The AC continues to make progress with foreign language (Spanish and Portuguese) translations of our Book of Church Order (BCO) to help our church minister to all peoples and generations. The AC facilitates and supports the Standing Judicial Commission, which issues decisions according to how sworn testimony aligns with our Standards. The SJC is not separately funded. 

The Assembly reconvened at 8:00 a.m. During the Covenant College report, Derek Halvorson offered the following highlights:

Admissions – In the fall of 2021, we welcomed 292 new students from 33 states and 8 countries; this was 22 students over our Fall 2021 enrollment goal.

Campus & Facilities – During the 2021-2022 year, Facilities Management completed the replacement of field turf at Scotland Yard, installation of air conditioning in Barnes Gym, and ADA interior signage improvements.

Development & Finances – Donors gave over $7.2 million to Covenant during the 2021-2022 fiscal year, including gifts to the IMPACT Endowment Campaign, student scholarships, and support for the college’s operations. In March of 2022, the college concluded the IMPACT Campaign with $32,165,000 in gifts and pledges to the college’s endowment, exceeding the campaign goal of $30,000,000.

Student Life – The Covenant College Athletic Department experienced significant success across all programs. We prioritize strong discipleship models, stand-out academic success, intentional recruiting, and a holistic pursuit of excellence. Athletically, 9 programs finished in the top 4 of the USA South standings (Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Track, Men’s and Women’s Tennis), while Men’s and Women’s Soccer both won the conference championship.

The General Assembly adopted the following recommendation from the Covenant College Committee of Commissioners:

That the General Assembly thank and praise God for the 11 years of fruitful service of President, Dr. J. Derek Halvorson. Echoing the expression of thanks from the Board of Trustees, the Committee of Commissioners wishes to highlight the following:

Under Dr. Halvorson’s faithful leadership, Covenant College completed its largest endowment campaign, raising over $32 million in gifts and pledges, saw the extensive renovation of Carter Hall, and enjoyed a dramatic improvement in four-year and six-year graduation rates. Dr. Halvorson helped to introduce new majors and certificate programs, oversaw the transition of the College from NAIA to NCAA Division III and led the College through a global health pandemic with a sure and steady hand. Dr. Halvorson has fulfilled the duties of his office with exemplary wisdom and grace and has been a great blessing to the institution and to the denomination. His warmth and winsome demeanor has been a credit to the College and the General Assembly gives praise to God for his leadership as president and herein expresses their thanks to Dr. Halvorson for his service.

Irwyn Ince, coordinator for Mission to North America (MNA), offered his report to the Assembly. Here are some highlights:

In the next 10 years MNA will strive to facilitate the multiplication of PCA churches from 1,994 to 3,000 congregations. In order to accomplish this vision, the following must be true:

1. Ongoing Focus and Commitment to Church Vitality: As our churches grow in health and the rhythm of renewal through the means of grace, our heart for the lost and commitment to neighbor love in Jesus’ name will also grow.
2. Multiplying Church Planting: The multiplication of churches that will be faithful to the Scriptures, true to the Reformed faith, and obedient to the great commission will take the prayer-saturated, collaborative effort of our whole denomination.

We must provide structures to revitalize PCA churches. Church planting and church vitality must simultaneously feed each other. We invite every church, presbytery, committee, and agency to join us in the challenge to pray that our Lord grant the unity, collaboration, love, sacrifice, and perseverance that is required to pursue this vision. In the 4th quarter of 2023 MNA will provide a detailed document on The Path Forward for Church Planting Vitality for consideration by our presbyteries, sessions, and network leaders.

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