The Covenant Companion

Gather 2026: The Work of One Another

Last week, delegates gathered to mark fifty years of ordaining women, share stories of God’s faithfulness, welcome new churches, and ordain and commission new ministers.

Christine Cikanek Honored for Outstanding Lay Ministry

Christine “Chris” Cikanek of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Princeton, Illinois, received the Theodore W. Anderson Award for outstanding lay ministry at the 141st Annual Meeting.

Fifty Years After Yes

Fifty years after ordaining women, the Covenant Church is still learning to make room for the gifts it has already affirmed.

A Story of God’s Pursuing Love: Nicki’s Journey at Rock Harbor

After a devastating job loss, Nicki Andersen made God a promise: she’d read the Bible from cover to cover. What followed was a conversion, a baptism, and a community at Rock Harbor Church that would expand to embrace her granddaughter too, in the midst of her most difficult moments.

Covenant Companion Recognized for Excellence

The Covenant Companion received multiple honors this year from the Evangelical Press Association and Associated Church Press, recognizing excellence in writing, visual storytelling, podcasting, and digital publishing across print and online platforms.

New Growth for a Changing Church

Pat Stark reflects on what is changing in Covenant church planting and why this moment calls for renewed imagination rooted in local churches and the Spirit’s leading.

Called and Gifted: A Living Witness

As the Evangelical Covenant Church marks fifty years since voting to ordain women, six women speaking at Gather 2026 share stories of ministry, leadership, persistence, and discernment across generations and contexts throughout the life of the Covenant.

Bridging a Gap with Fil Nesta

In his new role with Start and Strengthen Churches, Fil Nesta reflects on the challenges and resilience shaping bilingual church planting—highlighting the Latino church’s leadership, innovation, and witness as it navigates this moment and looks toward a hopeful future.

Faith and Immigration

In communities across the country, Covenant churches are responding to changing immigration policies and enforcement through prayer, public witness, education, and tangible care—navigating this moment with courage and a deep commitment to their communities.