In his new role, he will write for the daily online news report that is part of the Evangelical Covenant Church website at www.covchurch.org. He also will work with a number of other Communications projects, including the annual Covenant Reporter (distributed to conference annual meeting delegates, local churches and Covenant institutions), The Covenant Companion and other print products.

Friedman received his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1983 and a Master of Divinity Degree from North Park Theological Seminary in 1993. He served as a reporter and editor at various newspapers, including the Topeka Capital-Journal and designed a monthly sports magazine for Stauffer Communications in Kansas City, Missouri.

In his pastoral role, Friedman served Covenant churches in Tulare and Kingsburg, California, as well as Lindsborg, Kansas. He also volunteered as the director of support and recovery ministries in Salina, Kansas. Most recently, Friedman served as the development associate for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in Kansas, where he coordinated the raising of more than $100,000 in 2004, helped plan the nonprofit organization's state convention, trained small-group leaders and guided new program development.

"We are pleased to have someone of Stan's training and experience as part of our team," Meyer said. "He brings a unique blend of professional journalism and pastoral experience that should serve him – and the church – quite well."