A bishop from the Philippines has been chosen to head the World Evangelical Alliance as its Secretary General.
Bishop Efraim Tendero, who currently heads the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, is due to begin serving his term on March 1, 2015. He will hold the position for a period of five years.
Bishop Tendero's appointment was decided by the WEA's International Council.
"We acknowledged from the onset and throughout the search process that we needed God's wisdom and the Spirit's guidance in making this significant and strategic appointment. We are not only pleased, but confident that Efraim is the right person to take WEA into the future which promises to be great," said Rev Ndaba Mazabane, Chairman of the IC and Acting Secretary-General/CEO of the WEA.
"His understanding of our global vision and his experience as a national Alliance leader will certainly help him connect with our constituency for greater global impact."
Rev Mazabane also called on the members of the Alliance to give their support to the new Secretary General.
"I urge you all to uphold him and his family in your prayers and support him in every possible way as he makes this leadership transition and prepares for the task ahead," he urged.
Of his appointment, Bishop Tendero said: "I am humbled by the trust that is given to me to be the leader of Evangelicals around the world. This is an enormous task and I put my whole trust and confidence in the Almighty God who called me into this ministry, believing that He will provide the wisdom, favor, and grace needed in carrying out this solemn responsibility."
In addition to serving as the WEA Secretary General, Tendero also serves as a board member of Back to the Bible Broadcast, Evangelism Explosion (EE) 3 Philippines, Global Filipino Movement, and the Philippine Missions Association. He is also part of the long-running Philippine Christian Magazine Evangelicals Today as executive editor.
He also was the National Director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) for more than 20 years.
