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Hepburn, Sask.
Bethany annual convention: Celebrating God’s work


“We are delighted”, summed up president Rick Schellenberg’s message at Bethany Bible Institute’s 34 annual convention, held in Hepburn, Sask. November 3, 2001. The convention, which focused on God’s faithfulness throughout the last year,

Ross Hardy and Board chair Howard Wall sharing a light moment

ended with a mortgage-burning event that celebrated the debt retirement of the gym complex called Bethany Place, seven years ahead of schedule.

Board chair Howard Wall began the day by reflecting on Lamentations 3:22-23, reminding his listeners that God is always working and inviting His people to participate in His work. The “Bethany Players” drama team and the Chorale ministered to attenders of the convention and encouraged them that God is continuing to raise up young men and women to proclaim His kingdom.

In his presidential report, Schellenberg highlighted several landmarks that characterize life at Bethany. He spoke of a renewed focus on leadership development and mentoring, as Bethany has recognized a need for more people to be trained for pastoral ministry. Bethany’s mission has always been to nurture disciples and train leaders, yet with the school’s relatively recent accreditation it is attracting a greater diversity of students, including a higher average age of student. Furthermore, last year Bethany began an intentional mentoring program in which faculty and students entered into a new level of discipleship relationships. This reflects Bethany’s desire to not only give students skills for ministry but also to develop within their students a godly character and lifestyle. Jerry Letkeman, dean of students, described these mentoring relationships as “the process of being helped by a trusting friend”. Schellenberg also discussed Bethany’s new program called “ExCiTe: Experiencing Christ Together”, which is geared for students who wish to experience discipleship in a one-year program. He highlighted Bethany’s partnership with YMI (Youth Mission International). Bethany’s philosophy has always been to make students’ education experience practical, so, this partnership will offer first- and second-year students an off-campus ministry experience. Third-year students go on a longer mission’s trip (this year to Kenya). In February, the freshman students will be going to Calgary to work in practical church and urban ministries, while the junior class will join a larger evangelism ministry in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the Olympic games.

Bethany Chorale performing at mortgage burning ceremony

With all the new endeavours at Bethany, Schellenberg recognized that none of it could be accomplished without the many people who have put in years of service at Bethany, as well as all the volunteers and supporters who are a vital part of Bethany’s ministry.

Schellenberg’s report also relayed some of Bethany’s desired areas of growth including increased alumni involvement, increased enrollment and a firmer support base to regain a higher degree of financial stability. It was noted that the school will be celebrating its 75th anniversary July 20–21, 2002.

Academic dean Doug Heidebrecht reviewed Bethany’s new academic goals and objectives. Through a power point presentation, Heidebrecht demonstrated the holistic experience that is available to every student at the college. Of the eight objectives – Following Jesus Passionately, Pursuing Wholeness in Life, Strengthening Biblical Knowledge, Integrating Life and Faith, Participating in Church Life, Developing Leadership Ability, Acquiring Ministry Skills, and Building Mentoring Relationships – two specific areas are emphasized each year. These new academic goals also will allow for the development of several new core and elective courses in the curriculum. One new course beginning in January 2002 is entitled “Healthy Church”; it will be taught by local pastors and offered on Monday afternoons in Saskatoon. Heidebrecht reminded everyone that Bethany graduated its first Bachelor of Arts student in the spring of 2001, and that this program, which includes a four- to eight- month internship experience, continues to attract students. This year, there are 20 students linked with this program, which stresses the need for churches to partner with Bethany in the training process of our future church leaders.

Jerry Letkeman gave a slide show presentation that allowed those at the convention to see some of the faces that make up the student body and student life team. There are students from all over Canada who come together to live and grow in community. One can always find within this community student leaders, brother-sister units, faculty care groups and prayer teams. This year, along with Bethany’s athletic teams, recreation has been given a new emphasis, and even a slot on the regular class schedule. Life at Bethany is not just about gaining knowledge, but growing as a whole person – spiritually, mentally, socially and emotionally. There are 134 students this year (almost a 50/50 split for male and female), which includes full- and part-time as well as fourth-year students doing internships.

The most memorable report came from Bethany’s new director of finance, Rob Neufeld. Neufeld gave a humorous, heartfelt and optimistic report on Bethany’s current financial situation and a vision for the future.

Director of finance, Rob Neufeld, reports on financial situation

It is clear that God has blessed the school and provided generous gifts and a critical enrollment increase in order to meet last year’s budget projections. This also allows Bethany to be on a firm footing for this school year. Bethany still has future visions of bringing improvements to their campus, and of increasing and developing staff and faculty to meet the continuing needs of a growing school. Although Neufeld was not free of concern regarding Bethany’s financial future, he was confident that God would continue to provide for the work that He desires to accomplish through the school.

Neufeld noted the continuing excellence of the food services at Bethany, praised the custodial and maintenance workers, as well as all the office staff who are devoted to the mission of Bethany and genuinely love the students who attend. There were other business matters discussed, perhaps most importantly the re-election of Howard Wall as the Board chair; yet, the focus of the day was clearly on celebrating God’s continued work at Bethany. Next year’s convention is set for November 2, 2002.

 – Jacqueline Falk

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Last modified January 11, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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