Former HCJB Global Employee Kent McElroy Dies of Cancer at 56

April 16, 2010

Former HCJB Global Employee Kent McElroy Dies of Cancer at 56

April 16, 2010

April 16, 2010

Source: HCJB Global (written by Harold Goerzen and John Adams)

Known for his passion for evangelism and witty sense of humor, former HCJB Global employee Kent Arlington McElroy died in Liberty, Mo., Wednesday, April 14, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 56.

Born in Hereford, Texas, on Oct. 19, 1953, he grew up in Clarendon, Texas, where he graduated from high school. He then served with the U.S. Army for three years (1972-1975). It was during this time that he gave his life to Christ and helped as interim youth leader at Seoul International Baptist Church in South Korea (1974-1975).

Kent married Elizabeth Hyslop in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1977, the same year he graduated with a diploma in Bible from the Bible College of Wales in Swansea. Kent was ordained at First Baptist Church of Clarendon and worked as church planting pastor at Grace Church in Denton, Texas (1978-1979).

Kent graduated with a bachelor's degree in biblical studies from Emmaus Bible Institute in St. Legier, Switzerland, in 1985, and the McElroys then served as missionaries with WEC International in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 1985 to 1988.

Kent completed his master's degree in cross-cultural ministries from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1990. Then he pastored churches in Broken Bow, Neb. (1991-1994) and Greeley, Colo. (1994-2001).

He then worked in development at HCJB Global for five years (2002-2007). "Energy and enthusiasm were hallmarks of his life that were contagious," said HCJB Global's John Adams.

"During our seven-year friendship I witnessed his obvious gifts of evangelism and discipling," Adams continued. "He did it with a heart that empathized with others while influencing them to develop their full potential. It was obvious to me that the last year of his earthly journey saw a profound deepening of His love for Christ and His Word along with a growing expectation of eternity. Only heaven will truly reveal how many hundreds of lives he touched because of his genuine sincerity and love."

In 2007 the McElroys moved to Augusta, Ga., where Kent became vice president of advancement at a ministry called Lead Like Jesus. He then worked in advancement at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Mo., before joining Redman Consulting Group in Pleasant Valley, Mo., in January 2009 as director of acquisitions and marketing.

A memorial service is set for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, Mo. Kent will be laid to rest with military honors at 3 p.m. at the Higginsville National Cemetery in Higginsville, Mo.

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.