CHICAGO, IL (February 8, 2016) – John Wenrich has been nominated to be the executive minister of the Start and Strengthen Churches mission priority, it was announced today.

Wenrich has served as the ECC director for congregational vitality for 10 years. He also has served as a church planter and revitalization pastor. In addition, he has been instrumental in developing a congregational vitality certificate at North Park Theological Seminary and is the lead professor for the program.

Wenrich has worked with regional staff throughout North America to provide ministry resources, guidance, and support to established churches. Material and concepts he developed have been translated around the world.

“I am humbled and grateful to be selected as the candidate to lead Start and Strengthen Churches,” Wenrich said. “On this day I am mindful of my many colleagues and friends who have walked this journey with me. I love church planting and congregational vitality and am excited to lead this mission priority into a strong future. My wife, Julie, and I share a deep sense of the Holy Spirit’s leadership and guidance, and we are encouraged about this new opportunity to serve.”

The ECC Executive Board is responsible for the nomination of executive ministers. An 11-member nominating committee was chaired by Sue Poston, a layperson from Salem Covenant Church in New Brighton, Minnesota. Twenty-eight names were submitted to the committee by people throughout the ECC. The committee’s recommendation was ratified by the full 28-member executive board.

“John brings a unique set of gifts and experience to this role,” said president Gary Walter. “He will be a collaborative leader in working with our other priorities and our regional conferences in a spirit of continuous improvement for both starting and strengthening churches.”

Delegates will vote on Wenrich’s nomination in June at the Annual Meeting. Dick Lucco will continue to serve in the interim role until the meeting.