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Board of Evangelism
Associate director Bruce Elwood reported briefly on the three programs he runs: Shining Through (personal evangelism training for lay people), Leaders’ Mentoring Network (a method of redesigning children’s Sunday school to be more evangelistically effective and to make better use of leaders’ gifts) and Gift-Based Team Ministry (which mobilizes laypeople and incorporates them into the church by fitting them into ministries suited to their gifts). A video showed how this program had been very effective in Willow Park Church in Kelowna, B.C. All three of these programs, along with Bruce Elwood, will be transferred into the new Board of Discipleship Ministries.
Director Ewald Unruh described the progress of the Board’s Key Cities Initiatives. Mission Calgary, started four years ago, has so far resulted in the planting of six churches. Love Toronto, approved two years ago, has so far resulted in the planting of three churches, and Unruh reported the approval of two more: Brampton International Church with church planters Dale and Miriam Bauman and Femi and Sade Fatunmbi, and another church with church planters Vladamir and Anna Bortsov. (A news story on these church plants will appear in a later issue of the Herald.)
Two recommendations passed with little discussion but considerable enthusiasm. The first was approval of Rendezvous Montreal as the third Key City Initiative. The second was the reappointment of director Ewald Unruh. – jc
We are growing! (We think)
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If “reaching our worlds” is one of the three priorities of the Canadian MB Conference, it is important to know whether the Mennonite Brethren Church in Canada is actually growing. At this convention, the Canadian Conference welcomed 17 new churches which had joined provincial MB Conferences in the two years since the last convention (5 in Ontario, 1 in Saskatchewan, 4 in Alberta and 7 in British Columbia). According to the Statistical Report presented by Abe Dueck, the number of churches increased from 219 at the end of 2000 to 225 at the end of 2001, and the number of members increased by about 1.68% to about 34,864. British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec definitely grew in membership. British Columbia has now grown to the point that for the first time it represents a majority of Canadian Mennonite Brethren (50.8% in 2001). Overall, Canadian Conference membership increased by about 7% 1991–96 and by about 14% in 1996–2001.
However, the figures, while generally indicative of trends, are not completely accurate. In some cases, local churches reported inconsistent numbers (for instance, reporting a different membership at the start of 2001 than they reported at the end of 2000). Moreover, only 157 of the 225 churches sent in a statistical report at all (8 fewer than last year and only 70% of the total). Therefore, we can definitely say we are growing – we think. – jc
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Board of Communications
The Board of Communications report stirred little comment and consisted of:
Herb Kopp, former MB Herald editor, receives anniversary mug |
- a PowerPoint summary of the Board’s ministries.
- a presentation of 40th anniversary mugs to the MB Herald’s editors: Rudy Wiebe (1962–63), Harold Jantz (1964–84), Herb Kopp (1985–88), Ron Geddert (1989–94) and Jim Coggins (1995–present).
- the serving of cake to all delegates to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Mennonitische Rundschau and the 40th anniversary of the MB Herald.
- the passing of routine recommendations that the Conference buy subscriptions for its members to the MB Herald and Mennonitische Rundschau.
- an expression of thanks to Abe Dueck, who is retiring this fall. Dueck served as a faculty member at MB Bible College in Winnipeg 1971–1991 and then as director of the Centre for MB Studies (the Canadian Conference archives) for the last 11 years. Board vice-chair Dave Giesbrecht praised Dueck for his love for the church and for making the Centre “an indispensable library of record for our denomination”. Delegates responded with a long standing ovation.
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– jc
Abe Dueck and David Giesbrecht |
Board of Faith and Life
Chair Herb Neufeld reviewed the last two years’ work of the Board of Faith and Life, commenting on the +55 Retreat; the Spiritual Warfare study conference; the first “Canadian” pastors orientation and the new titles in the pamphlet series.
He then announced that the next study conference would be held in Winnipeg May 22–23, 2003 on the topic of Baptism and Membership.
Board member Walter Unger presented a document called “Spiritual Warfare Ministry Guidelines” (see Board of Faith and Life statements), based on the findings of the Spiritual Warfare conference. This produced a good debate. Some delegates objected that the document took too limited a view of spiritual warfare, for instance, by saying that Christians could not be demon-possessed. Others objected that they wanted time to study the document before giving approval (it had been handed out only at the beginning of the Board’s presentation). There was confusion over the extent to which the document, if passed, would be binding on pastors and churches. Because of some of the diversity in the discussion, a motion was made to refer the paper back to the Board. However, Mark Johnson, a member of the Board, stated that while the Board was not unanimous on the statements of the paper, it had reached consensus, and “that every viewpoint expressed had already been expressed by the Board”. Herb Neufeld also stated that the provincial Boards of Faith and Life had received summary statements prior to the convention and very few responses had been received from them. The motion to refer was defeated, and the motion to accept the document was accepted by a ballot vote of 157–80.
The Board distributed two other documents as notices of motion. They will be discussed over the next biennium and presented to the next Canadian Conference convention for approval. One was a “Statement on Divorce, Remarriage and Leadership Ministry” and the other a “Pastoral Covenant” to be signed by all pastors licensed by provincial MB Conferences (see Board of Faith and Life statements). – sbb
Board of Management
Chair Herb Suderman began the Board of Management report by thanking former treasurer Jake Neufeld for his 14 years of service. Neufeld was recognized for being a vigilant keeper of Conference funds; one who knew the rules and who insisted on keeping them. Neufeld replied that these years had been the highlight of his working career.
Suderman then went on to state that the current level of giving to Conference agencies was not enough. He stated bluntly, “Are we wealthy? Yes. Are we giving enough to the Conference? No. We can’t keep spending unless we increase funding. We need to use our wealth for the kingdom of God.” New treasurer John Wiebe continued the theme when he stated that the deficits experienced in the last biennium ($208,898 in 2000–2001 and $171,005 in 2001–2002) were because giving patterns from the churches have been flat, and that while some churches are giving for the first time, other churches are dropping off. “The back door needs to be closed.”
He offered a box of golf balls as an incentive for people to learn about the Board of Management’s Stewardship Ministries. The first ball is to be given to a representative of Stewardship Ministries with a request to find out what the ministry is about; the second ball is to be given to a friend to encourage him/her to talk to a representative; and the third ball is to be used for playing golf.
Wiebe also stated that in order for the new structure of the Canadian Conference to start with a clean balance sheet, the previous deficit would be covered by Stewardship Ministries earnings. A budget of $1.7 million was brought forward with the understanding that no board funds are guaranteed. If funds do not come in, the budgets will be cut. Moderator Jascha Boge stated that the norm of $94 was just $2 more than the previous biennium and would include the $15 norm for the Seminary. He stated, “Nothing would be greater than coming to the next convention with a surplus.” – sbb
Christian Education Ministries
The introduction of two new curricula for children – one on Baptism and the other on Communion – highlighted CEM’s report.
Sharon Johnson, executive director for Christian Education Ministries for the past two years, was recognized for her ministry. Her position has been discontinued because of the formation of the Board of Discipleship Ministries. Johnson reiterated the ongoing goal of Christian Education Ministries: to make a devoted disciple of every Christian. She stated that this was achievable by any person at any age, and then indicated some of the resources CEM has which can aid in this.
Sherryl Koop, director of youth ministries, reviewed the highlights of NYC 02, the most recent national youth convention:
- 1200 youth and sponsors attended
- more than 400 commitments were made
- donors gave generously.
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She also announced that the next youth convention, NYC 05, would be held in Ontario. A youth pastor suggested that the next youth convention should also be service oriented rather than entertainment oriented; that youth want to serve.
Laura Kalmar, children’s ministry pastor at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, told about the impact the writing of the Baptism and Communion curricula had on her. She stated, “God impacts us when we are children; our first meeting with God happens when we are kids.” She said she was affirmed in her theology as an anabaptist because these curricula focus on the biblical text. – sbb
Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary
Vice-chair Cal Bergen, standing in for chair Harold Enns, presented the report for MB Biblical Seminary. He stated that divestiture has been the dominant agenda item for the past while,
Cal Bergen |
and that consultants were employed to help the Seminary work toward keeping alive and producing. He continued, “There has been a lot of talking past each other, and it has been a difficult and long process, but the joint recommendation being brought to the delegates celebrates the diversity of the denomination.” Having one bi-national Seminary with multiple delivery centres will result in even more quality leaders being trained for our churches.
President Henry Schmidt added that there were vital signs amid the shifting structures, including a competent and committed faculty, increased overall and Mennonite Brethren enrollment, a strong but changing funding base, and an integrated learning process. He also identified three major challenges facing the Seminary and the church:
Henry Schmidt |
- Understanding the critical role of a seminary for the denomination
- Recognizing that building partnerships is the future
- Addressing the shortage of pastors
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Academic Dean James Pankratz reported that the accreditation process had again been successfully completed. He also announced a significant grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. (See MBH, Aug. 2) which would help the Seminary and the churches to identify leaders and call them into ministry. John Neufeld, former associate pastor at McIvor Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, has been named project director.
The discussion that followed emphasized the need to recognize women’s gifts in leadership and to help them exercise those gifts; the need to address the systemic poor health of churches; and the need to plan conventions that would attract younger leaders. – sbb
Neufeld appointed
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John Neufeld has been appointed project director for the “Hearing the Call” program of the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary. This four-year project is a partnership between the Seminary and congregations,
John Neufeld |
camps, schools and mission programs to call out and mentor high school youth toward ministry. The program will be funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. and by local congregations who will sponsor their youth who participate in the program. (See MBH, Aug. 2)
John was most recently associate pastor of McIvor Avenue Church in Winnipeg for six years. Prior to that he studied and worked at MBBS in the mid 1990s. John, his wife Rose, and their children Levi and Jillian will continue to live in Winnipeg. John will lead a project team of four other staff based in Winnipeg, Langley and Fresno.
Matthew Geddert of Fresno, California has been appointed Webmaster for the “Hearing the Call” program. A political science graduate of University of California at Berkeley, Matthew will give leadership to web design and management, and to the development of Internet based resources that will support the goals of the program.
Doug Berg, associate dean of MBBS at ACTS, will be part of the “Hearing the Call” leadership team for 2002–03. Doug will assist the project director in planning the project, in developing resources for youth and congregations, and in establishing effective advisory groups. – James Pankratz, Academic Dean, MBBS
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MBMS International
MBMS International’s report featured four North American churches and how they have become involved in mission work, three of them via a video presentation.
Harold Enns |
They illustrate MBMSI’s new focus on partnering more closely with local churches.
Butler Avenue MB Church in southeast Fresno, Calif. is a multi-ethnic, multi-racial congregation with services for Spanish and southeast Asians as well as two distinctly different English services. The church has inter-racial ministries to children and youth. Pastor Rod Suess stated, “We looked for where God was moving, and joined Him.” After finding that a traditional evangelistic service was not successful, the church realized that people in the neighbourhood were hungry, and now the church feeds people every Friday. Students from nearby Fresno Pacific University and MB Biblical Seminary also get involved in working with the church.
Peace Arch Fellowship, Surrey, B.C., has chosen to be a distinctly missional church. Its philosophy is that every member has been sent by God to make disciples. One of the ways chosen to implement this was to initiate the “Caleb Project”. Similar to Caleb in the Old Testament,
David Macfarlane |
the church sent three members of the congregation on a prayer and discovery trip to visit missionaries in India and Thailand, and to become immersed in what it means to reach out to another cultural group. Now the church is looking for ways to help in northern Thailand, such as providing teachers, helping in community development and teaching ESL. The church hopes to make a difference overseas and at home.
In La Grulla, Texas, the local MB church is involved in helping short-term mission teams as they work in nearby Mexican cities. In 1995, the first Youth Mission International–Soar group came to the community; since then, the church has used its skills in hosting and feeding the groups. The visiting young people have changed the lives of the people in the church by their dedication and joyful service.
David Macfarlane, pastor of Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church, came to know the Lord through missionaries in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Together with his church leadership team, he has set up a strategy to help the church become more mission minded through relating to five methods of missionary work in different locations of the world:
- Evangelism and church planting. MBMSI missionaries Otto and Marjorie Ekk are being supported in their ministry in Portugal.
- Relief and development. In partnership with Mennonite Central Committee, the church is helping to develop potable water resources in Brazil.
- Bible translation and literacy. The church relates to the Ken and Cheryl Creech family in Senegal and the Colin and Dot Sugget family in Burkina Faso, both of whom are connected to Wycliffe Bible Translators. Short-term missionaries have gone to help these families as well.
- Mission mobilization and administration. Youth Mission International administrators and other behind the scenes workers are part of the congregation, and the church supports them.
- Caring for children. The church sends teams of workers to the Pan de Vide orphanage in Mexico each year. These teams also work with MBMSI missionaries Gordon and Dora Isaak in Mexico City.
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One weekend each year is spent promoting each of these ministries in the Waterloo church, and a separate offering is taken for that particular ministry that weekend. The benefits of this emphasis are heightened awareness of the needs; more giving to missions (the mission budget has quadrupled in two years); more involvement in the community; global awareness; and more short and long-term workers going out from the congregation.
Prior to the video, two missionary couples were recognized for their years of service. Paul and Ina Warkentin have been church planters in Germany for 21 years. They are now going into pastoral ministry in Dresden, Germany. Ina indicated she had come to faith through MBMSI, while Paul was an “MK”. The church they will be pastoring in Dresden was begun by Paul’s parents, Lawrence and Selma Warkentin. John and Mary Klassen were recognized as well, for their over 40 years of ministry in Germany.
MBMSI also announced that the integration of the short-term ministry Church Partnership Evangelism and Discipleship with MBMSI has been completed. CPED founder Peter Loewen was commended in prayer, and James Nikkel was announced as the new director of this ministry. – sbb
New Board members
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The following Board members were ratified by the Canadian Conference convention:
Moderator
Jascha Boge – current moderator; engineer and businessman, member of McIvor Ave. MB Church in Winnipeg
Assistant Moderator
Willy Reimer – lead pastor of Sunwest Christian Fellowship in Calgary
Secretary
Marilyn Hiebert – administrator for the B.C. MB Conference, member of Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C.
Board of Management
David Hiebert – international sales rep, member of The Meeting Place in Winnipeg
Board of Faith and Life
Walter Unger – current Board member, former president of Columbia Bible College, member of Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C.
Board of Evangelism
Rob Neufeld – director of finance for Bethany College, member of Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon
Paul Loewen – pastor of Alderbrook Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C.
MB Biblical Seminary
Cal Bergen – current vice-chair of the Board, former senior pastor of Fort Garry MB Church, now involved in a new church plant in Winnipeg
Bill Fast – current Board member, businessman, member of McIvor Ave. MB Church in Winnipeg
Kae Neufeld – current Board member, associate pastor at Lendrum MB Church in Edmonton
Ron Penner – academic dean at Columbia Bible College, member of Northview Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C.
MBMS International
David G. Dyck – current Board member, senior pastor of Lendrum MB Church in Edmonton
Jean-Marc Miller – current Board member, psychologist, member of l’Église chrétienne de St-Laurent, Que.
Historical Commission
Linda Huebert Hecht – member of Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church
Ken Reddig – executive director of MCC Manitoba, member of McIvor Ave. MB Church in Winnipeg
Board of Discipleship Ministries
Ron Friesen – pastor of student ministries at Northview Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C.
Sylvie Giroux – member of the Board of Communications, manager of clinical studies for a pharmaceutical company, member of l’Église chrétienne de St-Eustache, Que.
Trever Godard – missions director at Bethany College, member of Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon
Laura Kalmar – children’s pastor at Bekerview MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C.
George A. Klassen – member of the General Conference Board of Resource Ministries, pastor of North Kildonan MB Church in Winnipeg
John Neufeld – chair of the Board of Christian Education Ministries, former associate pastor of McIvor Ave. MB Church in Winnipeg, director of new MB Biblical Seminary project working with high school students
Len Penner – member of the Board of Christian Education Ministries, businessman, member of Fort Garry MB Church in Winnipeg
Brad Sumner – pastor of discipleship at North Langley Community Church in Langley, B.C.
Matthew Todd – English ministries pastor at Port Moody (B.C.) Pacific Grace Chinese Church
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Last modified December 17, 2002.
© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.
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