(RNS) The Rev. Jack Hayford, a longtime Pentecostal leader, announced Tuesday (May 26) that he will not seek a second five-year term as president of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.
“I am not retiring, nor am I withdrawing my availability and commitment to serve our church family in any way I may be asked,” said Hayford at the start of his denomination’s annual convention in Anaheim, Calif. “My heart is with this movement in which I have served for 53 years.”
Hayford, 74, will step down from the presidency when his term concludes on Aug. 31.
The Rev. Glenn Burris Jr., the vice president and general supervisor of national church operations, will take his place on an interim basis. A permanent successor to Hayford will be chosen in 2010.
Hayford, a former megachurch pastor, has composed hundreds of hymns, including the worship song “Majesty,” and authored dozens of books.
He said there were “no negatives” in his decision to not continue as president, but he noted that he nears his 75th birthday.
“I do not feel that at this time of my life I can now confidently or comfortably envision a five-year commitment to so demanding a task,” he said. “The pressures of the presidency are first, heavily spiritual and weighted in ways that can be appreciated only by those that hold the office.”
The denomination, which claims 8.4 million members, was founded in 1927.