CHICAGO, IL (November 10, 2015) – Gary Walter has been nominated to serve another term as president of the Evangelical Covenant Church, it was announced today by Phil Mallory, chair of the Presidential Nominating Committee.
The 27-member PNC is comprised of the chairs of each of the regional conferences, a cross-section of ECC executive board members, and a representative from each of the affiliated boards that are elected by the Covenant Annual Meeting (Ordered Ministry, North Park University, Covenant Ministries of Benevolence, and Pension/Benefits).
“Rev. Walter has provided outstanding and inspirational leadership during the past seven years he has served as our president,” Mallory said.
Walter guided the Covenant through a major restructuring, which nominating committee member Josef Rasheed cited as an example of his leadership.
The nomination culminated a process entailing an extensive 360o evaluation, a review of ECC progress and accomplishments under Walter’s leadership, as well as an interview about current and future opportunities and challenges.
“He is a leader who is both strong and humble,” said member Juana Nesta.
Walter said, “The decision to accept this nomination did not come lightly. If elected by the Annual Meeting in June, I hold good anticipation for what God might have for us as we walk together in humility and service in these important days. It is an honor to serve.”
Walter was first elected in 2008. A graduate of the University of California-Berkeley and North Park Theological Seminary, he previously served in various capacities at Village Covenant Church in Azusa, CA, Newport Covenant Church in Bellevue, Washington, and Clairemont Covenant Church in San Diego, California before entering denominational service. With the ECC he served as director of church planting, and executive minister of the former department of Church Growth and Evangelism.
Walter and his wife, Nancy, are founding members of DeerGrove Covenant Church in Palatine, Illinois. They have three daughters, Amy (Chase), Alissa (Nod), and Lauren (Mark) and three granddaughters.
The election for president will take place during the 131st Annual Meeting of the Covenant June 23 -25 in Phoenix, AZ.
