Nyomi departs with thanks

The chair of the general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) was literally and figuratively handed over to Chris Ferguson from Setri Nyomi during a worship service on Friday evening.

The service took place in the general secretary’s office in Hannover, Germany, with Nyomi leading, bringing a message based on Matthew 5:13-16 and I Corinthians 11:17-25.

“It’s been a real joy to serve the WCRC these years,” Nyomi said. “These last few weeks of journeying together with Chris have been special.”

Nyomi presented Ferguson with three tokens marking the transition: 1) a gavel, passed on since the second general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (one of the predecessor bodies of the WCRC); 2) a bowl, denoting what we carry along with us as well as the need to fill it up as we go; and 3) a stole, a reminder that the general secretary is also a pastor.

Nyomi then gave up his chair to Ferguson, who said, “Setri, you have done much to respond to God’s call to lead us to this place. I’m feeling the tremendous sense that many of the things that make the WCRC what it is have borne your name.”

Jerry Pillay, president of the WCRC, said, “Setri, words cannot express our thankfulness and gratitude. Go with our blessings, with the satisfaction of knowing that your work here has been completed.”

Picking up on the Scripture passages, Pillay added, “Chris, the opportunity is now given to you to write new chapters of the WCRC so that the WCRC can be salt and light to the world. We want to see the WCRC at work in places where it matters most, witnessing to the triune God.”

The service was attended by the entire staff of the WCRC and was followed by a Ghanaian dinner at the Fergusons’ home.

Nyomi gave his final words of farewell at the Reformed Church in Hannover at their worship service on Sunday, thanking them for their hospitality this year. He noted that this was his first act as the “former general secretary.”

Nyomi served the allowed 14 years as general secretary of the WCRC. Ferguson was elected general secretary by the WCRC’s executive committee at its May meeting.

• Read or watch an interview with Setri Nyomi reflecting on his time as general secretary
• View pictures of Setri Nyomi’s 14 years in office