Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon ImBeau as its new president, effective October 15, 2023. Jon succeeds Roy Eyre, who stepped down in late 2022 after serving as president of Wycliffe Canada for more than 11 years.
Highly regarded for driving growth and galvanizing teams in both church and parachurch contexts, Jon is poised to strengthen and expand Wycliffe Canada’s partnerships in the global Bible translation movement, while growing its service to the church in Canada.
“All of [Jon’s] references described him as an innovator-relational leader,” says Heather Geertsma, a Wycliffe Canada board member who served in the search for a new president. “He has a heart for a global reach in God’s kingdom and understands the importance of prayer and building the organization around the core mission.”
Board members believe Jon’s enthusiasm for engaging the church in missions, along with his desire to foster a culture of innovation, will be instrumental to Wycliffe Canada’s continued growth and impact.
Previously, Jon served for 10 years as executive director of the Canadian division of AWANA International, a global leader in child and youth evangelism and discipleship. Most recently, he served as lead pastor of Pacific Community Church in Surrey, B.C.
A graduate of Northwest Baptist College/Trinity Western University and Regent College, Jon is ordained under the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He and his wife Debbie have four children.
Jon says he has always respected Wycliffe’s commitment to Bible translation and its desire to see lives changed by God’s Word.
“My heart yearns for people to come to know and love Jesus, and I know that having the Scriptures available in one’s heart language is key in all of this. I really believe in the vision and mission of Wycliffe Canada and I am excited about what this organization is doing.
“Bible translation is a big passion of mine. I love the way that Wycliffe carries out that work and that it doesn’t stop there. Building capacity, developing literacy and engagement with Scripture is key for transformation to take place.”
As he begins his tenure as president of Wycliffe Canada, Jon believes the need for Bible translation is more urgent than ever.
“We’re living in a shifting world; culture is shifting, as well as people’s attitudes towards Christianity. So that’s shifting . . . but nobody’s really sure exactly where that’s going. I think it’s critical then to not only finish Bible translation, but also to invest in deep, significant relationships with our field partners around the world.”
Initially, Jon will focus on strengthening Wycliffe Canada’s funding model, as well as its organizational culture, staffing, and recruitment efforts. Furthermore, he says he will be “on his knees,” seeking God for His wisdom and direction.
“I’m just really eager to learn,” he says. “You know, I really feel there’s some amazing days ahead for Wycliffe.”
More: Meet the rest of Wycliffe Canada’s leadership team