Meeting brings change to direction and leadership of MB mission agency

Why does MBMS International exist? That was the biggest question faced at the agency’s fall Board meeting, held October 2–4 in Fresno, Cal.

The key outcome of the meeting was a resolution that the agency focus on being a catalyst for the mission vision of MB congregations in Canada and the United States.

The decision prompted the creation of a more concise mission statement that focuses on the central role of the local MB congregation: “In response to God’s Great Commission, MBMS International works with Mennonite Brethren churches to make disciples and plant churches globally.”

The Board also decided to begin the transition to a new General Director. At the April 2003 meetings the Board reviewed the evaluation of General Director Harold Ens, and affirmed his leadership for another three years. Since then the Board felt led to revisit that decision in light of a variety of other transitions being faced for the future. The goal is for Ens to carry his leadership through the two national conventions next summer, completing his tenure by August 1, 2004. A search process for his successor will be established in the near future.

Much appreciation was expressed for the strengths and dedication of Ens, who for over 30 years has served so well in the roles first of missionary, then of administrator.

“Harold’s skills in leading the Board and mission agency during a time of global change are deeply valued and provide a foundation for the next administration,” says Board chair Dennis Fast.

Plans for future mission-related ministry for Ens will be announced at a later date.

During the meetings, the Board received reports from three separate task force groups as well as the evaluation of its Mission Associates program. In addition to the new mission statement, major progress was made by adopting a set of three to five year visions/goals designed to keep bringing the mission and its supporting churches closer together, as well as a relational mission strategy. These key developments will be presented to the delegates of the Canadian and U.S. Mennonite Brethren conventions in July 2004. A proposal for a new administrative structure was sent back to committee for further work.

Chairman Dennis Fast said of these meetings, “I was aware of an unusual number of people interceding for us in prayer. It seems that others sensed with us that these meetings would include significant decisions for MBMS International.”

A focus of considerable discussion, prayer and decisions was that of the long-term financial sustainability of the agency’s ministries. It has become clear that many Mennonite Brethren congregations want to be more relationally involved with both the missionaries and overseas partners of MBMS International. Short-term ministry teams connected to long-term ministry strategies will be a key direction for the future.

When the discussion turned to the potential options for funding global mission, it became clear that a mixed model will best serve both the churches and the missionaries and projects they support. Some churches have a long history of faithful giving to undesignated support of mission work through MBMS International. Those churches will be affirmed in their approach even as stronger relationships are built. For other churches, it is most effective to directly support specific missionaries and projects. MBMS International is committed to facilitating both types of relationship.

As the details of these new directions are developed and shared over the coming months, we invite the ongoing prayer support of the constituency. God has done marvelous things through MBMS International in the past and we trust Him for continued effectiveness in the future.

MBMS International is the global mission agency of Mennonite Brethren churches in Canada and the United States.

—Brad Thiessen, from reports by Harold Ens and Dennis Fast