Leadership Transitions at Trinity International University and the Evangelical Free Church of America

On Thursday, February 15, Nicholas Perrin, President of Trinity International University, tendered his resignation to the TIU Board of Regents, effective February 29, 2024.  

Dr. Perrin served for nearly five years and saw TIU, the only school affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America, through a season of significant challenge and change while maintaining Trinity’s standing with accrediting agencies and preserving the role and influence of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. We thank Dr. Perrin for his service and pray God’s blessing on his family as they seek new ministry opportunities.

While the last year has seen significant changes at TIU, the school’s theological training remains highly valued by students and ministries within evangelical circles. The Board of Regents has established a plan for the institution’s next steps and is steadfast in its commitment to deepening relationships with local churches and renewing its focus on Trinity Evangelical Divinity School as TIU’s top priority.  

To make it possible for TEDS to flourish, the Board of Regents acted on recommendations offered by TIU administration to address immediate budget challenges. These measures include closing Trinity College Online, Trinity Graduate School, and Trinity Florida, and reducing the staff associated with these programs. (Trinity Law School will continue to operate in Santa Ana, California.) The difficult decision to close these programs enables the Board of Regents to position the ministry of TEDS for continued service to the evangelical church worldwide. 

“Firmly grounded on the inerrant Word, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is uniquely positioned to serve the global church in an increasingly polarized world.” – David W. Pao, Ph.D., Dean of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School 

At this important moment in Trinity’s history, the institution is also returning to its roots. In 1897, Trinity was established to train ministry leaders for a movement of churches that would later become the Evangelical Free Church of America. The Board of Regents recognizes the significance of deepening Trinity’s ongoing ministry partnership with the EFCA by offering accessible, affordable and applicable training for pastors, missionaries and lay leaders with increasing flexibility and connection to the local church. 

To strengthen this relationship, the Board of Regents formally requested the EFCA Board of Directors release Kevin Kompelien from his role as President of the EFCA to serve as the 17th President of Trinity International University, effective April 1, 2024. 

Recognizing the significance of TEDS for the next generation of EFCA pastors and ministry leaders, the EFCA Board of Directors granted the Board of Regents’ request and released Kevin Kompelien from his role as EFCA President. In addition, the EFCA Board of Directors appointed Carlton Harris, Executive Vice President of National Ministries, as Acting President of the EFCA to fulfill the remainder of Kevin Kompelien’s elected term. Kevin Kompelien will continue to serve the EFCA as President Emeritus while he serves as TIU President. 

"It was the honor of a lifetime to serve as President of the Evangelical Free Church of America. I love the Free Church, I believe in the Free Church and I want to equip the Free Church as we continue to fulfill the Great Commission together. Answering the request to serve at TIU and TEDS allows me to continue investing in the EFCA as we train the next generation of biblically grounded, theologically prepared leaders for the local church. What TEDS offers is truly unique, and I look forward to rethinking ways to make our education a meaningful resource for churches.” – Kevin Kompelien 

Join us in prayer for the renewed partnership between Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and the Evangelical Free Church of America, and our shared responsibility to develop ministry workers for service in the EFCA and the evangelical church worldwide.