Merv Boschman appointed Executive Minister

“The greatest task undertaken by the Executive Board this year was the development of a proposal for the position of Executive Minister,” moderator Len Fehr reported to the Alberta MB Conference convention. “The Executive Minister will be accountable first to God, and then to the Executive Board in collaborative visioning and leadership of the Alberta Conference in all of its ministries. This includes ministry to churches and their pastors, shaping the vision for church planting and encouraging the ministry of Camp Evergreen.”

The search committee, Fehr continued, has a strong sense that “the Lord has led [us] on this journey” (Genesis 24:27). The Conference Executive enthusiastically recommended Merv and Carol Boschman as the candidate couple for this position, and the recommendation was unanimously accepted by the convention. The Boschmans will begin their new ministry in Alberta in July 2003.

Merv and Carol were married Aug. 16, 1968. They are currently living in Abbotsford, B.C., and have two married sons and three grandchildren. They have been involved in full-time ministry for over 30 years. Merv is a graduate of Linden (Alta.) High School, Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute in Abbotsford, Fresno Pacific College, Trinity Western Seminary, and MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif. He recently resigned as Director of Development and Constituency Relations at Columbia Bible College, and as vice-chair of the Board of MBMS International. His congregational ministries have included service as a youth pastor, associate pastor, founding pastor, church planter and pastor. He has also served as director of summer camps, in college admissions and recruitment, in student music ministries, and as interim director for the Canadian MB Conference Board of Evangelism. He has served in various places in British Columbia, in Fresno, in Saskatoon and in Winnipeg.

“My ministry objectives can be simply stated,” said Merv. “I seek to work with others, motivating and equipping the community of faith to become multiplying followers of Jesus Christ who freely worship and joyfully serve God in the power of the Holy Spirit. I want to be a growing Christian, faithful disciple and servant leader.”

Len Fehr also stated, “We are deeply grateful to Abe Konrad, who served as a volunteer Conference Minister for seven-and-a-half years; Abe Quiring’s partnership in this ministry for the first three years was also very helpful in shaping this ministry in Alberta.” Konrad received a plaque of appreciation and a standing ovation at the convention.