Mark Stromberg has been recommended to replace Jim Fretheim as superintendent of the Northwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) when Fretheim retires next year.
Stromberg currently serves as associate superintendent of the conference, focusing in areas of leadership development, revitalization, strategic planning and church health assessment. He also handles legal, financial, property and other administrative issues.
"Mark is very passionate about the people and churches in the conference," said search committee chair John Stewart of Stromberg's selection. "He is a humble man, sincere in his call." Stewart and his wife, Kris, serve as co-pastors of First Covenant Church in Worthington, MN.
Stromberg also has been part of the team developing new directions for conference ministries over the past three to four years, Stewart pointed out. "There was no preference shown because of his involvement with the conference," Stewart emphasized. "However, what we've heard from our churches is that they like the direction we're going-the emphases on church planting and revitalization, our children, youth and families-and they want to keep that momentum going."
That sentiment was echoed by Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) President Gary Walter, who characterized Stromberg as "a proven leader who knows the conference and the entire Covenant very well.
"The conference has solid momentum right now, building on the leadership of Superintendent Fretheim and the whole team," Walter observes. "This continuity will only reinforce it. The whole of the Covenant is grateful for the ministry of the Northwest Conference."
Fretheim also is pleased with the continuity of vision that Stromberg's selection affords. "I am very pleased that the conference and the team will continue to pursue the vision and God's leading under Mark's leadership. It is a good day for the conference as we continue to trust God."
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