Bar, Montenegro, 17 September 2025 – The European Evangelical Alliance (EEA) is pleased to announce a significant leadership transition as Rev. Dr. Frank Hinkelmann steps down after serving three full terms and 12 years as President. Andreas Wenzel, a dedicated member of the EEA Board since 2017, has been elected as the new President. The handover took place during the EEA's hybrid 2025 Members Meeting in Bar, Montenegro, which brought together the EEA Board and the EEA Staff on-site as well as evangelical leaders from across Europe virtually. The EEA representatives' series of meetings in Montenegro also included a meaningful gathering with local pastors to discuss unity, mission, and support for the growing evangelical community in the country.
Rev. Dr. Frank Hinkelmann, from Austria, has been a pivotal figure in the EEA since his election in 2013. Under his leadership, the Alliance has strengthened its role in fostering evangelical unity, advocating for religious freedom, and addressing key socio-political issues across Europe. Hinkelmann, who holds a PhD from the Free University of Amsterdam, is also the president of Martin Bucer Seminary in Bonn, Germany. Prior to his EEA presidency, he served as chairman of the Austrian Evangelical Alliance (ÖEA) from 2003 to 2015 and has been a vice chair of the International Council of the World Evangelical Alliance. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to theological education and to a deepening of the understanding of the history of Evangelicalism, as well as by amplifying the evangelical voice in a diverse continent.
Andreas Wenzel, from Germany, brings extensive experience in ministry and leadership to his new role. Affiliated with Word of Life Germany, he has served in various capacities since 1990 – including as a youth pastor and later in executive positions – and focused on evangelism, discipleship, and equipping young leaders. In 2012, he joined the leadership team of Word of Life Europe, which serves the organization's branches in 18 countries. In 2023, he was appointed to lead the ministry as the Director. Additionally, Wenzel has extended leadership experience in local and national boards of the German Evangelical Alliance. His eight years on the EEA Board have prepared him to build on Hinkelmann's legacy, emphasizing hope, innovation, and new partnerships to advance the Gospel in Europe and strengthen the church on the continent.
The EEA's Co-General Secretaries, Connie Main Duarte and Jan Wessels, expressed their gratitude and optimism in the following statements:
"We thank Frank for his unwavering dedication and godly wisdom over these 12 years. As it says in Philippians 1:6, 'He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus'—Frank's leadership has been a testament to God's faithfulness in building unity among evangelicals.
We are excited to welcome Andreas, whose passion for mission will inspire us all to press forward in faith," said Connie Main Duarte.
"Frank's service has been a blessing, guiding us through challenges with grace and vision. Drawing from Hebrews 12:1, 'Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us'—we honor his endurance and look forward to Andreas stepping in, bringing fresh energy rooted in Scripture to unite and empower Europe's evangelical family," said Jan Wessels.
This transition reflects the EEA's ongoing commitment to collaborative leadership and spiritual renewal. The 2025 Members Meeting in Bar provided a fitting backdrop for the handover, highlighting the Alliance's focus on supporting emerging evangelical networks in Southeastern Europe through dialogue and prayer with Montenegrin pastors.
About the European Evangelical Alliance (EEA): Founded in 1951, the EEA represents over 23 million evangelicals across 35 countries, promoting unity, advocacy, and mission. It serves as a platform for National Evangelical Alliances to collaborate on issues of faith, society, and public policy. For more information, visit europeanea.org.
Originally from the World Evangelical Alliance
CCD reprinted with permission
