Columbia International University alumnus Dr. Johnathan G. Schaeffer has been elected as the 13th president of The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA or The Alliance) in the United States. He succeeds another CIU alumnus to that position, Dr. John Stumbo, who has led the denomination since 2013.
“I’m excited to be part of a denomination that is committed to knowing Jesus, exalting Jesus, and experiencing the renewing and empowering of His Spirit,” said Schaeffer in a news release from the C&MA. “I love the message of The Alliance, and I love our mission.”
Schaeffer earned an undergraduate degree from CIU in 1986 and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies in 1988. He also has degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Alliance Theological Seminary.
Schaeffer has served as pastor of Grace Church in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, since 1998. He has also served on the C&MA Board of Directors for 16 years, and has been a member of the President’s Cabinet since 2007.
Schaeffer was asked what unique contributions he would bring to the role as president of the C&MA.
“The Lord is the ultimately the Head of the Church and will be faithful to His promises,” Schaeffer said. “While I realize my own shortcomings and insecurities, I also affirm that Jesus is King, and He will fill and strengthen and equip whoever is called to serve in this role.”
The outgoing president, Dr. John Stumbo, earned a master’s degree in Missions from CIU in 1985.
The Alliance describes itself as “an evangelical denomination full of believers who long to introduce the love of God to all nations. By caring for suffering and overlooked people through 2,000 U.S. churches and almost 700 international workers serving in about 70 countries, the C&MA longs to see Jesus’ name proclaimed in every tribe and tongue to fulfill the Great Commission.”
Photo courtesy of the C&MA.
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