(May 16, 2016 - by Darin Campbell)  Reach Beyond announced today the appointment of Rev. Steve Harling of Foothills Community Church in Arvada, Colo., as its new president effective Sept. 1.

Current president Wayne Pederson will continue in his role until September after which he will move to president emeritus during a planned six-month transition. Wayne’s desire is to continue to serve the mission as an ambassador at the request of the board and the new president.

“Because of Wayne’s leadership, Reach Beyond is poised for exceptional expansion of its ministry impact,” said board chair Jim Gordon. “Wayne has led us through a period of dramatic change [in the last eight years], and we believe Steve Harling has the necessary skills and dynamic drive to build on that foundation to propel us into the future.”

Harling said he is looking forward to leading Reach Beyond in the effort to fulfill its enormous potential. “Reach Beyond’s unique approach of combining medical care with media ministries has touched the hearts of thousands who had never before heard the Word of the Lord, and I am excited to build upon that tradition.”

Harling has spent 36 years as a pastor in churches of up to 4,500 members and has served for the last eight years as lead pastor at Foothills Community Church. He has led staff teams of 90 or more employees and thousands of volunteers.

The son and grandson of missionaries, early in his career Harling served internationally as a missionary with SIM and as pastor of the Khartoum International Church in Sudan. He has more than 25 years of mission board experience with SIM, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Global Refuge and Bethany Home.

In addition, Harling and his wife, Becky, have been instrumental in mentoring and training many missionaries who are now serving around the world.

“Perhaps one of Steve’s greatest qualities is his ability to motivate and mentor people to maximize their God-given potential in ministry and missions,” said Jack Harrison, a member of the Reach Beyond board and chair of the presidential selection and transition team. “We’re thrilled that God has raised up Steve to lead us into the next era of ministry to those who have never heard the name of Jesus.”

Sources: InChrist Communications, Reach Beyond