By Carl Stagner

Ending hunger. That’s a seemingly lofty goal, but certainly not one beyond the reach of our limitless God, whose resources undoubtedly include you and me. President and CEO of Bread for the World, Eugene Cho has proven his resolve to not only talk about change, but also do something about it. Wielding broad influence and possessing gifts of extraordinarily effective leadership, Cho has amassed a wealth of wisdom, experience, tools, and insights tested and tried on the local, national, and global stage. The Church of God movement is blessed to welcome Eugene Cho to the Convention 2023 stage, eager to glean such valuable perspective, ideas, and inspiration for the world-changing work the Lord has laid before each one of us.

“Every opportunity to preach and teach from the Scriptures, and invite people to Jesus, is a testament of God’s grace,” Cho reflects. “I can and will never take it for granted. For me, it’s not so much about the size of the audience, but there is something unique (and even burdensome) to speak to fellow pastors and church leaders. In many ways, it’s because we ‘get one another.’”

Some pastors and leaders in the Church of God have noted the incredible appeal Eugene Cho’s name brings to the Tampa speaker roster. Glimpses of his thoughtful engagement with the church across the board, popular culture, and society at-large are readily available on social media, where people of all backgrounds, ages, vocations, and ethnicities await his next pithy or punchy post among an ongoing prophetic assessment of current affairs and hot topics. Those who register for CHOG Convention 2023 and General Assembly will enjoy much more than a passing glimpse into the mind of Eugene Cho; they’ll experience a full-length, deep dive into what the Spirit has guided the preacher to say.

“I especially love speaking to a diverse group,” Cho explains, “because it’s a glimpse of the kingdom of God—and an opportunity to hear the stories of how God is moving among others. I’m especially mindful of this season in our culture, church, and society. There are many challenges, but I’m prayerful that God can use this imperfect mouthpiece to call fellow leaders to place our hope in One who is truly faithful.”

Eugene Cho speaking

Indeed, the Church of God movement assembled in Tampa, Florida, June 22–25, will be beautifully diverse. Not only will pastors and lay leaders from across the United States and Canada join us for worship and the Word, but also will pastors and leaders from around the world. The international element of Convention 2023 continues to take shape, sparking fresh fires of anticipation for what God will do in our midst.

Eugene Cho’s ministry—and individual ministries—have garnered support from a diverse cross-section of people everywhere. Through Bread for the World, Eugene Cho is devoted to working across the political spectrum to encourage bipartisan support to eradicate the hunger crisis at home and abroad. Another ministry making waves for the kingdom of God, One Day’s Wages (ODW), is a product of Cho’s vision and trailblazing efforts; ODW is a “grassroots movement of people, stories, and actions to alleviate extreme global poverty.”

But Eugene Cho isn’t just an activist and advocate of charity—his actions are having lasting effect on the places and people his ministries serve. It should come as no surprise then, that this predisposition toward service and good works comes from a leader whose foundation and motivation is Jesus Christ. In fact, for eighteen years, Cho served as senior pastor of Quest Church, which he also founded. The congregation meets in Seattle, Washington, and, as you might guess, is urban, multigenerational, and multicultural.

Eugene is the author of two acclaimed books, Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian’s Guide to Engaging Politics (2020), which was nominated for Christian Book of the Year, and Overrated: Are We More in Love with the Idea of Changing the World Than Actually Changing the World? (2014). Eugene and his wife Minhee have been married for over twenty-five years, and they have three adult children.

“He’s got the whole world in his hands.” What an encouraging reality! Be inspired by it, be challenged by it, and experience it firsthand at Convention 2023 and General Assembly, June 22–25 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more and register at www.chogconvention.org.