Previous | Next 

Abbotsford, B.C
B.C. Conference appoints Associate Conference Minister


At the March 14 Council of Church Leaders meeting, a recommendation was affirmed to appoint Robert Friesen as Associate Conference Minister of the B.C. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. His work will supplement the ministry of Conference Minister Ike Bergen.

In making this appointment, the B.C. MB Conference Executive Council acted on a decision made at last year’s B.C. Conference convention to provide assistance to the Conference Minister, who has responsibility to oversee all 112 B.C. MB churches, including those new church plants which relate directly to the Board of Church Extension.

By appointing Bob Friesen, the Conference is empowering an individual with a long-term passion for the MB Church and for the Conference. After a short teaching career, which included a three-year stint in Africa and several years as a math and science instructor, Friesen completed his seminary education at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif. After serving as a youth pastor during his seminary years and then as an associate pastor at Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C. for a brief term, Bob and his wife Joy, together with their children Cynthia and Jeremy, accepted the call to pastor Broadway MB Church in Chilliwack, B.C. Over the next 20 years, many changes were made in the church including a renewal of vision and mission. His next placement was as interim senior pastor at Arnold Community Church in Abbotsford.

Bob has demonstrated leadership skills in refocusing churches, in bringing a sense of vision and purpose to existing churches and in working through issues to bring about positive ministry. We are pleased to see Bob’s experience being focused in this new role. His love for Jesus, his passion for the church and Conference, his willingness to be involved in renewal and conflict resolution, and his commitment to working with leaders to allow for personal growth and revitalization, along with a proven track record in ministry, have prepared him for this new calling. We invite prayerful support as he begins the next phase of life, committed to Christ and His church.

 – Executive Council news release

Previous | Next 

Last modified April 17, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.