Kara Stromberg

Christ-follower, friend, learner, leader, pastor, and pioneer—these words capture the spirit of Kara Stromberg’s life and ministry. As Superintendent of the Northwest Conference, Kara stands as a notable and trailblazing woman leader within the Evangelical Covenant Church, embodying both deep faith and courageous leadership.

Church was woven into Kara’s life from an early age. She loved being part of the church community, but she did not initially envision herself in ministry let alone pastoral or executive leadership. That began to change during a seemingly ordinary moment that would prove pivotal. Over ice cream at Dairy Queen, Kara’s youth pastor spoke words that would linger long after the conversation ended: “I see ministry gifts in you. I’d like to encourage you to go into youth ministry.”

Kara’s internal response was immediate and dismissive: Thanks, but no thanks. I’m going to get a real job. Besides, youth ministry sounds too fun to be serious. Out loud, she offered three practical objections: “I don’t play guitar. I’m not that funny. And I’m a girl.”

Though she resisted at the time, her pastor’s words were planted like seeds that would quietly grow. During her years at Bethel College, Kara remained deeply involved in ministry yet struggled to see a clear pathway forward—particularly in a context where women in leadership were rarely visible.

After graduating, Kara enrolled in Bethel Seminary, initially as a way to delay making long-term decisions. That “in-between” season became transformative. Through a Youth Leadership internship with Tiger McLuen and mentorship from Angie Ward, Kara began to develop both confidence and competence in ministry. She stepped into an internship at Roseville Covenant Church in Minnesota, where Senior Pastor Rick Carlson offered both affirmation and freedom—creating space for Kara to experiment, learn, and grow.

Not all her ideas were successes. A fundraiser involving seven-pound phone books caused more vehicle suspension damage than filling out the youth ministry budget. A youth retreat themed around Survivor included an ill-advised attempt to build a fire on the church lawn—resulting in scorched grass and the arrival of fire trucks. Kara owned her mistakes with humility and humor, once remarking, “I wanted you to hear it from me first… but the video was great.” These early experiences shaped her leadership, teaching resilience, creativity, and accountability.

When the youth pastor role unexpectedly opened at Roseville, Kara found herself stepping into greater responsibility. With guidance from interim mentor Kris Causton, Kara learned essential leadership skills: building ministry systems, communicating effectively, and developing teams. One of her most formative lessons was learning to rely on others. Initially believing she needed to do everything herself, Kara discovered the power and joy of shared ministry—of inviting volunteers, especially parents, into meaningful participation.

Reflecting on that lesson, she later shared, “I’m still learning how to lean into what I’m good at and ask for help where I’m not. That’s not failure; it’s part of being human.”

As her life expanded to include marriage to her husband Nate and the joy of raising three children, Kara made the intentional decision to step back from full-time youth ministry. During this season, she continued investing in the next generation through part-time roles at Youth Leadership, Bethel Seminary, and as a retreat speaker.

Her passion for developing leaders and equipping the church led her to a new opportunity in Children and Family Ministry within the Northwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Though not a traditional children’s pastor, Kara brought vision and leadership, focusing on building teams, resourcing volunteers, and strengthening the church’s investment in young people.

Over eight years, Kara’s influence and responsibilities grew significantly. In 2014 she was Ordained to Word and Sacrament. Recognizing her leadership capacity, then-Superintendent Mark Stromberg (no relation) invited her to step into the role of Associate Superintendent in 2019. When he announced his retirement three years later, Kara entered a season of prayerful discernment before applying for the Superintendent role.

In 2022, Kara Stromberg was called and elected as Superintendent of the Northwest Conference—the first woman to hold this position. While this milestone represents a breakthrough, Kara holds it with both humility and awareness. She recognizes that she stands on the shoulders of those who came before her, even as she navigates the unique challenges that often accompany being “the first.” With clarity and conviction, she embraced the calling, grounded in the belief that God equips those whom God calls.

Throughout her journey, Kara has been shaped by a wide community of encouragers, mentors, and partners—men and women who saw her gifts, invested in her growth, and opened doors of opportunity. From her youth pastor who first named her calling, to ministry leaders, colleagues, and fellow pioneers within the Covenant, her story reflects the power of shared leadership and faithful encouragement.

Today, Kara leads with a deep sense of purpose and joy. She delights in working alongside her staff and in building meaningful relationships with pastors and leaders across the conference. Whether celebrating growth or walking alongside churches in difficulty, she is committed to cultivating a culture where no one serves alone.

As she begins her second term as Superintendent, Kara is focused on strengthening trust, fostering joy, and advancing missional momentum across the Northwest Conference. With a keen awareness of the coming leadership challenges, she is investing in the development of future pastors and leaders—building a robust pipeline that begins even in children’s and student ministry.

Kara Stromberg’s story is one of faithful response to God’s call, courageous leadership in uncharted spaces, and enduring commitment to the flourishing of the church. Her life and ministry continue to inspire a new generation of leaders—women and men alike—to step forward in faith, trusting that God’s call is always accompanied by God’s provision.