CONCORD, CA (September 9, 2013)—Efrem Smith, superintendent of the Pacific Southwest Conference, will leave that position to become president and CEO of World Impact, a ministry that focuses on urban needs.

Smith will begin his new position October 15. He was elected superintendent in 2010. Prior to his election, he planted Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis in 2003.

“I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have had to serve within the Evangelical Covenant Church, both as a church planter and as conference superintendent,” said Smith. “Serving with the Pacific Southwest Conference staff and executive board to resource pastors and congregations has been a unique joy. I look forward in this new call with World Impact for more opportunities to collaborate and influence the ECC’s efforts in dimension of urban mission as well as multiethnic ministry.”

“Efrem’s announcement makes us sad and happy at the same time,” said Stanley Long, chair of the PSWC. “We are excited that he has this new opportunity to share his gifts. But we also feel a great sense of loss in Efrem transitioning to another part of kingdom work. Efrem was a ‘spark’ kind of leader who inspired others to serve with passion.”

President Gary Walter said, “Efrem will do a great job. I will miss the regular interaction, but I am confident there will be ongoing and important connections. He goes, sent as a Covenant pastor, in keeping with a long line of other Covenanters who have served like-minded organizations with distinction.”

Smith will retain his Covenant credentials.

The PSWC executive board is formulating an interim strategy and will communicate soon with conference churches.

Click here to read the announcement that was sent to churches of the Pacific Southwest Conference.