John Halford:
a life of service continues

   John & Pat Halford

By John Stettaford

BOREHAMWOOD, England—John Halford stepped down as European regional director to begin serving in a newly created role as international publications adviser.

Mr. Halford’s responsibilities will be to build a network of resources to be shared by international areas that are beginning to build their publishing capabilities. He will also provide coaching for new editors and writers. Mr. Halford’s experience will be a tremendous resource for the denomination.

Mr. Halford has had a wide range of experience in various areas of administration in his employment with the Worldwide Church of God. He has traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, pastoring churches and mentoring people in Burma, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and other remote outposts during the 10¹/2 years he and his wife, Pat, were stationed in Australia.

He then returned to the United States, where he was based for about 18 years, from 1977 to 1995. Then he became regional director for the United Kingdom and Ireland. When a single European region was established, Mr. Halford became regional director for Europe.

For a number of years Mr. Halford appeared on the World Tomorrow television program. He also taught at Ambassador College and Imperial Schools in Pasadena. He was international student adviser at the college from 1980 to 1990.

Mr. Halford graduated from Ambassador College in 1966, and became a ministerial trainee in Glendale and Los Angeles, California, before and after graduation. He was ordained an elder in May 1967 and sent to Melbourne, Australia, as his first assignment after ordination. His two daughters, Becki and Judy, now married and living in the United States, were born there.

The church’s European region covers the whole of Europe and reaches into parts of Russia and the Middle East. Because of the sheer size of the area, it was an enormous challenge to take care of the diverse needs of the many countries, both culturally and spiritually. Although he relied on those native to these countries, Mr. Halford, as regional director, had a hands-on approach to their overall administration, while also encouraging the international ministers to take responsibility for their individual regions.

Mr. Halford’s aim was to foster cooperation among the European national leaders and to bring them to a place where they are equipped and ready to take administrative control of their affairs.

Mr. Halford continues as editor of the British magazine, which several European versions use as a resource. He oversaw the first issue of the Malaysian magazine, drawing mainly on material from British editions.

Mr. and Mrs. Halford will move to Versailles, Indiana, to be closer to their children and their families, but, through travel and electronic communication, he will maintain his involvement with the church’s international magazines.

John Halford has marked the WCG with his presence, leaving a legacy in example for those he has touched. His has been a ministry of unremitting commitment, service and dedication. We wish him well.

EUROPEAN CONFERENCE—From left:
John Halford, Joseph Tkach, Donat Picard
and Randal Dick. [Photo by Nancy Silcox]

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002