SELMA, CA (December, 1999) – The Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) lost one of its most innovative and well-known women in ministry when Alva M. Johanson died December 28 at age 87. A graveside service was conducted December 30 in Kingsburg.
Johanson was director of leadership training and children’s work from 1967 to 1977, during which time she started the Christian Education Resource Center (now Covenant Resource Center) – she directed the center until her retirement. The popular Pathfinder and Trailblazers children’s programs are two of her legacies.
Johanson was born June 28, 1912, in Kingsburg, California, the eldest child of Emil and Mathilda Johanson. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Fresno State College and a Master’s Degree in Christian Education from the University of Pacific in Stockton before serving seven years as a teacher. Although she believed her work at a country school near Kingsburg was rewarding, Johanson felt called to full-time Christian ministry and eventually served as a field worker for the California (now the Pacific Southwest) Conference, where she helped start new Sunday schools in various churches.
Although she had no formal job title, her work in shaping the conference’s Christian education programs was significant. The denomination took notice, asking her to help launch other programs. Twice she served at North Park Covenant Church in parish ministry and Christian education, providing leadership and innovative strategies for local programs. She also helped the denomination as a workshop and laboratory school leader while a staff member at North Park College and Theological Seminary. Johanson’s hard work and adventurous spirit were qualities appreciated by friends and co-workers alike.
On the occasion of her retirement, David Noreen, then executive secretary of Christian Education, described her as a pioneer of the twentieth century variety, praising her for engaging in a ministry for which there was no map or compass.
“…Dedicated as she was to Christ and his Kingdom and unencumbered with family responsibilities of her own, she gave herself beyond the call of duty to the larger family of God,” Noreen said. “Along with patience and love, Alva offered a remarkable capacity for hard work, an alert mind, and a sense of humor which signified a serene faith in the One who called her to these many years of service,” Noreen added.
Her memory lives on in a variety of programs and her spirit is present through the many lives she touched both inside and outside her family. “The things that she was involved in at North Park when they were trying to shape the degree in religious education, through that and through other ministries, she’s touched a lot of people in a lot of places,” said Janet Lungren, Johanson’s niece, who has served in ministry positions for 27 years in the Covenant. “She was a very caring person with a deep devotion to Christ,” Lungren said, adding, “it was that spirit that permeated everything she did, from leading workshops to greeting children, and relating personally to each person.”
For several years following her retirement, she lived in the Midwest until moving back to California. She is survived by her siblings: Henry Johanson, Carl Johanson, Elna Lungren, Helen Parmenter, and John Satterstrom. She was also the aunt of 13 nieces and nephews, great aunt to 23 children, and had three great, great nieces and nephews.
Memorial gifts may be sent to the Covenant Resource Center, 3200 W. Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60625.
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