Buller resigns as executive director of U.S. conference

Charles Buller

Charles Buller resigned his position as executive director of the U.S. MB Conference, effective January 31, 2007. The U.S. Conference leadership board made the announcement Nov. 1, 2006, in a letter to churches and denominational ministries.

When Buller stepped into the role four years ago he was the first full-time executive director in the history of the U.S. Conference. Buller had previously served 20 years as a Mennonite Brethren pastor in the U.S. and Canada. He was the first chair of the Mission USA Board and was on the MB Biblical Seminary board for five years, including three as chair. For two years immediately prior to his work with the U.S. Conference, he was the Mennonite Mutual Aid Capital Ministry director.

One of Buller’s primary tasks as executive director was to walk the conference through a change in structure towards a governance model of leadership and management. “Chuck took on this challenge, working tirelessly to ensure the completion of the bylaws that were ratified by the convention in July 2006,” said the leadership board in its announcement.

“In addition to his work on the conference governance structure, Chuck has moved the conference from a deficit operating cash position to a point today where we have four to five months of operating cash on hand,” the board said further. “We’re thankful for his strong and effective leadership.”

Regarding Buller’s future plans, the announcement said, “Chuck’s desire is to use this (next) season of life to prioritize the nurture of his personal and family health and to discover the Lord’s leading.” The leadership board chose to “bless Chuck” by releasing him from all duties and responsibilities effective Nov. 1 and cancelled his previously scheduled appointments and commitments.

The leadership board has begun its search for the next U.S. Conference executive director.

—Christian Leader