MCC Annual Meeting discusses vision for the future

Under the banner of Jesus’ call to “Come, follow me,” Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) board members from across the United States and Canada discussed organizational identity and vision, as well as practical concerns such as financial priorities, at the MCC Annual Meeting held here June 13–14.

Much discussion this year centered on the MCC International Program Department planning process. As part of its current five-year planning process, the department has created a list of “strategic issues,” including the following:

Is MCC moving toward becoming an international agency of the global Mennonite/Brethren in Christ church, or is its future in being a North American agency collaborating with various local churches around the world? What priority should the sending of service workers (as opposed to providing financial support for local organizations) have in MCC’s program planning? What response should MCC have to outside grant funding from government and other sources? How much and under what conditions does MCC wish to accept such grants?

Responses from board members and staff varied widely. Many emphasized MCC’s unique emphasis on building relationships. When service workers return home, their stories help build connections across the globe, participants noted.

This phenomenon is not limited to North America, said Bruce Glick of MCC Great Lakes and formerly of MCC Bolivia.

“In Latin America, people serving outside their own country and then returning home have also helped people get a sense of the larger church,” he said.

While MCC is accepting growing numbers of applications from service workers from around the world, board members represent only churches in Canada and the United States – reflecting MCC’s current identity as a North American organization. Board members affirmed MCC’s ongoing collaboration with Mennonite World Conference, which includes exploring the best way for MCC to operate in an increasingly global church.

The issue of whether to accept government funds also evoked strong feelings. Currently, MCC accepts some Canadian government funding, but none from the United States Agency for International Development. While some MCC supporters in the United States would like to see their tax dollars going toward MCC projects, others emphasized the importance of MCC’s remaining accountable to Mennonite and Brethren in Christ church members since they are relying on them for financial support.

Taking into consideration feedback on these issues from board members, staff members will continue to develop a five-year strategic plan and will present it for board review at the 2004 Annual Meeting.

The public meeting on Friday evening included presentations from staff members as well as three local church leaders. Musical entertainment at the public meeting was provided by the Philimonchuk Family. Originally from Ukraine, they are part of West Coast MCC’s fastest growing constituency: Slavic immigrants who are part of Mennonite Brethren churches. West Coast MCC recently created a Slavic Relations position to help connect these newcomers, many of whom have a heart for missions and humanitarian aid in their homelands, with the work of MCC.

—Rachel B. Miller Moreland