Mark Nilson, Senior Pastor

Mark began his ministry as Senior Pastor at First Covenant in August of 2005 following his tenure as Senior Pastor of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Batavia, Illinois. Previous posts include churches in Illinois and New Jersey. While doing graduate work in Chicago he served as a chaplain with St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois.

Mark has served the community and denomination in a variety of capacities having served as board member and officer of Kirkridge Retreat Center in Bangor, PA, chair of Covenant World Relief - the disaster and relief arm of the Evangelical Covenant Church, representative on the Management Advisory Committee for The Holmstad of Batavia, IL. Currently, Mark is a member of the Board of Directors for Covenant Retirement Communities serving also as Board Representative to the Diversity Task Force.

Mark and his wife Robin, an Interior Designer with Baker, Knapp and Tubbs live in Seattle with their son Chase. Their oldest son Aaron is a sophomore at North Park University in Chicago.

Erika M. Beckstrom, Youth Director

Erika began her training in youth work at North Park University, where she earned a double bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry and Biblical Studies. With this education, she has gained experience working with children and teens around the country including East Palo Alto, Chicago, Cincinnati, and now Seattle. Her specialty is working with at-risk children in the inner city. Erika’s philosophy of ministry comes from 2nd Corinthians 6:3-10. She hopes to create a place for the youth in the community and church where they can grow in Christ. As Henri Nouwen once said, “we cannot force anyone to such a personal and intimate change of heart, but we can offer the space where such a change can take place.” Erika and her husband, Andy, a pediatric resident, live in Seattle with their pug, Gimli.