Rev. Goodwill Shana, the Executive Chair of WEA, has confirmed that efforts to find a suitable successor to Schirrmacher are currently ongoing, highlighting the global evangelical community's anticipation of new leadership.

Timeline of Leadership Transition

Thomas Schirrmacher stepped down as Secretary General almost a year ago, citing health concerns as the primary reason for his departure. His unexpected resignation initiated an elaborate search for his replacement.

The WEA originally aimed to fill the position within six months of Schirrmacher's resignation. However, unforeseen challenges and shifting priorities forced leaders to reassess this timeline.

Recognizing the importance of selecting the right candidate, WEA's International Council extended the search process to ensure a careful selection. In September 2024, the International Council extended Rev. Shana's term as executive chair to facilitate a smooth transition until the 2025 General Assembly.

Simulating a Means for Successful Search

The International Council, guided by the WEA's Human Resource Committee, took decisive action to organize the search. It formed a Search Committee that includes members of the HR committee, a general secretary from one of the regional evangelical alliances, several senior leadership team members, and additional experts.

This committee actively reviews potential candidates and proposes the most suitable individual to lead the WEA. It seeks a new Secretary General with strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of evangelical tenets, and a vision aligned with WEA's global mission.

Rev. Shana stated, "As you are aware, the International Council resolved to initiate a search process for the next Secretary General of the WEA and established an executive interim arrangement pending the appointment of a successful candidate."

Detailed Search Process and Criteria

Rev. Shana, in a recent address, further elaborated on the progress of the search. His reassurance emphasized the active nature of the search committee's work: "With the Search Committee in place I am glad to inform you that the search process is now truly underway," he elaborated.

The committee is currently finalizing the criteria and requirements for the candidates, which will soon be communicated to leaders of regional and national evangelical alliances, ensuring these criteria garner widespread visibility within the evangelical community.

Additionally, the process targets finalization well ahead of the 2025 General Assembly to facilitate a smooth introduction of the new Secretary General in Seoul. "It is envisaged that this process would be completed in time for the new secretary general to be introduced at the 2025 General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea," affirmed Rev. Shana.

Global Impact of WEA's Leadership Change

The role of the WEA's Secretary General is critically influential, linking various evangelical communities worldwide and steering the overarching strategies that impact global evangelical missions. The selection of a new leader, therefore, holds profound implications not only for the organization but for its global influence and outreach.

The anticipation around the announcement of the new Secretary General reflects the significant role the WEA plays in global evangelical circles, with members and affiliates keenly observing how the leadership transition will shape the organization's future directions.

The community awaits October 2025, when the new Secretary General will take the helm, ushering in a new chapter in the WEA's storied legacy, promising to continue its mission amidst ever-evolving global challenges.