Jan. 24, 2022
The Evangelical Covenant Church is pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. David Kersten has been appointed by the Covenant Executive Board as interim executive minister of Ordered Ministry and Develop Leaders. He will assume these responsibilities beginning on February 1 and serve in an interim capacity until August 31, 2022. Kersten will provide leadership to the Develop Leaders mission area until a new candidate is presented for election at Gather 2022. Kersten will work alongside the newly elected executive minister in July and August to aid in the onboarding and transition.
The process to identify an interim leader was covered with much prayer. Individuals from various contexts and backgrounds were all considered as input was sought from key leaders and governing bodies, including the Board of Ordered Ministry who recommended Kersten.
Rev. Lance Davis, who announced his resignation in October 2021, will contribute to this interim period as deputy endorser for Covenant chaplains.
“I am thrilled that Dave has been appointed and has accepted the role of interim executive minister of Ordered Ministry and Develop Leaders,” said John Wenrich, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church. “Dave has the experience and relationships to help provide the support, stability, and care our pastors need during this challenging time in our world. My heartfelt thanks to him for stepping into this role and to North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary for their willingness to continue to grow our partnership and collaborate for the advancement of our shared mission.”
“It has been an honor to serve within the Evangelical Covenant Church for the past 40 years, and through God’s leading, it is certainly an honor to step into this interim position,” said Kersten. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to support our ministerium in a vital way during the coming months.”
Kersten is currently dean of North Park Theological Seminary and the vice president for church relations for the university, a role he assumed in the fall of 2012. He will continue in this position as well until August 2022 when he will retire.
“Dean Kersten is uniquely gifted to serve and lead in this vital interim role for our denomination,” said Mary K. Surridge, president of North Park University. “As a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park remains deeply committed to our partnership and mutual mission advancement. I am also very grateful for Dean Kersten’s vital contributions to the senior administrative team and have full confidence in his continued leadership on campus, sustaining the momentum generated for our seminary over the past decade.”
Kersten previously served as executive minister of the former Department of Ordered Ministry for 11 years and has served as pastor to congregations in Alabama, Florida, Washington, and Minnesota. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services from North Park University, his master of divinity degree from North Park Theological Seminary, and his doctorate in ministry and preaching from North Park Theological Seminary. Kersten is married to Sandra Kay, and they have three adult children and four grandchildren.
