Covenant News

New Children, Youth, Family Directors Named

CHICAGO (February, 1999) - Directors of Children, Youth and Family Ministries have been announced by the Board of Christian Education and Discipleship of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Accepting the call are Steve and Marti Burger, currently serving as directors of Christian Education/Youth at Salem Covenant Church in New Brighton, Minnesota. The Burgers have been ministering at Salem Covenant the past five years, working as a team within an integrated and holistic model.

The announcement, which came January 30 during pre-Midwinter Conference activities in Chicago, completes a lengthy search process.

"I am very excited about this new, bold strategic direction for our ministry," said Doreen Olson, executive director of Christian Education and Discipleship. "The integrated and holistic model of ministry into which we are headed is firmly rooted in the needs we've heard expressed in Covenant churches," she said. "I can't think of anyone I'd rather see lead us in that direction than Steve and Marti, who have lived out this ministry model with great integrity and strength."

The decision to accept the call was a difficult one for the Burgers, who said they had never entertained the notion of moving into such roles. "A real surprise? Oh yes, totally," said Steve. "We never imagined or anticipated being in this role. Burger admitted the decision was not an easy one. "I have been really wrestling with this decision," he said. "It took a dramatic call to cause me to relinquish to God's call." Marti quickly added, "When we look at all the people God could have called, we are humbled. We will be regularly on our knees."

Both are excited about the opportunity and see enormous potential in the months and years ahead. "Romans 12:5 is a touchstone verse for us," Steve explained. "It talks about being part of one body, yet with different functions. As such, we belong to each other and we need each other. We are looking forward to partnering with pastors, churches and conferences, to encourage and equip one another for ministry for the purpose of reaching the world for Christ."

Steve holds a master's degree in Christian Education from Bethel Theological Seminary. Marti currently is pursuing a master's degree in Theological Studies at Bethel. Both are licensed and commissioned staff ministers in the Evangelical Covenant Church.

"The Board of Christian Education and Discipleship desires to strengthen the family dimension of both children's and youth ministry," reads a statement from the board announcing the decision. "We believe that the family needs to be championed strongly and passionately by the church. The Burgers have a proven ministry record in this area and have served not only the local church, but also at the conference and denominational levels."

Citing a history of Covenant youth ministry being on the cutting edge, Olson commended the action of her board, noting that leading churches into a new model of youth and children's ministry "reflects the innovative and courageous leadership of our board. I'm so grateful to God for the gifts given to Steve and Marti, which will now be shared with the entire Covenant family."

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