Rev. Zabel called as pastor

Staff report

youngstown

Faith Community Covenant Church, 1919 E. Midlothian Boulevard, has called a new pastor, the Rev. Michael Zabel.

A special service was conducted Jan. 22 by the Rev. Steve Armfield, an executive minister from the Covenant denomination’s district office. Individual symbols, including descriptions of their representation, were presented by church and council members. A luncheon followed at the church in the Brownlee Woods area.

The Rev. Mr. Zabel grew up in the United Church of Christ. He was discipled through the ministry of Campus Crusade For Christ.

He first encountered the Evangelical Covenant Church during his senior year in college and found the Covenant Affirmations matched his beliefs.

Mr. Zabel served at five previous pastoral posts and most recently from 1998-2004 as senior pastor at Calvary Covenant Church in Cranston, R.I, and 2004-Jan. 15, 2012, as senior pastor at First Covenant Church in Sioux City.

Mr. Zabel and his wife, Emilie, moved to the Valley in January. They have been married for 33 years. She has been involved in church ministries including serving as worship leader and discipling.

They have four adult children and eight grandchildren.