Presidential Announcement from the WGM Board of Directors

OCTOBER 15, 2025   |   7.5 MINUTE READ
REV. DAVE ENGBRECHT, WORLD GOSPEL MISSION BOARD CHAIR

After many months of a prayerful, comprehensive, and nationwide search, we are pleased to announce that the World Gospel Mission Board of Directors has unanimously selected John Rinehimer to serve as the next President of World Gospel Mission.

John brings valuable experience and a pastoral heart for ministry, having initially served with WGM as a missionary to Uganda and most recently serving for the last eight years as a Vice President at WGM. Over the years, he has demonstrated a deep passion for missions, strong leadership, and a forward-looking vision for how WGM can continue to adapt and flourish in a changing world.

John will begin serving as President-Elect on January 1, 2026. His term as President begins July 1, 2026, when Dr. Dan Schafer officially retires after serving 10 years as WGM’s President. We are grateful for Dr. Schafer’s leadership during his tenure as President, and we fully believe he is positioning WGM for greater impact in the coming years.

Having John serve as President-Elect for six months provides an invaluable period of continuity, collaboration, and preparation for both him and WGM. This transition phase will allow John to work closely with Dr. Schafer, gaining even deeper insight into WGM’s ongoing initiatives, relationships, and strategic priorities while ensuring a smooth and unified handoff of leadership.

This process has been exhaustive and deeply intentional. We sought a leader with vision, experience, and a heart aligned with WGM’s mission. We are confident we’ve found the right person.

John is uniquely equipped to lead WGM into its next chapter. With a clear passion for the Gospel and a commitment to global impact, he brings both fresh perspective and proven leadership to the team. The Board is enthusiastic and encouraged about what’s ahead under his guidance.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who prayed faithfully for the presidential search process. Your prayers for wisdom, unity, and discernment were deeply felt and clearly answered. We are grateful for the covering of prayer from our WGM family around the world—it has been a vital source of strength and guidance as we sought God’s direction for the future leadership of World Gospel Mission.

We look forward to sharing more details with you soon—including an introduction and ways to welcome and pray for this new season of leadership. For now, we ask you to join us in thanking God for His provision and for guiding WGM forward on this journey.

In Him,

Rev. Dave Engbrecht
World Gospel Mission Board Chair