Michael White will join the Covenant denominational team as the new vice president of mission priorities. In this role he will support the executive ministers of Serve Clergy, Serve Locally, and Serve Globally to help ensure that ministry initiatives align with denominational goals and serve the Covenant as a whole. He joins Cyndi Hoffman, vice president of finance, and Heather Hernandez, vice president of mission services, as they shape ministry strategies with President Tammy Swanson-Draheim.
“As I follow Jesus into this next adventure, I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to serve the church that I have loved so much for so long,” Michael said. “I am excited about this new position and excited to see what God has in store for us together.”
Michael has served as lead pastor at Harbor Covenant Church in Gig Harbor, Washington, since 2009, where he led a multi-staff team and developed strong community partnerships. Under his leadership, the congregation also planted a second campus. Previously, he was lead pastor at Stockton (California) Covenant Church, where he implemented strategic growth initiatives and expanded community involvement. He also served Zion Covenant Church in Jamestown, New York, and Fremont (California) Covenant Church.
He has served on multiple boards, including the executive boards of the Great Lakes Conference, the Pacific Southwest Conference, and the Pacific Northwest Conference. He was also treasurer and president of the Ministerial Association in the Pacific Southwest Conference.
Michael’s ministry philosophy is built on the foundation of Scripture. He says he believes in total discipleship and that following Jesus means being “100% sold out to him.” His approach to leadership is deeply collaborative, valuing the unique gifts of both clergy and lay leaders.
He earned his BA from Southern California College (now Vanguard University) and his MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. He was ordained to Word and Sacrament by the Covenant in 1993.
Evelyn Johnson, retired superintendent of the Pacific Southwest Conference, said, “Michael is a great fit for this role, and the Covenant will be blessed. He cares deeply for the whole church and for fulfilling Christ’s mission. He is a visionary, thoughtful leader and team developer. He will listen first and then lead.”
Greg Yee, superintendent of the Pacific Northwest Conference added, “I’ve known Michael for over 20 years and have always appreciated his love for Jesus and faithfulness to serving his Church. He is an excellent, wise, team leader who will bring important fresh eyes to this role. He will be a fantastic addition to the denominational team.”
And Tammy Swanson-Draheim said, “I am deeply grateful for the many who prayed as we sought the right person for this position. God answered by bringing Michael, who is highly relational, a team builder, a strategist, and a mission-motivated follower of Jesus.”
A lifelong believer, Michael enjoys reading through the Bible yearly, participating in spiritual direction, and meeting weekly with an accountability partner. He values community and believes strongly that “Christianity needs to be practiced in community.”
Michael’s wife, Megan, is also an ordained Covenant pastor, and they have two adult daughters.
He will begin full-time in the role on August 1. They plan to relocate to Chicago in September.
