The World Evangelical Alliance Mission Commission’s (WEA-MC) Executive Director, Dr William Taylor, has officially stepped down from the position after 20 years of dedicated service. Dr Taylor has officially passed-on the leadership role to Brazilian missionary Bertil Ekstrom during a passionate transition service and celebration on 21 June 2006 in Cape Town, South Africa.

|TOP|Ndaba Mazabane, Chairman of the WEA International Council and South African native said, “I have no doubt that heaven is smiling, and that God’s eyes are on this place. The world may be watching [the World Cup] in Germany, but all the angels have been instructed to put their eyes on this great service.”

Since 1986, Dr Taylor has dedicated his life to the WEA-MC, and is testified for bringing “tremendous growth to the once-fledgling network”. He has overseen growth to today’s levels where membership has increased to more than 80 countries worldwide.

More than 300 missions experts and pastors from 54 countries gave their blessings to the Commission’s past, present and future, as a dozen representatives laid their hands on Taylor, his wife Yvonne, and Ekstrom at the two-hour celebration.

Geoff Tunnicliffe, International Director of the WEA said, “Tonight, we release these brothers into new areas of ministry. We bless you; your appointment has been affirmed.”

Dr Taylor spoke openly about the path of faith he had taken, saying: “There were challenging times. There were times when we thought we may have to close the MC down because of these challenges.

“But it was the vision to serve the global mission movement that committed us to this ministry, and the Holy Spirit that allowed us to continue – whether or not we had money. What you see now is the result of God’s work in 20 years. I’m so grateful that God is present.”

|AD|The leadership transition service – the highlight of the weeklong 10th WEA-MC Convocation in Cape Town, South Africa – was as much a tribute to Taylor’s sacrifice and service as it was a celebration of the new direction and leadership of the 31-year-old Commission.

Tunnicliffe said, “Bill, we are deeply grateful for you, because of your leadership, the Kingdom of God has been advancing around the world, God’s servants have been more effectively trained for leadership, missionaries have been cared for better than 20 years ago, and those of us who are mission activists have become more reflective practitioners.

“Tonight, we give God the glory of your service of 20 years, and we honour that.”

Newly installed Executive Director, Ekstrom thanked Dr Taylor, and those that had mentored him as he sought “support in prayer and in correction” to help him understand God’s continuing vision for his future.

“I think you know some of my limitations – I have many more,” said the Swedish-born missionary to Brazil, who currently resides in England. “I’m also thankful for the people who have encouraged me during this journey, and together I want to serve you, and serve our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The transition process began two years ago in the Netherlands, when Ekstrom was anointed as the next MC Executive Director.

Since that time, the two men have collaborated in planting a new direction for the Commission, drawing out their respective strengths and characteristics, and working out a smooth changeover of leadership.

Dr. K. Rajendran, Chair of the WEA-MC Global Leadership Team and Executive Director of India Missions Association, said, “The leadership transition went so well. It has been planned for years, and the conclusion was absolutely fantastic.”

Rajendran explained, “I think Bertil [Ekstrom] will take us in the same footsteps of Bill Taylor, but also in a direction that is much better than all that has happened so far. He is a team player and has different giftings, and I’m grateful for Bill [Taylor] for paving the way.”

Following Wednesday’s service Ekstrom will serve in his new position, and Dr Taylor will serve the larger WEA community as a global ambassador.

A WEA press release explains that various new visions and goals for the WEA-MC are being developed by several Task Force members that were appointed at the beginning of the triennial meeting. Conclusions and finding will be presented during public sessions on 22 June 2006, which is two days before the gathering comes to a close.

The Mission Commission produces resources for mission movements around the globe. Free books and other print materials are available from www.wearesources.org.