Change in EVIM's Chairmanship Effective August 1, 2027: Dr. Raimund Wirth Named New Chairman and Theological Director

Pastor Matthias Loyal, the long-time chairman of the Evangelical Association for Inner Mission (EVIM), headquartered in Wiesbaden, will step down from his position effective August 1, 2027, upon his retirement. He has served as chairman and theological director of EVIM since March 1, 2007, and over the past 20 years has played a key role in driving EVIM’s successful development into a major social enterprise with four focus areas: elder care, education, youth services, and social inclusion.

The EVIM Board of Directors has appointed Pastor Dr. Raimund Wirth as his successor. He will begin his term on August 1, 2027.

Rev. Dr. Wirth has served as dean in Darmstadt since 2022. After completing his studies, he became a pastor in the EKHN in 2008 and earned his doctorate in Heidelberg in 2016. His diverse professional experience to date in areas relevant to the social enterprise EVIM provides him with important qualifications for his new role. 

Philipp Baum, Chair of the EVIM Board of Directors: “We owe Pastor Loyal our deepest gratitude. With his personal roots in the Christian faith, combined with organizational creativity and sound business acumen, he has shaped EVIM. For him, every person matters—and that shapes his actions. Our appointment of Pastor Dr. Raimund Wirth builds on this foundation. With his leadership experience, he embodies a leadership culture that is both dialogical and strategically clear. Dr. Wirth combines theological reflection with entrepreneurial thinking. We wish both of them God’s guidance and blessing.”

Philipp Baum, Chairman of the EVIM Board of Directors