MB Forum launched

There’s a new way to communicate with other MBs.

The Canadian MB Conference has developed a web forum where individuals can read and respond to messages posted by others. Located at mbforum.ca, the forum is open to everyone but is tailored especially for Mennonite Brethren in Canada.

Frequent visitors to the Canadian Conference websites may recognize MB Forum as an expansion of a previous forum set up to allow different groups of leaders to stay in touch. The Conference tested the waters further by implementing a general discussion forum related to the Rite & Pilgrimage study conference held last year in May. Although the response was tepid, those who did participate seemed to find the forum useful, and so enhancements were planned.

The new forum’s slogan is “A meeting of Mennonite Brethren minds.” It includes a section for discussion and debate, divided into overlapping categories such as “For Mennonite Brethren,” “For Christians,” “For Everyone” and “For Youth.” A category also exists to discuss items in the MB Herald. Hot topics in these areas include a discussion over whether MB churches are more Anabaptist or Evangelical, and how church and state should handle marriage.

Another section is geared toward more informal discussion, such as thoughts about movies and books. A thread discussing The Passion of the Christ has received a number of replies.

The forum still includes areas for different ministry leaders. For instance, adult ministry leaders can access resources compiled by Sharon Johnson, the Conference’s adult ministry director, and also add their own comments and ideas.

It is hoped that MB Forum will encourage a different type of communication within the Canadian Conference. While similar to the Letters section of the Herald in some ways, MB Forum has notable differences. Messages are visible as soon as they are posted, which allows others to respond quickly and facilitates ongoing dialogue. Discussions are grouped by topic inside different categories, so it is easy to peruse old topics as well as current ones. The writing style is more relaxed, and perfect grammar and spelling are optional.

The best way to find out more about MB Forum is to visit the site. Those with questions or comments about the forum can post a message in the feedback section or e-mail the Conference webmaster.

—Marshall Janzen