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Jim Allen Named HCJB Global’s Acting President

Wednesday, 16 July 2008

 

As Christian ministry worldwide goes through various transitions, HCJB Global is going through a change of its own. On Monday, June 16, James “Jim” Allen was named acting president of HCJB Global, replacing Dave Johnson who had been president since 2001. As acting president, Allen will serve until a full-time president is elected.

It’s a natural progression for Allen, 65, who has served as senior vice president since 1997. Although he always knew he might be asked to step into the position of interim president someday, it wasn’t something he ever sought. Asked why he accepted the new role, he explained, “I sensed God saying, ‘I want you to be willing to do it.’” In his new position Allen plans to help the mission transition smoothly and continue on the path of reaching its goals.

Allen graduated from Biola University in La Mirada, Calif., in 1964 and received a master’s degree in religious education from Talbot Seminary, also in La Mirada, in 1966. He later continued his education, receiving a doctorate of ministry from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon, in 1980. He married Patricia “Trish” Hood in August 1963, and they have two daughters, Brenda and Deann. After pastoring churches in the northwestern U.S. for 21 years, Allen felt the Lord calling him to pastor missionaries. “There were a lot of missionaries . . . winding up in my office, broken, concerned, frustrated and discouraged,” he explained. “Back in the late 1970s God just started working on our hearts saying, ‘There has got to be some way we can reach some of these people before they get to this point.’”

His church in Oregon then sent the Allens on a three-week trip to Japan and Taiwan, ministering to missionaries, and it was then that they ultimately realized God’s plan for them to pastor missionaries.

The Allens joined HCJB Global in 1984 with the primary purpose of pastoring and discipling missionaries, and they’ve served with the mission in various ways ever since. But Allen said the highlight has been travelling and ministering in more than 60 countries around the world.

“Trish and I get our deepest satisfaction from seeing God work in the hearts and lives of missionaries and from knowing that He allows us to be a part of His in people’s lives around the globe,” he explained. As HCJB Global continues to minister to people around the world, Allen sees three ways that the mission -- and Christianity in general -- are transitioning. “As a mission, HCJB Global is moving from a member-led to a board-led organization, and there are several elements -- including the election of a new president -- that factor into that transition,” he related. “Secondly, in the U.S. church, because of dropping income, missions has been forced to find new ways to proceed with ministry. Finally, on a global level, there are climates that Christians must face every day -- from political to economic -- that affect how missions can impact the world.”

As HCJB Global searches for someone to fill the position of president permanently, Allen said the mission is looking for a person with many qualities such as being a good communicator, having experience in fundraising and working well with other people. Above, however, is the quality of being fully devoted to Christ and His ministry.

Outgoing HCJB Global President David Johnson announced that he will take a position with another Colorado Springs-based mission agency, Development Associates International (DAI), as of Sept. 1, 2008.

As senior consultant for Latin America, Johnson will initiate, design and develop the ministry of DAI throughout the region.

David brings an understanding of Latin cultures that will enable DAI to respond to the special interests of Christian leaders there,” said DAI President Jane Overstreet. “His expertise will help DAI discern ways to offer training, mentoring and consulting that will enhance their integrity and effectiveness for the sake of the global church.”

“I am extremely grateful for David’s leadership these past seven years,” said Allen. “He has challenged and stretched us and helped us to be very intentional in all of our ministries. He will be greatly missed.”