Rev. Rob Peterson has been confirmed as the new president/superintendent of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada, following the denomination’s 121st Annual General Meeting in Strathmore, Alberta, this month.
Jenell Pluim, chair of the Leadership Board, which served as the search committee, described a thorough process, which included meeting Tammy Swanson-Draheim, president of the Covenant, and conducting two-hour interviews with short-listed nominees. “The interviews were excellent, and we were encouraged by the thoughtfulness of each one,” said Pluim. Following reflection and prayerful deliberation, the board made their decision, with Pluim adding that it “seemed good to us and to the Holy Spirit.”
“It was a delight to work with the Leadership Board,” said Swanson-Draheim. “The interviews were encouraging, and the selection was prayerful.”
The Annual General Meeting, held under the theme “Upward,” provided delegates and attendees opportunities to learn, hear how God has been at work, connect, and worship together. Reflecting on the meeting, Peterson said his heart was filled with gratitude and thanksgiving, inspired by worship, stories of God’s work, gracious conversations, and moments of prayer. “The delegates and pastors offered a blessing for me as I begin my service as the next president of The Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada,” he said. He expressed feeling “honored, humbled, and excited by this affirmation.”
Bringing 35 years of experience as a Covenant pastor, Peterson has served in various contexts. His ministry history includes serving a small congregation in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, planting a church in Strathmore, and serving as the lead pastor for Thornapple Covenant Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has lived for the past 15 years. At Thornapple he oversaw a staff of 15, managing supervision and budget oversight responsibilities.
He has also served on various national Covenant boards, participated in ministerial associations, led workshops, served a spiritual director, and acted as a strong advocate for women in ministry.
Rob Peterson’s spiritual foundation was built through his parents and church, leading him to become a follower of Christ at age 12. He specifically credits Kensington Road Covenant Church (now Commons Church) in Calgary, Alberta, and Green Timbers Covenant Church in Surrey, British Columbia, as being particularly important in his faith formation and discipleship. His call to ministry was encouraged by family and key mentoring relationships during his time at Green Timbers, including an internship under Associate Pastor Wally Coots. He feels called to the vocation of equipping the church for works of service.
During his time at Thornapple Covenant, he described an overview of his pastoral calling. “The vocation, when it’s done well, invites the pastor to first and foremost know God themselves. Then, in the knowledge of that relationship with God, to move into the work of being a pastor, whether its visiting or teaching or caring or serving, to live out that vibrant life in God with other people. So the most important thing is that I know God to the best of my ability… I feel my task is to be grounded in the reality of who God is and what God is doing in the world and in my life before I march in to do my work with other people.”
Peterson views his new role as being a steward of the shared mission and a shepherd for churches, leaders, and pastors, emphasizing that developing strong relationships is crucial for effectiveness. He is passionate about the vital role the local church plays in God’s mission. Looking ahead to the next five years, he envisions missional success including planting fifteen new churches, discovering new revenue sources, congregations celebrating the gospel, and a renewed commitment to being “good news people.” He also desires greater diversity within the Canada Covenant, including First Nations people. He senses an invitation for the denomination to embrace greater humility, relying on God’s strength and radiating hope.
Rob and Sonja Peterson have been together for 40 years. Soni works with seniors at Covenant Living of the Great Lakes. They have three adult children (Kristin, Erik, and Andrew) and grandchildren.
In his personal life, Peterson finds his soul flourishes most spending unhurried time outside, enjoying reading, prayerful walking and silence along with golf, running, biking, and hiking. He enjoys listening to and praying with others, and takes delight in seeing pastors, leaders, and congregations faithfully lean into Christ’s ways.
Rob and Soni plan to move to Canada and live in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
