Executive Board reviews governance model, survey

The first meeting of the newly elected Canadian Conference Executive Board took place Oct. 29–30 in Abbotsford.

Executive director David Wiebe opened with a devotional and members prayed for the needs and issues of the Conference. To get acquainted, each person shared from their home, family and ministry context, as well as something spiritually significant they had learned in the past few months.

Les Stahlke, the “Relationship Model” consultant who has been assisting with governance matters, was present to orient the new board to the new structure affirmed at Gathering ’04. He reminded board members that the explanation of the model is simple but the implementation is complex.

Stahlke encouraged each member to explore the integrity of the model from their common sense and through what they have learned from Scripture.

The Board reviewed the four quadrants of the relationship model: board structures and process; strategic planning; delegating authority and responsibility; and monitoring and measuring. There was discussion on what a strategic plan is and how it differs from a tactical plan.

The first draft of a survey that every Mennonite Brethren church member and adherent will be asked to fill out was reviewed and discussed (see below). This survey will give the Board insight into who constituents feel are the beneficiaries of the Canadian Conference ministries, what we as a denomination are passionate about, and what we as a Conference can do to inspire and encourage local churches to reach the lost and make disciples.

Other business included reports, presented under the four aspects of Conference ministry: leadership development (MB Biblical Seminary), reaching out (Board of Evangelism and MB Mission and Service International), healthy churches (Board of Faith and Life report of the women in ministry leadership study conferences to date) and financial services (review of financial statements).

Further meetings are scheduled for January 2005 in Abbotsford BC. The Board of Faith and Life will meet, and the current Council of Boards will meet for the last time. They will be thanked for their work, and invited to review the survey data and give input into the strategic planning process the Executive Board will continue to work on as it leads the Conference.

—Marilyn Hiebert

The strategic planning survey

The strategic planning survey is intended to help the Canadian Conference Executive Board think about policies and plans for the future. It consists of about 30 statements to which a response ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree” can be registered. There is also opportunity to identify church or ministry needs, and to make other comments.

The survey forms have been sent to all Mennonite Brethren churches in Canada. Both members and adherents of these churches are invited to participate.

Please obtain a copy through your local church office or complete the survey online. Materials sent to the churches indicate a deadline of December 23. This deadline has been extended to January 2 so that as many people as possible can participate.