USA (MNN) — HCJB Global is gearing up to find a new leader. David Johnson announced he will step down as president after more than six years of success and major accomplishments. His term ends September 2008.
Johnson, 53, a native of Guayaquil, Ecuador, joined HCJB Global as
director of the international radio group in 1994 after a career first
with Campus Crusade for Christ, and later at Azusa Pacific University
in various capacities. At HCJB Global, he served as director of
international ministries and then became executive director in 1996.
During his tenure as president, Johnson developed a new vision for the organization, launched a new brand, expanded health care program into a global ministry, established key partnerships around the world such as the "New Life Radio" partnership for satellite ministry in Russia, and defined HCJB Global as a discipleship-focused organization with a major emphasis on empowering local believers.
HCJB Global's Board of Trustees has established a four-man presidential
search team to begin the process of finding a
replacement. Johnson says he's sensing God directing him to a new phase in ministry.
While his focus has been on leadership training and development of
Christians in North America, that's going to change. "The next phase of
my life is to invest in leadership in the Global South, the non-western
church. So I'm gearing up to do that."
Johnson has some advice for the next president. "The world is a
different place. It's spinning faster, so to speak, and I think
missions in general are going to have to be far more flexible, far more
adaptable into the future."
In an unrelated announcement, Dr. Ron Cline, who will turn 70 in January 2008, will retire as chairman of the board of HCJB Global after 25 years at the helm.
Cline, a native of San Diego, was a professor and administer at Azusa
Pacific University, his alma mater, for 10 years before joining HCJB
Global in 1976 as pastor of the English Fellowship Church in Quito,
Ecuador. He served as HCJB Global president from 1981 to 2001.
In 1996 Cline began hosting "Beyond the Call," an inspirational daily radio program. It is currently heard on more than 900 U.S. stations and outlets. Cline will continue to host "Beyond the Call" and serve in a new role created by the board: "Global Ambassador" for HCJB Global.
Of Johnson's departure, Cline says: "Dave Johnson's strength has been as a builder. Through his leadership, we have defined a new vision to be the 'voice and hands' of Jesus. We have expanded healthcare globally, strengthened our regional offices, and positioned ourselves for effective ministry in the future."
Cline continues, "We owe him a great deal of gratitude. We wish him the very best and pray for him as he continues to share his dedication, skills and expertise throughout the Christian world."
Replacing Cline as board chairman of HCJB in September of this year will be Dr. James D. Allen, HCJB Global's senior vice president.
A native of New Kensington, PA, Allen joined HCJB Global in 1984 after pastoring churches in the western part of the United States for 21 years. He was senior pastor at Montavilla Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon, for 10 years.
After joining HCJB Global, he served as assistant to the president and interim pastor of the English Fellowship Church in Quito. Allen was elected senior vice president in 1997.
For over 75 years, HCJB Global's passion has been to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Through a dynamic integration of media and health care around the world, HCJB Global is ministering in more than 100 countries. The gospel is aired in more than 120 languages and dialects. Thousands of health care patients are meeting Jesus. Local believers are being trained as missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and health care providers. Pray for their continued ministry throughout the world.
