Previous | Next 

Abbotsford, B.C.
Enlarging territory: Columbia Bible College Annual Meeting


Board chair Michael Dick opened the Columbia Bible College annual general meeting November 8 with references to answered prayer for an “enlarged territory” (from the prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10) and overflowing rejoicing (2 Corinthians 9:10). It was, he said, “a time for rejoicing”. The good news at the College includes strong enrollment, financial health and a successful search for a new president.

Growth and vision

The interim presidential team of academic dean Ron Penner and director of development Merv Boschman reported on the current state of the school. Enrollment at 499 students is down slightly from last year’s record enrollment but still 23% higher than two years ago. The school is enjoying its new gym (Columbia Place) and other campus improvements (see MBH, Nov. 9).

Boschman announced an enhancement of Columbia’s fundraising strategy. The goal is to develop 300 “Legacy Partners” over the next four years, who will each contribute between $1000 and $10,000 annually, providing the College with $435,000 in operational funding each year.

Penner announced a vision developed by the Board and administration for the next 10 years. It includes:

Continued focus on both basic faith formation (1–2 years) and preparation for specific ministries. Addition of new ministry preparation programs, such as a four-year worship arts program. Expansion of “distance learning” such as Internet and correspondence courses. Expansion of the school’s ministry to serve more adults, more members of ethnic churches, etc., in addition to the current focus on ministry to young adults. Increased partnership with other schools and with agencies such as Youth Mission International. Renewal of the campus to accommodate 800–1000 students. (The next project will be a new Student Centre, including a larger kitchen and dining room, with construction expected to begin in 2003.) Increased financial aid for students. Development of a financial model in which the school will operate on revenues from tuition, auxiliary income (such as banquet rentals) and subsidies from its two supporting Conferences (the B.C. Mennonite Brethren Conference and Mennonite Church B.C.); revenue from fundraising will go primarily to capital (building) expansion and to the College’s endowment fund. A staffing system in which employees receive training; adequate salary, benefits and other care; and manageable workloads.

After an interlude of three inspiring, well-received numbers from the College concert choir, Board chair Michael Dick thanked outgoing Board members Hans Dyck, Dan Wollf and Barbara McKenzie. Two Board members were re-elected at this meeting: Henry Thiessen of Bakerview MB Church and Don Schmidt of Northview Community Church. New Board members elected were John Heinrichs of First United Mennonite Church and Brian Friesen of Killarney Park MB Church. There remains one vacancy on the Board from Mennonite Church B.C., to replace Hans Dyck, who recently resigned from the Board.

Michael Dick also announced that the Columbia Campus Development Society, created by a group of donors to raise funds for building projects, has now been incorporated.

Operating cash

Finance committee chair Brian Gaudet and controller Teri Jones presented the financial statements.

In the 2000–2001 fiscal year (ending April 30, 2001), the College not only paid off the remaining $910,000 of its long-term debt, but also added $295,000 to its operating cash. This meant that the College had $240,000 cash on hand at the end of the 2000–2001 year.

The budget for 2001–2002 was readily approved. Due to decreased enrollment and a significant decrease in the number of students living on campus, the College expects to see its operating cash decrease by $80,000.

Also approved was the proposed 2002–2003 budget. (Final approval of this budget will take place at next year’s annual meeting.) Even assuming that there is no increase in enrollment in that year, the College expects to add $153,000 to its operating cash, bringing its cash on hand to $313,000. The College’s goal is to increase its cash on hand to $600,000 so that it will not have to borrow money to pay expenses every summer until students pay their tuition fees in September.

A new president

Michael Dick announced that the two-year search for a new president had been successful, and introduced Paul Wartman as the candidate for president.

Wartman gave a short testimony. He described how his parents had come to faith as adults and how he almost lost his own Christian faith in a conservative Christian denomination before finding it again

The current “Multiple Presidential Personality”: Ron Penner and Merv Boschman

through the tragic death of two friends. He described his call to Bible school, to ministry and finally to Columbia. He concluded the testimony with a brief introduction of his family.

Wartman then spoke for about 15 minutes on the topic “Why Bible College in the 21st Century?” He talked about renting a car whose Global Positioning System kept directing him back to the right road every time he made a wrong turn. He then described the need for a biblical guidance system in the current generation, which is focused on career advancement and self-fulfillment and for whom morality is whatever the group says. He also noted the struggles in the church over generational and leadership issues. In both of these situations, he said, there is a need for leaders who love Jesus, know their culture and will impact their culture for Christ.

The delegation applauded Wartman’s presentation enthusiastically and approved his appointment “overwhelmingly” in a ballot vote.

In fact, the delegation, while enthusiastic, was generally quiescent, with only three or four questions and comments made from the floor during the whole evening. The approximately 100 B.C. Mennonite Brethren churches and approximately 35 Mennonite Church B.C. churches sent just over the required quorum of 50 delegates to the meeting. This is a matter of some concern for the College. Next year’s annual meeting will be held two weeks earlier, on Oct. 24, 2002.

 – jc

Previous | Next 

Last modified December 7, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.