Praising continues

“People of Praise” was again the theme for the 58th annual convention of the Saskatchewan MB Conference, meeting in Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon. Senior pastor Bruce Enns welcomed the delegates to the March 12–13 gathering, stating, “This is the third winter of the season.” Although the weather and the economy put a damper on parts of the gathering, an attitude of praise and thanksgiving was still evident. The small number attending seemed somewhat lost in the large Forest Grove Church but made up for it in enthusiasm.

Worship led by the Forest Grove worship team was followed by Conference minister Ralph Gliege’s “state of the province” address. He began by extolling Saskatchewan’s virtues – its beauty, its sunrises and sunsets, its northern lights, and the fact that two major Christian training institutions are located here. Thousands of people have come to be trained at Briercrest Bible College and Bethany College and are now working all over the world. He suggested that when the secret of Saskatchewan gets out, people will flock to the province. “What kind of churches do we want to have in Saskatchewan when people come back home?” he asked.

Gliege then reflected on the packages of wheat seeds he had handed out to churches in 1998, one kernel for every member. Some churches have grown, he said. Others have died but their fruit remains. In the past four years, the Conference has grown by 1 church, 74 members and 125 attenders. He asked, “Are we willing to take risks? Are we still in the planting period?”

Using Galatians 6:7–10 as a base, Gliege illustrated the principle of dying for the purpose of multiplication. Central MB Church was the first MB church in Saskatoon. Before it was closed, it gave birth to Forest Grove Community Church and West Portal Church. West Portal gave birth to Living Hope Church, and Hope Fellowship now meets in what was the Central MB Church facility.

Conference Moderator Rod Dick

Pastors then told stories of God’s faithfulness when they were obedient to Him. Terry Froese, pastor of Hope Fellowship, stated that at last year’s convention their church had committed supporting the Conference Ministry Fund even though finances were limited. They now are operating in the black.

Woodrow Gospel pastor Randy Chase told the story of a woman and her daughter coming to know the Lord through the Alpha program. The daughter is now studying at Bethany College.

Dave Grimes, moderator of Carrot River Gospel Mission also used the dying and resurrection theme when he related that their church building had had to be demolished because of water damage. They now are meeting in a funeral chapel, and new people are attending. They hope to rebuild soon, and looking for a new pastor.

Another church that has risen from the ashes is in Moose Jaw. Regal Heights MB Church closed in 1999. In 2002 Joe and Shantelle Almeida began a church plant, Prairie Winds, in Moose Jaw.

Prayer for Prairie Winds Church

David Wiebe, executive director of the Canadian MB Conference, gave the “state of the country” address. He cited some of the issues being discussed at the national level – baptism and membership, and women in leadership. Using the story of the Congo church having recently ordained a woman to ministry, he stated, “We have a mission and we need to deploy all the available people to that mission.”

Business

• Constitution

  An updated constitution was to be an important item on the agenda. However, some of the proposed changes were not sent to the churches in time for discussion, so the update will happen at next year’s convention.

• Outreach

  The Board of Church Extension with interim chair Andrew Fehr focused on their “Project Reach Your World” (PRYW). See sidebar.

  The story of Moose Jaw was again told. The Board had initially decided not to plant a church there, but pastor Joe Alameida has a dream for the city and is reaching out to the community. He stated his desire to be accountable to the Conference.

  Although there are no specific plans for new church starts, various options are being looked at.

• Leadership development

  Saskatchewan MB Conference has a leadership development track similar to the one being developed at the national level. Dwayne Barkman, chair of the team, said the first key result areas for leaders to be developed are: 1) Building an atmosphere of leadership development; 2) Developing a profile of an emerging leader. Others will be worked out over time.

• Faith and Life

  Clarence Peters, chair reported that

  • A Staff Conduct Policy, affirming support for the Confession of Faith and a commitment to maintain a biblical lifestyle, needs to be signed by each pastor every five years. Licensing will be dependent upon that signature.
  • Conversations have been held with provincial and national leaders of Mennonite Central Committee. Topics discussed included the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, the role of the church and church agencies in political discussions and public statements regarding social issues, and MCC Saskatchewan’s position on aboriginal spirituality. MCC was encouraged to work together with the churches.

• Finances

  Board of Management chair Ross Hardy said he had been concerned about the Conference’s financial health last summer and fall, but was happy to report that there was a deficit of only $7000. The Board of Management is dealing with issues of liability insurance for the Conference; possible individual incorporation for each church; safeguards required if churches are doing counselling; and implications of the Privacy Act.

  Hardy also said he had almost been ready to pull the plug on the Moose Jaw church plant, but then the former property was sold, and the church was growing. He said it was now much easier to put finances into that work.

  The Regina Chinese Church has closed but the people who were involved felt they wanted to return something to the Conference. Almost $20,000 was given to the Conference and the same amount to Parliament Community Church where they had been meeting.

  The only discussion of the convention came after the presentation of the budget. The proposed budget of $188,085 is 92% of last year’s budget, but 19% higher than last year’s income. The norm is being maintained at $65.00 per member. When this number was challenged, Hardy explained that it was set so churches that could pay more would cover those who were struggling. When one pastor stated that his church had instructed him to vote against it, assistant moderator Ron Dyck stated it was a faith budget. The budget was accepted with some opposition.

Other business

New Redberry Bible Camp director Jim Nightingale told of the new plans for the camp and presented Ralph Gliege with a Camp mug to add to his collection.

Phil and Janine Gunther were recognized for their 5 years of ministry at Parliament Community Church. (Gliege recognizes each significant milestone of a pastor’s tenure.)

Phil and Janine Gunther receive gift from Ralph Gliege

Bethany College president Rick Schellenberg announced personnel changes, rejoiced in the stories students told coming back from their mission trips and stated they had just completed a successful accreditation visit.

—Susan Brandt