Walter Nomination Draws Expressions of Support

Post a Comment » Written on January 16th, 2008     
Filed under: News
CHICAGO, IL (January 16, 2008) – Reaction has been quick and overwhelmingly supportive of the selection of Gary Walter as the nominee to stand for election as the next president of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC).

The selection was made public Monday by Brian Madvig, chair of the 27-member Presidential Nominating Committee. The committee was formed last year after President Glenn Palmberg announced his plan to retire this fall.

The election for president will take place during the 123rd Annual Meeting June 24-26 at Green Lake, Wisconsin.

“Those of us who have had the privilege of working closely with Gary for the last 10 years know him to be a very effective leader whose walk with Christ is paramount to how he lives,” says Palmberg of the selection. “He brings gifts to this position that the church needs.”

Palmberg sees years of continued growth and advancement under Walter’s leadership, noting that “the Covenant Church would not be the size or strength that it is today without the faithful and effective work of Gary Walter. He is a humble leader who loves the whole church.”

Palmberg also expressed appreciation to Walter’s wife, Nancy, and their family, for their support of Walter’s decision to accept the nomination, knowing the demands it will place on their family in the years ahead. “I am grateful to Gary and Nancy for saying ‘yes’ to yet another step in God’s call on his life.”

Affirmation also came from Darrell Griffin, chair of the ECC Executive Board and a member of the nominating committee.

“I think Gary is the leader we need for this season in the life of the Covenant,” says Griffin, who also serves as senior pastor of Oakdale Covenant Church in Chicago. “He is well equipped to help shepherd the church through the challenges we face. I am thrilled.”

Griffin cited Walter’s creative talents as one of many gifts he believes will be important in the years ahead. “Look at the innovative programs throughout the Covenant – so many of the different initiatives have his fingerprints on them. Having someone like that at the controls feels good.”

Griffin also praised the work of President Glenn Palmberg, who he credits with keeping the denomination together as a family, helping the church to focus on the really important mission priorities, and guiding the church through some of its most challenging moments with grace. “He has helped lay a foundation that allows us to build an even stronger and more unified future.”

News feedback forms began arriving in the Covenant Newsdesk email box within minutes of the Walter nomination story’s online posting on Monday. Following is a sample of those responses:

Marilyn Moore of Somerville, MA: In 2002 I had the pleasure of meeting Gary Walter when helping with registration for The Feast in Keystone. I was immediately impressed with his passion for ministry and helping each of us to understand our task. God has provided a fine man to take the helm of the Evangelical Covenant Church and I look forward to being at the June Annual Meeting to vote for him.

Jeremy Elseth of Forest Lake, MN: Great selection! I am excited about where this will go. Gary Walter is bright. He is a great leader.

Sue Rode of San Diego, CA: I am thrilled, as are all of us at Clairemont Covenant Church! Gary will be an excellent, Christ-centered leader of our denomination as proven over the many years of his leadership. We pray for peace in his decision, abundant support, and wisdom as he carries out his tasks ahead.

Brian Wiele
of Olympia, WA: Great choice! Gary will be a blessing.

There are no plans yet in place for an eventual transition within the Department of Church Growth and Evangelism. Information will be made available as part of this online Covenant news report when it becomes available. To read Monday’s article, please see Gary Walter Nominated.

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