The Evangelical Covenant Church is a Protestant denomination comprised of over 780 churches across the United States and Canada. It was formed in 1885 to send missionaries to China and Russia. The ECC believes in four core commitments: the necessity of the new birth, the Bible as God's perfect word, membership of committed believers, and the necessity of the Holy Spirit. It places a strong emphasis on church planting, missions, evangelism, and prayer. The ECC has experienced steady growth over the past decades and now has over 160,000 attendees across its churches.

1. The Evangelical Covenant Church How do you describe who we are to others?

3. We are more like the solar system… With one central passion, one attractive, life-giving source. + A past path & a future mission.

5. … Than like a medieval city.

9. Church Growth, Evangelism, Prayer are a commitment at the highest level. Over a quarter of the mission giving of our churches to the ECC goes for Church Planting & other ministries of Evangelism, Planting, Prayer…

10. Covenant Church Planting Conversions Per 100 Attenders This graphic illustrates the results of repeated studies, which bear out the fact that church planting remains a highly effective means of evangelism today. Lyle Schaller, one of the most respected analysts of church life states that “church planting is the closest thing to a guaranteed method of outreach.” http://www.churchesplantingchurches.org/ 2003 GLC 18 30 2004-6 ea yr GLC The US and Canada are the world’s 3rd largest mission field. We provide legal and technical services so churches can build mission outposts.

16. ECC across the Continent GLC mission: “Every church a strategic mission outpost on a shared & expanding mission field.” GLC vision: By 2020, to multiply to 100 Mission, Christ-magnifying congregations in an increasing Mosaic of Communities.

19. Attendance: Existing/New Churches

20. E thnic Dynamic – ECC now 3 rd most ethnically diverse denomination in US

21. Unity in Diversity “We want the face of the Covenant to reflect the face of North America & the face of the kingdom” Glenn Palmberg, President of the ECC “ We want Covenant Churches to grow in two directions: deeper in Christ & further in mission.” Gary Walter – Director of Church Growth

22. New Church Impact

23. The ECC in Context

24. Decadal Growth Rate Ethnic Churches & Entire ECC

27. The ECC Is not just coffee and fellowship, but partnering together to fulfill the Great Commission!

28. Next slides optional on Treasurer’s report for ECC

29. Treasurer’s Report 2005

30. The Evangelical Covenant Church Assets Under Management in millions ($ in millions)

31. Pension Benefits in thousands, paid out each year ($ in thousands)

32. National Covenant Properties – Assets in millions ($ in millions)

34. North Park University Enrollment Number of Students Total = 2,972 Graduate College Graduate Seminary Non-Traditional Undergraduate Traditional Undergraduate