World Gospel Mission (WGM) recently elected Asbury University alumnus John Rinehimer ’01 as WGM President. Rinehimer will begin serving as President-Elect on January 1, 2026. His term as president begins July 1, 2026, when Dr. Dan Schafer officially retires after serving 10 years as WGM’s President.
“I’m humbled, honored, and grateful to serve as the next president of WGM,” Rinehimer said. “Life is all about relationships, and I’m committed to supporting our current missionaries and equipping the next generation of global missionaries who are culturally agile, Christ-centered and dedicated to sharing Jesus to the ends of the earth.”
Rinehimer previously served as Vice President of International Ministries and Mobilization at WGM, as a pastor at Southeast Christian Church, and as a missionary/church planter for WGM. Rinehimer received his B.A. in Education from Asbury University, his M.A. in Christian Studies from Wesley Biblical Seminary, and is a Ph.D. student in practical theology at the University of Manchester.
“John brings valuable experience and a pastoral heart for ministry, having initially served with WGM as a missionary to Uganda and most recently serving for the last eight years as a Vice President at WGM,” said WGM Rev. Dave Engbrecht Board Chair, on behalf of the WGM Board of Directors. “Over the years, he has demonstrated a deep passion for missions, strong leadership, and a forward-looking vision for how WGM can continue to adapt and flourish in a changing world.”
“Together, we step into WGM’s next chapter, where we ‘expect great things from God and attempt great things for God,’” Rinehimer said.
“Having John serve as President-Elect for six months provides an invaluable period of continuity, collaboration, and preparation for both him and WGM,” Engbrecht said. “This transition phase will allow John to work closely with Dr. Schafer, gaining even deeper insight into WGM’s ongoing initiatives, relationships, and strategic priorities while ensuring a smooth and unified handoff of leadership.”
WGM engages Christlike disciples to transform the world. Over a hundred years ago, a small group of mission-minded Christians had a God-sized dream of starting a movement of sending out missionaries to share Christ to the ends of the earth. WGM was the result of that movement.
Last year, Katy McKee joined as director of WGM at Asbury University, which continues to serve the student body through events (such as Global Café and weekly worship) and ministry opportunities. Learn more.