Efrem Smith to leave Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis

Efrem Smith Nominated to Lead Pacific Southwest Conference

CHICAGO, IL (January 22, 2010) – Efrem D. Smith has been nominated to replace Evelyn M.R. Johnson as superintendent of the Pacific Southwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), it was announced today.

Smith, who currently serves as senior pastor of Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will stand for election during the Pacific Southwest Conference Annual Meeting April 23 at Mission Springs Camp and Conference Center located near Santa Cruz, California. If elected, Smith will be installed during the 125th Annual Meeting of the ECC in St. Paul, Minnesota, in June.

His selection by an 18-member search committee follows a months-long search process that began last fall shortly after Johnson announced that she will conclude her service as superintendent this year. His nomination also has received the unanimous endorsement of the ECC Executive Board.

“Upon meeting Efrem, you will find him to be a person of great humility and reliance on God,” writes Will Davidson, chair of the Conference Executive Board, in a letter to conference churches. “Efrem has described his vision for the future of our conference as a ‘kingdom’ vision. His personal and ministry commitment to God’s mosaic is unwavering. We are confident in his leadership as we seek to change lives and transform communities.”

See the full article HERE.