Dvorak served as superintendent for eight years, from 1998 to 2006. Acknowledging that Dvorak is widely known in the denomination as a minister and superintendent, President Glenn Palmberg said, "He is even more broadly known because of his tours with the Brown Hymnal Society.

Palmberg recalled the first time he heard Dvorak lead a Brown Hymnal Society singing event, which included his "famous blood medley," in which he sang from all the hymns in Covenant hymnology that focus on the blood of Jesus. "It's quite a moving experience," Palmberg quipped.

"Robert, you are dearly loved by the church," Palmberg said. That love was reflected in the words Palmberg read as he presented the plaque:

The Evangelical Covenant Church salutes Robert C. Dvorak for faithful service as a leader who respects its values, inspires its mission, honors and defends its constitution, counsels and ministers to its pastors, and supports its unity. As superintendent he has been bold and creative. Bob has led with a conviction of the dynamic call to the church as Christ's body in our world. He has reached out in times of need, caring for ministers and churches in pastoral love and wisdom. Bob is a true churchman, whose impact has extended beyond the conference to the denomination and the work of Christ's larger Church. He is respected by his peers and loved by his fellow superintendents and pastors. The Covenant Church and the conference thank God for Bob's love for people, irenic spirit, commitment to excellence, and deep love and devotion to Jesus Christ, in whose name and spirit this service was given.

"The East Coast has been a great place to serve," Dvorak said (top photo). "I feel so blessed." He apologized for the things that may not be operating smoothly, but told the attendees from the conference to "Buck up - Howard Burgoyne is coming, and I'm sure he will get it all fixed." Burgoyne was installed as the new superintendent during Thursday evening's worship service.

Palmberg praised the work of Josephson (lower photo), who has led Covenant Bible College since 1990. The plaque reads:

For his vision for building the Church of Jesus Christ by equipping and growing young people into whole life disciples; for excellence in leadership of a unique ministry that has an impact on the Covenant church and the kingdom of God far beyond its size; for his bold leadership in a time of significant expansion for Covenant Bible College International; for the quality of faculty and staff members he recruited, producing a strong spiritual and academic program; for his gifts to the wider church, particularly in Christian formation programs and CHIC planning; for his warm and collegial spirit in working together with other leaders of the Evangelical Covenant Church; and, in all things, for his deep dedication to Christ, his love for the church, his skill as an educator, and his passion to see people grow to be more like Jesus.

Josephson fought back tears as he was honored. Still, he displayed his humor as the hundreds of people in the room gave him a standing ovation - "If I could only tell you how many of my students have ended my classes that way."

"Mainly I'm overwhelmed with gratitude," Josephson said. "It has been a great privilege to serve in this part of God's vineyard." He likened ministry to the story of loves and fishes. "You just bring what you've got and let God do the work," he said.

Josephson encouraged people to consider sending their children to Covenant Bible College for the year of intense discipleship it provides, even though "there's no big payoff of a pot of gold at the end of this."

Bible colleges across the United States and Canada have struggled in recent years, as students are increasingly choosing to immediately attend a college to get a degree that will land them a job. Noting that some people consider it foolish to spend money to attend a one-year institution that doesn't grant a degree, Josephson said, "Passionate discipleship will always seem crazy to people who want to follow Jesus from a safe distance."