WGM Presidential Transition Update

July 2, 2026   |   3 MINUTE READ
Dave Engbrecht, BOARD CHAIRMAN

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express deep gratitude to the Lord for His faithfulness to World Gospel Mission and for the people He has raised up to lead this ministry in every season. Today, we pause with thankful hearts as we honor Dan Schafer for his faithful service as president of WGM and welcome John Rinehimer as he begins his first official day as president on July 1. 

Dan and Pam Schafer have served WGM with humility, compassion, and faithfulness. Their leadership has been marked by a desire to see the Gospel proclaimed, missionaries strengthened, and communities transformed by the love of Jesus. We give thanks for their years of service, sacrifice, and steady commitment to the work God has entrusted to WGM. You can read more about Dan and Pam’s faithful service and journey with WGM here.

We also look ahead with great expectancy as John steps into this new role. We believe God has prepared him for this moment, and we are grateful for his heart for WGM, his commitment to mobilizing God’s people, and his passion to see the Great Commission advanced around the world. As we enter this next chapter, our confidence is not in human strength alone, but in the unchanging faithfulness of God.

To our staff, missionaries, retirees, donors, prayer partners, and friends: thank you. Your prayers, generosity, encouragement, and faithful partnership continue to make a kingdom impact. WGM is not one person or one office; it is a family of people called together to make Christ known among the nations.

As we move forward, I invite you to continue praying for Dan and Pam, for John and Erica and their family, for our global workers, and for the entire WGM family. Let us step into the future with gratitude for what God has done, confidence in His faithfulness, and expectancy for what Jesus will do next as we continue advancing the Great Commission together.