CHICAGO, IL (July 12, 2007) \u2013 Dr. Glenn R. Palmberg will retire as president of the Evangelical Covenant Church effective August 31, 2008.
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\nPalmberg informed the Executive Board of his decision during its June meeting as part of the 122nd Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon. A Presidential Nominating Committee is being formed and will convene in October to begin the search process.<\/p>\n
![\"Palmberg\"](\"http:\/\/www.covchurch.org\/uploads\/i2\/Kk\/i2KkshkSf-8DxN-6V1xglw\/Glenn.jpg\")
\u201cOne of the goals, when I was elected president, was to establish a new Department of Compassion, Mercy and Justice, and I was able to see that dream fulfilled,\u201d Palmberg says in reference to his installation of Debbie Blue as the first executive minister of the new department. \u201cI saw that as part of my calling, and it was a high moment in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
When first elected, Palmberg says he anticipated serving two terms, \u201cbut the work exceeded my own expectations. I decided to enter a third term in large part because I saw the potential for creation of the new department and wanted to see that become a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
Palmberg believes he has essentially completed the vision he brought to the work and feels it is time to turn over leadership to a new president who can bring a fresh vision to the church. \u201cI am announcing my decision more than a year in advance to make certain there is adequate time for the nominating committee to complete a thorough search process,\u201d Palmberg notes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the travel required provides an incredible opportunity to meet new people and see how God is at work throughout the Covenant and the world, it does play into the decision,\u201d Palmberg says. \u201cI will have served 10 years (as president), which is a good length in an office like this. Before I became president, I served eight years as a conference superintendent (North Pacific Conference). Both involved significant travel and many weekends away from home.\u201d<\/p>\n
As to his future plans, he says, \u201cI would like to spend the years of service I have left doing less travel and focus my attention on issues about which I have a lot of passion, especially hunger and poverty.\u201d He says he will explore opportunities to serve in some part-time capacity addressing those areas of need.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am grateful for the opportunity to have served the church in this manner,\u201d Palmberg says of his tenure. \u201cIt has been a privilege and a great joy, and I leave with great gratitude for the people who have supported me and my family. I love the Covenant and will continue to be active in the Covenant church, confident that God will bring a new vision for the future through new leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n