Hearing the call

Hearing the Call, the initiative introduced at the Canadian MB Conference convention in summer is announcing its first retreat. It is a new program sponsored by MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, with funding from the Lilly Endowment Fund, and directed by John Neufeld.

Hearing the Call is designed to encourage high school youth to consider God’s call on their lives, particularly for pastoral ministry or other church vocations. The goals of the project are threefold: a) To engage young people in theological reflection and ministry; b) To support congregations in leadership development; and c) To partner with camps, schools and Mennonite Brethren mission agencies in identifying and nurturing young leaders.

To achieve these goals, a two-year program entitled “Ministry Quest” will be begun. This will involve discernment, peer events, a mentoring relationship and service experience for youth, and seminars for church leaders. In addition, youth leaders in churches will be identified, materials will be provided for mentors of these youth and resources will be made available through a website.

The first retreat is scheduled for March 7–11 and will take place on the Fresno MBBS campus. The young people will interact with faculty, experience leadership training in the classroom and in the urban setting.

Nominations for “Ministry Quest” will be invited shortly. Churches identifying potential leaders should get in touch with John Neufeld at 204-885-2565.

—Hearing the Call news release