a senior at North Park University, and Matteo who is a senior at North Lakes Academy High School.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff have been sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. We’re opening up the Encouraging Words video series to feature more voices from throughout the Conference. View the next installment from Roseville Covenant Church Associate Pastor Colleen Nelson below. Nelson lives in Roseville with her husband, Chris and three kids, Anneka, Broder and Jakob.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff have been sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. We’re opening up the Encouraging Words video series to feature more voices from throughout the Conference. View the next installment from Minnehaha Academy Director of Diversity Initiatives Paulita Todhunter below. Todhunter works closely with the Office of Faith Formation to ensure diversity and equity goals are achieved throughout all areas of Minnehaha Academy. She also serves as a mentor for students endeavoring to be agents of racial reconciliation at school and in their communities.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff have been sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. We’re opening up the Encouraging Words video series to feature more voices from throughout the Conference. View the next installment from Emmanuel Covenant Church founding Pastor Chris Studenski below. Studenski also serves on the NWC Executive Board. He lives in Shoreview with his wife Laura and his daughters Emma and Andra.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff have been sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. We’re opening up the Encouraging Words video series to feature more voices from throughout the Conference. View the next installment from NWC Executive Board Chair Jim Volling below. Volling also is a member of the Minnehaha Academy Board of Trustees. He and his wife Connie are members of Excelsior Covenant Church. He is an attorney and practices law in Minneapolis.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff have been sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. We’re opening up the Encouraging Words video series to feature more voices from throughout the Conference. View the next installment from Sandi Asker, Church Planting Resident and Co-Pastor of Crossview Rosa Parks, a new network church plant in Mankato, MN, below.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff have been sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. We’re opening up the Encouraging Words video series to feature more voices from throughout the Conference. View the next installment from Winthrop Evangelical Covenant Church Pastor Gilkinson below.
As a source of encouragement throughout this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region, NWC staff have been sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. We’re opening up the Encouraging Words video series to feature more voices from throughout the Conference. View the next installment from HOPE Church Lead Pastor Paul Knight below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Director of Finance Sandy Norris below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Church Planting Associate Jeff Olson below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Director of Congregational Vitality Jon Kramka below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Director of Youth Ministry Ginny Olson below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Director of Pastoral Care & Development Hollis Kim below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Associate Superintendent Kara Stromberg below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Superintendent Mark Stromberg below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Coordinator of Latino Ministry Mauricio Dell’Arciprete below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Director of Church Planting Mike Brown below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Church Planting Associate Jeff Olson below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Director of Finance Sandy Norris below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Director of Congregational Vitality Jon Kramka below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Director of Youth Ministry Ginny Olson below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Director of Pastoral Care & Development Hollis Kim below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the next installment from Associate Superintendent Kara Stromberg below.
Please know that NWC staff and Executive Board members are standing with you during this unprecedented time in our world, nation and region. As a source of encouragement, NWC staff members will be sharing a reflective thought and prayer each week. View the first installment from Superintendent Mark Stromberg below.
The Northwest Conference is comprised of roughly 140 churches, ranging from rural to urban, big to small. As generations change, churches continue to seek out new approaches to ministry rooted in the unchanging fundamental of God’s desire for His Church to be fruitful.
One trend among rural churches in the NWC has been an emphasis on moving their ministry reach beyond just the local community, out into the broader region.
Dawson Covenant Church in Dawson, MN, and Mission Covenant Church in Poplar, WI are two examples of churches that have experienced this shift over the past decades. Their pastors, the Rev. Erik Carlson and the Rev. Darrell Nelson, recently shared insights from their experience.
How and when did you move from a community church to a regional church?
Nelson: We transitioned from a community church to a regional church in the early 1990s. As a result of our church’s music ministry, strong preaching and good youth and children’s programming, we started to experience growth to the point of needing a new church building.
In 1996, we transitioned from our old building to the new building and continued to add on in the following years as the church continued to grow.
Carlson: Our church has had members from nearby towns for decades, but in the past five years there has been significant growth from outside our immediate community. I don’t think we did anything intentional to target regional growth at the outset. Our focus was to be a healthy missional church that welcomed visitors and demonstrated God’s love.
Over time, we noticed more people coming from different communities on verbal recommendation. Any assessment, however, of how we became a regional church would not be fair without recognizing the larger demographic/church declining trends in our surrounding area. We are the only Covenant church in about an hour’s drive, and one of the few “evangelical” churches in the region.
Transitioning to a regional church happened to us, we weren’t directly striving to make it happen. Yet, what our church did recognize was God’s movement. We’ve hoped to cooperate with these changes as faithfully as possible.
What does ministry at your church look like as you have moved toward becoming a regional church?
Nelson: Our facility has really enabled us to host many large sized events to love, serve and share our faith with those in our community and region. We host weekly children’s playgroups, day care programs, sporting events, Boy Scouts, a Karate club, a monthly food-share program to help feed families in our region and much more in support of our greater community.
The average person attending our church drives 13 miles one way. As a result, we try to do everything really well in short blocks of time. We only offer one youth and one adult Bible study on Sunday mornings. Confirmation is offered on Sunday morning or Wednesday night, whichever meets the parents and families’ schedules and travel needs. We have a full hour Children’s Church and three Sunday morning worship services.
One of the real draws is the fellowship time between and during services in the fellowship hall. Coffee and refreshments are served and people just enjoy being together in community. We also have a variety of small groups located geographically in the regional communities for people who attend our church from further away.
Carlson: Over the church’s 125+ years, we have gone from ministering to Swedish immigrants in the township, to people from a variety of backgrounds from two counties. The church has always been tasked with making disciples. Our mission has just expanded from sending disciples into one community to many.
Recognizing that people were hearing about the church and were willing to drive a distance led us to make changes. Some of our events like ‘Lucia’ were beloved, but did not speak to the growing numbers of people that didn’t grow up in the Covenant and had no Swedish heritage. We transformed that fellowship event so that it invites people to bring whatever heritage foods they like.
We also had to rethink how we were making a broad spectrum of decisions based on a multi-community rather than a single-community model. What is unique about the ministry that you are doing?
Nelson: We have the only youth pastor in the region (rural churches). I believe also the only full-time youth pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church in America in this small of a community—the Village of Poplar—603 people. Our youth programs draws youth from around the region.
Our Children’s Ministry, Mission Kidz!, is also really a huge focus in our church. We do not do Sunday School for our young children anymore, but strictly put all of our efforts into Mission Kidz! Children’s Church as we have a greater opportunity to reach non-churched, non-Christian families that way.
In addition, we have Individual Education Plans for any special needs children and will pair up a highly-skilled personal attendant to work with them alongside of the class. This ministry has had a powerful influence in our region and community.
Carlson: The church also took a leap of faith in hiring a full time youth pastor (the first additional pastoral staff in the church’s history) and building an addition focused on reaching the youth in the region. My understanding is that we are the only church in a 40-mile radius with full-time youth staff and regular weekly gathering.
What is your hope/vision for the future of your church and your region?
Nelson: Our area is in serious economic and social decline as people regularly leave for employment, schooling, opportunities, etc. The opioid/drug epidemic has also hit our county and neighboring county hard.
Certainly, we need revival and we need to faithfully continue all of our outreaches with the gospel and our ministries to our community. We want to continue to love God and love our neighbor!
Carlson: It is my hope that our church will continue to be a loving and welcoming place, and that God can use us to form mature disciples who will go on to make more disciples. I believe God wants to use our church to sustain and minister to the surrounding region for generations to come.
Crossroads Church in Woodbury, MN, launched its Christmas series the weekend of Dec. 5-6 by hosting International Justice Mission’s Larry Martin. The weekend theme was “All I Want for Christmas Is … A Better World.”
IJM, a Christian organization that shows up, speaks up and stands up for the oppressed of the world, is one of Crossroads’ strategic mission partners. Crossroads has supported IJM in many ways—including a trip several church members took to Uganda 2 years ago to help organize and find paperwork within the court system to return widows and children back to their stolen land.
Crossroads leadership knew they wanted to start the Christmas series out differently this year. They also knew that they had the ability to do life-changing work. “We wanted to step out in faith and allow God to use us for something big, something radical,” said Erik Anderson, Director of Weekend Ministries. “If not us, then who?”
And so, as a part of the weekend, Crossroads made a goal to provide funding for four “rescue operations” (girls in forced prostitution, people sold in slavery against their will, etc.). Each rescue operation costs around $5,000.
The church produced long-sleeved T-shirts that said “ONE MORE #fourfreedom” and sold them throughout the weekend to fund the rescues.
Over $48,000 was raised in just 24 hours. On Tuesday, Crossroads found out that an anonymous donor had matched their funds – bringing the total raised to $96,000. The money will now go toward over nineteen rescue operations through the work of IJM worldwide.
“This is what Jesus-like people do. They carry the baton of justice and they work to set the captives free,” said Phil Print, lead pastor at Crossroads Church. “I’m so proud of the Crossroads family. To God be the glory!”
Covenant pastors in Minneapolis and Chicago are calling on the church to be instruments of peace in pursuing short and long-term solutions to racial issues between police and the African-American community.
Protesters have camped and demonstrated in front of the Fourth Precinct police station in Minneapolis following the shooting death of Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old African-American, on Nov 15. On Tuesday, Chicago officials released a video that shows a Chicago police officer killing a 17-year-old African-American, Laquan McDonald. The officer shot him 16 times.
Clark was shot during what police say was a scuffle with officers who responded to an assault of a woman in which he was a suspect. Some witnesses say Clark was handcuffed at the time, which police have denied. A state criminal investigation and a federal civil rights probe are underway.
Protesters had gathered outside the Precinct 4 station since the incident, and five were shot on Monday by several men wearing ski masks. No one was killed, and four suspects were arrested.
Community Covenant Church is located blocks from the police station and held a gathering for prayer and discussion on Tuesday night that was attended by roughly 120 members of other Covenant congregations and people who live and work in the area. Covenant congregations represented were Sanctuary Covenant Church, First Covenant Church of St. Paul, First Covenant Church of Minneapolis, and Roots Covenant Church.
The meeting opened with a period of prayer and song that was followed by an open-microphone time in which people could share their fears, hopes and concerns and then discussed actions going forward, said Dennis Edwards, pastor of Sanctuary. His church meets at a school located five blocks from where Clark was shot.
“Anger was a word that was mentioned a lot,” Edwards said. “There also was a strong desire to be instruments of peace.”
Edwards said the Covenant congregations agreed to form a committee of members from each church that would help them plan coordinated ways to pursue justice and reconciliation.
Edwards said the short-term solutions should include peaceful protest in the same way the Apostle Paul did in Acts 16 when he demanded public recognition of the injustices, which included jailing and beating, that were inflicted on him and Silas.
“Unfortunately, there’s not a short-term solution to the problems,” Edwards said.
Members of several Covenant congregations were among the people who have protested outside the police station.
Luke Swanson, pastor of Community Covenant, lives just several blocks from where the protests are occurring and heard the shots that wounded five people Monday night. He had been at the protest earlier in the day.
On Tuesday, he said, “I’m heartbroken this morning.” The shootings have heightened the tension, Swanson added.
Swanson’s church has experienced the racism that many say lies beneath the surface of Minneapolis society but is not discussed enough and rarely addressed. His church was the victim of arson, and the arsonist scribbled racist-graffiti on church walls.
Prior to the Tuesday evening meeting, Swanson wrote in an email, “There is an opportunity for the Church to be a nonviolent presence for peace and justice. I have reminded others in the community to be careful with language and words because our children are listening and watching.”
Swanson added, “I have been encouraged by the many conversations I have had with community leaders and residents seeking change for our community. This is not a time for finger pointing but to be united. No matter what one’s opinion is, Christians can make space to grieve with people, to call everyone to value the human dignity of all people, to point the way to justice and help be a peaceful presence.”
Pursuing peace will mean telling and listening to difficult, painful truths amid the “chaos” that comes whenever communities move from having surface discussions to really trying to engage one another, Swanson said.
Pastors said that although they believe a majority of police try to do a good job, incidents of racial injustice are frequent and that the judicial system, as well as other aspects of society, are stacked against minorities.
In Chicago a judge ordered Chicago city officials to release the video of Laquan McDonald being shot after police refused requests that the public be allowed to see it. The officer was arrested for first-degree murder hours before the video was released on Tuesday.
Police, the district attorney, and mayor have been criticized because it took 14 months to charge the officer although the video clearly shows the deceased walking away from officers in direct contradiction to earlier police statements.
Bryan Hodges, pastor to men at Oakdale Covenant Church, said getting all the facts on each incident is important in forming a particular response. That can be difficult, however.
“One of our biggest issues is how the media fuels the way they want you to respond. They want to see a violent protest,” Hodges said.
Hodges agreed the video was horrific, and he questioned why there was such a long delay before an arrest was made. On Saturday, a men’s breakfast at the church involved several police officers from the congregation discussing issues related to law enforcement, the justice system, and relationships with the community.
This article originally appeared on covenantcompanion.com, and is reused with permission.
This past August, First Covenant Church of St. Paul hosted its first Gospel Music workshop. The three day event, featuring T.J. Smith and the Oakdale Christian Academy Choir of Chicago, IL, opened the door to an incredible learning experience of history, music, and intercultural relationships. The workshops were free and open to the public, offering an opportunity to join in a gospel experience and to learn and worship with others in the Twin Cities area.
Several other Covenant churches in the area, such as Abbey Way Covenant and Roots Covenant, helped to comprise the almost 90 people who participated in this event. The final night hosted a concert with a mix of both contemporary and traditional styles of gospel music and featured singing from both novice and experienced gospel singers. Nearly 200 people attended the final concert and close to 200 people viewed the concert via online streaming.
For more on this story from Transform Minnesota, click here.
Mark Chapman, pastor of Countryside Covenant Church, says he knows it might seem strange for a congregation of around 70 attendees to construct a $550,000 building out in the country and change its name—but the people believe it is a sign of hope for their area.
People in rural areas struggle with the same personal and community issues as those in suburban and urban regions, Chapman says, with the added stress of declining populations. The move is a statement that the church exists to serve people.
The members of what was once simply Evangelical Covenant Church voted on July 26 to change the church name to Countryside. They chose from among four names.
“Countryside just soared to the top,” Chapman said.
With the name change the congregation wanted to send a message that “We are a welcoming church and more of a regional congregation,” Chapman explained.
He explains that the church had been known as LaBolt Covenant Church, but in their rural area, residents are less likely to attend a church attached to a specific nearby community, sometimes due to longstanding rivalries of one sort or another. “We’ve actually had people tell us they would attend our church if we moved out of town into the country.”
The new facility is 7,000 square feet, up from its current 4,000 square feet, and will enable the church to have a dedicated youth room as well as much more multipurpose space.
“Currently we hardly have room for our potlucks,” Chapman said. A new foyer with chairs and a fireplace will give people a place to linger.
Chapman says workers are 
racing to complete construction prior to the move-in date of Sept. 1. A dedication service is slated for Sept. 20.
The church was originally founded in 1900 wit the name Swedish Christian Mission Church of LaBolt and joined what is now the Evangelical Covenant Church. In 1965 the name was changed to the Evangelical Covenant Church of LaBolt.
The decision to relocate was part of a long discernment process that has included being part of the denomination’s Vitality Pathway. “We were on the pathway before there was a pathway,” Chapman said.
National Covenant Properties helped fund construction. “They really cared about our overall ministry as well as the building,” Chapman said. “They made this possible.”
Story originally published by Covenant Newswire.
At the Covenant Village of Golden Valley retirement community, 72-year-old Nancy Anderson and 74-year-old Jo Goodwater have been quietly mobilizing a crew of seamstresses to help folks halfway around the world and at home in Minneapolis.
In the last two and a half years, Anderson and her team have created hundreds of items for people in Democratic Republic of the Congo: 138 dresses that Congolese girls can wear to school, 66 baby layettes for newborn Congolese babies, 105 reusable surgical masks, 100 reusable surgical caps—50 for men and 50 for women who need a bit more room to accommodate their hair.
The outreach started when the Covenant Village activity staff asked Anderson, a retired consumer science teacher, to teach a class. She agreed, but noted, “The only thing I really wanted to do was something for someone else.” Many of the retired missionaries who live at Covenant Village had served in Congo, and Anderson was aware of the needs. She and her sister Jo Goodwater, also a Covenant Village resident, hatched a plan.
The schoolgirl dresses, made from used pillowcases, were the first Congolese project. After advertising the project within the Covenant Village community, collecting pillowcases from Covenant Village residents, and shopping thrift stores for pillowcases, Anderson and Goodwater soon had enough material to get started. They designated workdays. Each time, 10 to 15 volunteers came to the community’s creative arts center to cut, pin and sew. That established the procedure for future projects.
The layettes, consisting of a blanket, bonnet and shirt, came next. Anderson and her sister found flannel on sale, and the village seamstresses set to work. The sisters thought stretchable knit caps would be more useful than fabric, so they provided a pattern, knitting needles and yarn, and Covenant Village’s volunteer knitters created 200 tiny caps. Five workdays and innumerable knitting hours later, 66 layettes were ready to ship.
Surgical masks and caps were the most recent project. Anderson created patterns from disposable samples. Made of brightly colored and printed fabrics and bound with twill tape, the masks and caps are operating room supplies unlike any you’ve seen in the U.S. The bonus for Congolese surgeons low on all supplies: the masks and caps are reusable.
Anderson and Goodwater are interested in helping at home as well as overseas. Their very first project, in the summer of 2010, was 45 pairs of lined fleece mittens for the needy and homeless in Minneapolis. They repeated the effort in 2013, upping the donation to 75 pairs of mittens.
Living at a retirement community with a skilled nursing center on site, they know that nursing home residents stay cozy with lap blankets. So they mobilized the Covenant Village stitchers to create 35 lap quilts for Minneapolis-area nursing homes.
Supplies and shipping expenses could mount up for projects like these. But the sisters tapped their creativity for funds.
When their mother lived at The Holmstad, the Covenant retirement community in Batavia, Ill., they helped her make American Girl doll clothes and accessories to sell at the community’s annual Christmas bazaar. Now that they’ve moved to Covenant Village, they stitch doll clothes to sell at bazaars so they can buy needed supplies for their philanthropic sewing.
“When we were doing the pillowcase dresses, people wanted to give us money for the project,” recalls Anderson. “We didn’t want to accept donations, so we talked to the chaplains here at Covenant Village. They designated one Sunday’s collection as a postage fund for mission projects.”
“We want to help other people,” says Anderson. “And we’re trying very hard to be an asset here at Covenant Village.”
From the volume of material they’ve donated since 2010, it’s safe to say Anderson and Goodwater have achieved their first objective. When Anderson reflects on the Covenant Village sewing sessions, she’s hopeful they’re accomplishing the second as well. “We’re really concerned about building community and having people get to know one another. The work sessions have built some friendships in the community. I’ve gotten to know people better by doing this. That and Christ’s love are what keep us going.”
A lifelong Covenanter, Anderson attended Orchard Covenant Church in Springfield, Mass. Today she attends Redeemer Covenant Church in Brooklyn Park, Minn. Goodwater attends services at Covenant Village of Golden Valley.
By Colette Claxton. Copyright © 2013 The Evangelical Covenant Church.
A group of runners from Crosstown Covenant Church outpaced all others in fundraising for Team World Vision during the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon last Saturday, and one member of the congregation raised more money than any other individual.
The Crosstown team raised at least $30,000. Thirteen of the 15 congregation members finished the race, even though many of them had never done any distance running, and only four had run a marathon, which is 26.2 miles.
Team World Vision involves athletes participating in public events such as marathons or half-marathons. The humanitarian organization views the team as a way of encouraging health among the participants as well as a way to raise funds for projects.
Several Covenant churches in the area, including Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville, and First Covenant Church of St. Paul, had teams, as did Minnehaha Academy. Crosstown member Nathan Johnson led the Minnehaha team, which raised the third-most amount of funds.
Altogether World Vision raised more than $200,000, said Crosstown Pastor John Jacobi.
The Crosstown team actually had 17 members but two were unable to run due to injuries. One of them was Josh Smith, the church’s director of worship arts, who was 290 pounds at 6-foot-4-inches tall when he enlisted. During his training, he lost more than 50 pounds.
Smith told a local news outlet earlier this year that he ran because, “Kids are near and dear to my heart. I can’t imagine a 12- or 13-year-old’s (being) worried about getting abducted on the way to get water. No kid should have to make that decision. I am doing something that’s tough for me, so they don’t have to make those tough decisions.”
Other team members included a woman who was four months pregnant and a woman in her fifties who had never run a marathon.
Crosstown member Karl Palmer, also a first-time marathoner, raised the most of any participant—$5,360. As a result of that accomplishment, he will have lunch with World Vision President Rick Stearns on Oct. 18.
“I never realized there would be an opportunity to meet with Mr. Stearns for being a top fundraiser,” said Palmer. “I was mainly motivated to tell people of the need to provide clean water for people in Africa.”
Palmer far surpassed his personal goal. “I planned to just get to $1,310 so I could focus on training for the marathon. As I continued my training, I continued to tell people about running for clean water. I am very blessed to know many generous people who offered their financial support.”
Jacobi was excited that so many people from his congregation, which has an average attendance of “maybe 200,” chose to participate. “The Holy Spirit challenged people to step outside of their normative life patterns and embark on ‘something great for God.’ ”
Crosstown has sponsored 40 children through Covenant Kids Congo powered by World Vision and would have designated their funds from the marathon to that project, but the charity already had decided that all of the money would go to Zambia water projects.
Jacobi also praised team leaders Sarah and Matt Zamastil. “I had nothing to do with organizing this, which is always great for a pastor,” he said.
The marathon effort benefited the congregation as well, Jacobi said. “It brought out leadership gifts and drew people closer together.”
Copyright © 2013 The Evangelical Covenant Church.
This year’s Hispanic Heritage Festival, created and hosted by La Bendición Covenant Church, will feature participation and sponsorship by various Brooklyn Park organizations, including the Mayor’s office, police department, fire department and local public schools. The annual celebration will take place on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 3-6 p.m. in the Redeemer Covenant Church parking lot.
The free event will feature a parade, food, live music, games, exhibits from a variety of Latin American cultures, and a new “Folklore Dance Contest.”
La Bendición has extended an invitation to NWC churches to “participate, promote, pray and economically support the Hispanic Heritage Festival,” according to Pastor Juan Lopez. “I await with excitement to hear from you soon and to count with your participation, but most importantly, that your congregation will take this initiative as a great opportunity to share our Hispanic heritage, show our unity and exalt our God through this event.”
Download the 2012 Hispanic Heritage Festival flyer, and contact Lopez at juan.humberto.lopez@gmail.com or 763-561-8769 if your church would like to partner in the event.
President Gary Walter was stunned Sunday morning when members of Maple Grove Covenant Church presented him with a $50,000 check to benefit Covenant Kids Congo powered by World Vision.
“Wow, wow, that’s amazing,” said Walter in a soft voice.
Pastor Chad Erlenborn gave Walter the check while introducing the president, who later brought the morning message. The money was raised as part of the congregation’s “Do Something” campaign. Erlenborn describes it as a short-term campaign to kick-start a long-term strategy to end extreme poverty.
The underlying theme was that no one person or organization could end poverty, but “we can all do something,” Erlenborn says.
Leaders were inspired by Isaiah 58, in which the prophet calls on Israel to fast for justice and serve the poor. Congregation members completed cards pledging to “fast” from a certain product or activity and donate the savings to the campaign.
“We asked people to give up something good to participate in something great,” Erlenborn says.
Some congregants gave up certain foods, others substituted meals such as beans and rice for their regular dinners. One individual rode a bike to work rather than drive and donated the gas money. Others decided not to go on vacation.
In the beginning, leaders did not know in what specific ways the money would be used. “Nine months ago when we started this, all we knew was we wanted to do something,” says Erlenborn.
They believed God wanted them to use the money to support ministry concentrated in one area. When leadership learned of the Covenant Kids Congo project, they thought it was a perfect fit. The congregation initially hoped to raise $25,000 – that would be matched with money from the church’s mission fund and other special gifts. The church far surpassed its goal and raised $53,000 – before the match.
Rather than just match the $25,000, church leadership decided mission funds would be used to match the entire amount, so the final total was $106,000. They decided to contribute $50,000 to Covenant Kids Congo and then allocate the remaining funds among several ministries.
“The beautiful thing was that it was sacrificial giving,” says Erlenborn.
Before Erlenborn presented Walter the money, he gave him all the pledge cards and asked the president to deliver them to the Congolese when he traveled to the country in August. “It’s not just the check that matters, it’s our heart,” Erlenborn said.
Walter replied that he would read the pledges from the cards, noting, “the gift will be incredibly meaningful to them.”
Erlenborn said Sunday’s worship service “was probably one of my best days I’ve had as a pastor, seeing how the church responded to the need.”
Following the service, Walter said, “I was so heartened by this gift. This is the fruit of a congregation that has really been seeking how to tangibly engage around deep need in the world, particularly Congo. I know there are many other congregations doing the same.”
Copyright © 2012 The Evangelical Covenant Church.
Steve Larson, pastor of Redeemer Covenant Church in Brooklyn Park, MN, was part of a five-member team of elected officials, civic leaders and businesspersons representing the city and making a presentation during the Community Engagement Leadership Institute, Jan. 9-14, in Los Angeles. The city’s invitation for Larson’s participation in this event is a sign of the noteworthy role Redeemer Covenant Church has in serving its community.
“One of the five ‘best practices of effective evangelistic churches’ is ‘community connection and credibility.’ The church must develop a theology of the city that sees the church as an agent of change for the good of the community (Jer. 29: 7),” said Jon Kramka, director of congregational vitality for the Northwest Conference. “We should always ask ourselves the question: ‘How can we bless our community?’ Redeemer is a wonderful example of a church living this out!”
During the annual conference sponsored by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Larson presented tangible ways that communities, school districts and agencies can begin partnering together to help children and their families. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Michael Davis, another team member, shared that the work in his city could not be happening without a commitment of all stakeholders, and the church has been a significant part of that work.
Within a relatively short time, Brooklyn Park, a northwest suburb of Minneapolis, has become one of the most diverse communities in America. One in three children now live under the poverty line. However, also within a short time, the crime rate has dropped significantly. This has been attributed to the city’s Community Engagement Initiative.
Larson explained, “The Go BP (Brooklyn Park) Coalition has been working to bring about renewal in our city through engaging all residents in the process of change, which was an initiative started by our former mayor Steve Lampi. (Lampi died of cancer last year, but the initiative is carried on by the people of the community.) Brooklyn Park was one of six U.S. cities chosen by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to send a team of people to Los Angeles for the Community Engagement Leadership Institute to share the process we have been following. I was asked to go with the team from Brooklyn Park because of the significant role the faith community has had in the process and the work that I lead to connect the churches to the community.”
A large part of the strength in the community’s fabric is the collaboration of the faith community and the places where churches step in to serve. This is an outgrowth of Larson’s leadership of the Brooklyn Area Ministers Association (BAMA). This past year, BAMA mobilized resources with the churches, school districts, the county, and the area communities to begin addressing the rising homeless population in Brooklyn Park.
The W. K. Kellogg Foundation has founded the national program to be modeled on Los Angeles’ Empowerment Congress, which was started in 1992 following unrest in the 2nd District of Los Angeles County. The foundation’s mission statement explains that it “supports children, families, and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society.”
The Mayor’s Good Citizen Award was presented Oct. 24 to Steve Larson, pastor of Redeemer Covenant Church in Brooklyn Park, MN, during the City Council meeting.
A proclamation presented to Larson states that his “connecting efforts, determined spirit, mentoring and dedication have brought hope and healing to our community.”
“This was a complete surprise to me,” says Larson. “I was not ready to give a speech, which was evident to everyone there.”
Larson says the award testifies to the work of the entire congregation. The church recently sponsored its third annual Hispanic Heritage Festival in cooperation with La Bendición Covenant Church.
The city was so impressed by the previous two festivals, which promote multicultural awareness, that it co-sponsored this year’s event. More than 350 people attended.
A proclamation presented to Larson states that his “connecting efforts, determined spirit, mentoring and dedication have brought hope and healing to our community.”
Article by Stan Friedman. Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.
Between its two campuses in Eagan and Woodbury, Crossroads Church had 4,350 people attend 10 Easter weekend services. The theme for the weekend was “Awakening: Everything Jesus touches comes alive.”
According to church staff, 240 people made first-time commitments to Christ throughout the weekend.
“We fasted as a church family for one day a week for 40 days prior to Easter, asking God to pour His Spirit upon us,” said Phil Print, senior pastor. “He did.”
The Gallery
The Gallery Covenant Church in St. Paul, a plant of Crossroads, used Easter weekend to kick off its own unique outreach effort. The church passed out more than 80 plastic eggs stuffed with $20 bills.
Attendees were challenged to bring books to church on Sunday mornings through May 8 to benefit the Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary School. Participants could use the $20 to purchase new and used books and were challenged to match the church’s donation.
To date, The Gallery has collected 2,500 books for the neighboring school.
On June 19, The Gallery will host an Absolutely Free Garage Sale at the playground of the school. The church is gathering donations to be given away during the event.
On November 14, Edina Covenant Church sent a group of 10 people to Haut-Limbe, Haiti, to serve at the Ebenezer medical clinic. The team encountered many unexpected challenges due to the recent cholera outbreak as well as the civil unrest and rioting between the Haitians and the UN.
Despite the additional challenges, and difficult situations, the team is grateful to have had the opportunity to serve together. They would like to thank everyone who supported them both financially and through prayers.
For more details, here are a couple of stories on the trip:
Covenant Newswire – Mission trip: Getting out tough, getting in tougher
Covenant Newswire – Covenant team praises resilient Haitian spirit