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Winnipeg, Man.
Manitoba conferences consider joint seminary program


Mennonite conferences in Manitoba should consider establishing regional seminary education to reverse the trend of pastoral candidates being trained in non-Mennonite institutions. This was the recommendation of a January 16 consultation at Canadian Mennonite University.

The consultation marked the first time in Manitoba that “all five Mennonite conferences were around the same table to discuss pastoral education,” said Pierre Gilbert, CMU Old Testament professor and Winnipeg coordinator for Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary. Erwin Warkentin, dean of graduate studies and research at CMU, chaired the consultation.

The proposal cites a growing reluctance among Canadian Mennonite pastoral candidates to get their education in the United States, where three Mennonite seminaries are located. Because of the complexities of family relocation, spouses’ careers and exchange rates, many opt to attend non-Mennonite institutions in Canada.

“This trend raises questions about the ability of the Canadian Mennonite conferences to retain and promote their theological distinctives, their historical identity, their structures, and their ministries,” the report says.

Herb Kopp, conference minister of the Manitoba MB Conference, consulted with other Manitoba conference pastors and produced six priorities for a seminary program: “church-based” education; professional ministry skills; academic excellence and a passion for the church; strong preaching and communication skills; a strong emphasis on evangelism; an evangelical Anabaptist theological orientation.

The meeting brought together representatives from CMU, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Steinbach Bible College, as well from Manitoba’s five Mennonite conferences: Manitoba MB Conference, Conference of Mennonites in Manitoba, Chortitzer Mennonite Church, Evangelical Mennonite Conference and Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference.

Canadian MB Conference and Mennonite Church Canada had observers at the meeting. Each conference will be asked to name two representatives to a steering committee that will also include representatives from the four schools involved in the discussion. Gilbert said this committee should have its first meeting by July, with a mandate to recommend whether and how to proceed with making pastoral training more accessible to Manitoba and adjacent provinces.

“I felt and heard enthusiasm for the idea,” said Gilbert.

 – Daniel Rempel, for Canadian Mennonite

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Last modified July 5, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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