Announced as Global President
Ken Katayama
From US Base President to Leading the Global Organization
From the Founders
August 8th, 1987, was a landmark day in the history of Crossover Global. It represented the start of something new, a response to God’s calling, a firm step of faith into uncharted territory. It was the day that we set out together on a new Kingdom endeavor called Crossover Global.
May 28th, 2020, was another landmark day, also representing the start of something new, a response to God’s calling, a firm step of faith into uncharted territory. It was the day that the global board of Crossover Global voted unanimously to appoint Ken Katayama as the next global president and CEO of Crossover Global, effective August 8th. The board believes and strongly affirms, that God has raised up Ken to take the senior executive leadership reins as we move into a new phase in our history and a new phase of ministry.
We truly can’t wait to see what God does through him as he serves as our next president. Please be praying for him as he serves in his new role of leadership. The two of us will continue serving Crossover Global as the chairman and vice-chairman of the movement we love so much.
About Ken
Ken was born in 1980 in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil to a second generation Japanese-Brazilian father, and a Brazilian mother. At the age of 15, Ken became a follower of Jesus and two years later, in 1997, he committed his life to reach unreached people groups.
Ken joined Crossover Global as an intern in January 1999. In the last 21 years, Ken has held many different responsibilities such as director of mobilization, regional director, chief operating officer, executive director of the US base, and more recently, senior vice president. Ken has ministered in 30 countries and speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish fluently.
May 28, 2020, the global board of Crossover Global voted unanimously to appoint Ken Katayama as the next global president and CEO of Crossover Global. The board believes, and strongly affirms, that God has raised up Ken to take the senior executive leadership reins as we move into a new phase in our organization’s history.
Ken resides in Columbia, SC with his, wife Kristi, and three children, Gabriella, Lincoln, and Isaac. He enjoys cheering on the Clemson Tigers, watching the World Cup, playing golf, and spending time with his family.
EDUCATION
Bible Certificate,
Word of Life Bible Seminary (Brazil)
Bachelor of Arts in Bible,
Columbia International University (Columbia, SC)
Master of Arts in Muslim Studies,
Columbia International University (Columbia, SC) (Fall 2020)
EXPERIENCE
Deputy Leader of the Mission Commission;
World Evangelical Alliance (2020-Present)
Instructor;
Perspectives Course (2007-Present)
Board Member;
MissioNexus (2014-2019)
Board Member;
COMHINA (2011-2015)
Stay Connected with Ken
In VisionFocused Ken shares what God is doing through the ministry of Crossover Global. Over the year the updates contain our Kingdom Return on Investment reporting on the progress of our church planting efforts, our Communiqué sharing life-transforming stories, and other special ministry highlights.
Unveiling the Unreached is a weekly social media post advocating for unreached people groups. Follow Ken as he shares his personal experiences to create awareness of those who have no access to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Follow @kenkatayama on
What Other Leaders Are Saying About Ken Katayama
Congratulations to Ken, but probably more so to Crossover Global! Organizations that grow quality leaders like Ken demonstrate that they are healthy. Ken has been a blessing to the missions community in many ways. He will no doubt be a blessing to Crossover Global as they face this ever changing era of mission.
It has been my privilege to get to know Ken and observe his development for the last decade. I’ve watched him press into Jesus and grow as a leader. The combination of humility, teachability, commitment to grow and deep desire to accelerate the fulfillment of the Great Commission position Ken well for this new responsibility.
Ken Katayama is one of our former students, who will receive his MA in Muslim Studies in December, 2020, from our university. I am so proud of Ken and what he has accomplished. May God bless him as he serves as President of Crossover Global.
Ken was recruited in Brazil at a young age. I resonate with that because it is also how I came to serve in God’s mission long term. And as I met Ken, I saw how enthusiastic and vibrant he is as he speaks of how God las led him to participate in making Jesus known, especially among those who have not heard the Gospel. We share the same passion; to encourage and mentor new generations to join in reaching all with the Gospel. I am glad that Ken will take on the role of president of Crossover Global, and I look forward to many more opportunities to serve together.
It is my great pleasure on behalf of the WEA Mission Commission to celebrate and affirm Ken Katayama’s appointment as the next President of Crossover Global. I am thrilled that the Board of Directors has recognized Ken’s unique gifts as a younger leader primed for the new era of missions ahead of us. I look forward to walking into the future of missions with Ken and Crossover Global. May God’s face shine upon this transition and God’s Spirit empower Ken mightily for the responsibilities ahead of him and Crossover Global.
It is an honor to celebrate the promotion of Ken Katayama at Crossover Global. Ken has modeled for years what a good shepherd looks like in our world. When I think about Ken I think about Psalm 78:72 which tells us a good shepherd possesses both a ‘heart of integrity’ as well as ‘skill of hand.’ Ken is a picture of this double-portioned leader. Congratulations Crossover Global and Ken Katayama. NewSpring Church and I are with you!
I have found in brother Ken a great visionary leader, a very bold and decisive communicator, challenging the models and routes of our common mission. COMHINA is grateful for having a friend and a committed servant to open new ways to succeed in our calling. Be blessed, brother Ken, with wisdom from heaven to lead Crossover Global beyond its frontiers and bring a great harvest to our Lord. We love you truly and deeply.
Ken and I served together training workers for the Muslim world in Brazil and mobilizing Arab Christians in the Middle East. During these opportunities, I learned about Ken’s heart; a young man who loves the Lord Jesus whose heart desires to see Christ glorified among Muslims. May God bless Crossover Global to impact the world for His glory. May God greatly bless your life my brother!
Hear From Ken
