Rev. Geoff Tunnicliffe finishes 10 years as World Evangelical Alliance secretary general and CEO at the end of 2014 and members of the WEA family have paid tribute to his work.

Members of WEA's International Council, the alliance's leaders and staff, partners, friends and family shared testimonies and prayers at a farewell dinner in New York, WEA said in a statement on December 22.

His successor has not yet been named.

Among many things accomplished in the last 10 years, it was pointed out that under Tunnicliffe's leadership, the WEA was led out of a very challenging situation (with some doubts about its survival.

"WEA became established and recognized as one of the world's three global church bodies [along with the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches].

"Today, the WEA represents more than 600 million evangelicals to governments, the United Nations, media, and other global faith bodies," the statement said.

In an interview with Christian Today on March 25, 2014 Tunnicliffe said, "Religious liberty, which continues to be under threat in many parts of the world, is important to us.

"But there are also new areas like peace building and reconciliation, nuclear weapons issues, the arms trade, extreme poverty issues.

"We as evangelicals have something to contribute to the conversation and something to contribute to society."

His daughter Natasha Tunnicliffe expressed her admiration and respect for the ministry of her father.

Even though it had not always been easy that he was regularly away for weeks on end she has been deeply touched and inspired by his obedience to God's calling and his serving hear

In his final address Tunicliffe said he is hopeful for the future of the WEA and will remain a life-long champion for its mission.

"I am more convinced than ever of the need for this community that seeks to build Christian unity and help the Church collaboratively be salt and light in our world."

Referring to the WEA's International Council, Executive Team and staff, he noted, "I believe our Alliance is in good hands as it prepares for the arrival of a new Secretary General in the near future."

Starting in 2015, Tunnicliffe will serve as a global strategist or in an advisory role to several networks, organizations and companies, and he will also be writing a book about his tenure with the WEA.

Crossroads Global Media Group announced on December 20 that Geoff Tunnicliffe will join Crossroads Canada's and Crossroads USA's board of directors.

Its flagship television program is "100 Huntley Street," which is the longest running Canadian daily television program.