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Denver, Colo.
MBBS begins presidential search


The Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary Presidential Search Committee met in Denver, Colo. Nov. 14-15 to begin the process of finding a new president for the Seminary. The members of the search committee are chair Mark Isaac (Newton, Kan.), secretary Karin Enns (Dinuba, Calif.), Kae Neufeld (Edmonton), Chris Douglas (Abbotsford, B.C.), Jon Isaak (Fresno, Calif.), and Cal Bergen (Winnipeg).

The main task of this first meeting was to construct the framework of the search process. The group spent much time in prayer asking for God’s help in designing a thoughtful and an effective search. Consultant Rebekah Basinger helped the committee develop a search plan that aims to secure someone to lead the MBBS system into its next phase as “one seminary, multiple campuses, and diverse constituencies”.

From the start, the committee identified the values that would guide their work together. These include: to adopt an intentional “listening posture” in order to hear from God and from all the constituencies involved; to respect all the people who participate in the process (this means operating with confidentiality, professionalism, thoroughness, and efficiency); to create a “fertile space” that is open and imaginative; and to trust that God will work above and beyond what is apparent.

Specifically, the group identified the current challenges and opportunities facing the MBBS system. A survey instrument was designed to test what the various MB constituencies (faculty, staff, students, pastors, alumni, denominational leaders, agency leaders and church members) perceive to be the most important factors for the next MBBS president to embody. From this broad-based feedback, along with interviews of other key leaders outside the MB constituency, a presidential profile will emerge and be circulated. The committee designed several communication strategies to gather this information. An aggressive timeline was set that aims to secure a president by spring of 2003.

 – Cal Bergen, Chair, MBBS Board of Directors

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Last modified January 10, 2003.

© 2003 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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