Carpenter family from left: August, Steph, Chuck, and Cailan

On January 19, Holden’s board voted unanimously to call Chuck Carpenter and Stephanie Shaw Carpenter as Holden’s next executive directors.

“Chuck and Steph are uniquely prepared to lead Holden at this point in Holden’s history,” said Chris Larson, president of the board. “They exemplify and foster in others Holden’s vision, mission, and core values. They are capable servant-leaders who call forth responsible and joyful service from volunteers and long-term staff. They practice hospitality with grace and wisdom. In addition, their deep knowledge of Holden life and the presence of their strong family will provide much-needed stability at a crucial turning point in Village history.”

Chuck, Stephanie, and their children, Cailan, 15, and August, 12, arrived at Holden in 2005. Chuck arrived as the supervisor of the Koinonia remodel; he became the operations manager in 2006 and has served in that role ever since. After a year as posti, Stephanie became manager of the bookstore, which she has made a place of welcome and conversation. In the words of one Villager, both of them “took their jobs and transformed them into ministries.”

The Carpenters see outdoor ministries as their life’s work. Before coming to Holden, both had rich experience in program and other leadership positions at Wilderness Canoe Base in northern Minnesota. They grew to love the wilderness and are articulate about its place in God’s renewal of people and creation. They are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with which Holden is affiliated, and officers in the Fullness of God congregation at Holden.

“It is an honor to be called to serve Holden as executive directors,” said Steph. “With good courage we will humbly go forward into the many joys and challenges that are set before us.” Chuck continued, “Our past and present work has truly surrounded us by ‘so great a cloud of witnesses.’ Their support, grace, and encouragement have brought us to this exciting opportunity.”

This appointment comes at the end of a call process that began in November 2008. “Throughout this process, members of the call committee have been overwhelmed by the support for Holden we have seen in all the candidates, as well as in those who made nominations and provided references,” said Dorothy Bass, who chaired the eight-member committee. “We have kept Holden’s vision, mission, and core values at the center of the process, and we are delighted to have identified leaders who will sustain that focus as Holden moves into the next period of its history, which is likely to include mine remediation. Chuck and Steph are highly capable leaders who have steadily lived and supported the rhythms of this ministry and who can point authentically to their central importance.”

Tom Ahlstrom, Paul Hinderlie, and Carol Lund Hinderlie will continue to serve as Holden’s executive directors until September 1, 2010. “We are thrilled with the board’s choice of Steph and Chuck, and full of gratitude for the spirited, careful work of the search committee,” said Carol. “Our own call to Holden continues to be a gift, and we are delighted to be passing the directorship on to these two, who are so beautifully equipped for this ministry.”

As Chuck and Steph move from their present positions into the directorship, they will take several weeks outside the Village this summer for family time and personal renewal. Their term as executive directors will run for two years.