January/February 2026

THE MAGAZINE OF U.S. MENNONITE BRETHREN

JAN/FEB 2026

Anabaptism 101

Not dismissed

A heart for planting

8

17

20

■ from the editor

The true center Spicy foods, feelings and centering on what holds us together

M

y husband loves spicy foods. I mean really spicy foods. I’m talking about “dripping-sweat-between-bites” spicy foods. (Can it be considered a food if you are sweating more calories than you are taking in?)

On the other hand, I take one look at a jalapeño and begin to perspire.

We’re different, and our differences don’t stop with our opposing palates.

He’s analytical. With a degree in physics and a penchant for solving problems, he constantly breaks down concepts and systems—and sometimes parts of our house—and puts them all back together again.

“As we examine our faith, let’s start at the center. Not focused on the ways we are different but on how we are alike.”

I’m emotional. I enjoy dabbling in metaphors and painting with words. My feelings often play system takeover and rule the day.

So, how can people who seem different come together and become one?

It’s about what’s at the center.

Vol. 89, No.1 — Jan/Feb 2026

As we started dating, my husband and I talked about what mattered most to us—our faith, our relationships and building lives that pointed to Christ. We discussed what we wanted in a partner—a communicator who was willing to work through differences and challenges we’d face.

When we married, we committed to love, honor and respect each other no matter what we faced.

We didn’t say we committed ourselves to each other only if the other person did exactly what we wanted and agreed with us in every way. That would be silly, and everyone in attendance would have probably scrambled for the exit with presents in tow! (“Those two aren’t getting a toaster from me!”)

Instead, we made a covenant to hold tight to Jesus and each other to journey over the peaks and through the valleys.

When we begin to drift, we call each other back to the covenant and a grounded center.

As we examine our faith, let’s start at the center. Not focused on the ways we are different but on how we are alike. As we reflect on the origins of Anabaptism (pg. 8), we consider how Jesus is the center of our faith (pg. 10), community is the center of our life (pg. 12) and reconciliation is the center of our work (pg. 14).

When we ground our communal relationships in these truths, we experience a freedom that extends beyond this. When we experience conflict, questions and arguments, we can return to the source of what brought us together at the beginning.

My marriage isn’t centered on a love for spicy food, feelings or even family. It’s centered on Jesus.

And our conference of Mennonite Brethren churches isn’t centered on the color of carpets, which day we take communion or what language we speak Sunday mornings. It’s centered on Jesus.

Lacey Scully As we enter a new year, let us return to these truths that draw us toEditor gether.

Publisher: United States Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches/ISSN 0009-5149 | Editorial Committee: Matt Ehresman, Michele Fiester, Aaron Garza, Ryan Loewen, Shelly Spencer, Tony Petersen | Review Committee: Aaron Box, Jordan Ringhofer, Brent Warkentin, Daniel Rodriguez | Disclaimer: The content and viewpoints expressed do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs and/or viewpoints of USMB as a whole. | Copyright: Articles are owned by the Christian Leader or the author and may not be reprinted without permission. | Unless noted, Scripture quotations are from the New International Version. | Subscriptions: $10 for six issues and $20 for 12 issues ($15, $30 in Canada, all other countries $25 for six issues); $2 per copy. | Correspondence: Christian Leader, PO Box 20200, Wichita, KS, 67208. Phone: 620.947.5543. Email: editor@usmb.org | Membership: Evangelical Press Association and Meetinghouse | Postmaster: Send address changes to Christian Leader, Box 20200, Wichita, KS, 67208. | Periodical postage paid at Wichita, Kan.

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■ Lacey Scully, EDITOR ■ Janae Rempel Shafer, ASSOCIATE EDITOR ■ Shelley Kallsen, GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Table of Contents

“CORD was never meant to be a long-term, ongoing committee.”

“Just when I think I’m dismissed—whether in church life, parenting or retirement— God says, ‘No, you’re not!’”

FEATURES

COLUMNS

DEPARTMENTS

8

2 Editorial

5 News in Brief 7 5 minutes with...

Anabaptism 101 The movement of the re-baptizers

By Ed Boschman

10 Jesus as the center The One who holds it all together

By Brent Warkentin

12 How Anabaptists practice community Joining together at the feet of Jesus

By Connie Nicholson

14 The path of reconciliation Clearing the way for restoration

By Jesse Swiers

Lacey Scully

4 From the National Director Aaron Box

17 Testimony

Not dismissed

By Cathy Cavasos

18 Frontlines Blooming in the dark

By Joe White

19 Got questions

Tom Glanzer

20 BodyLife • A heart for planting • A CORD commitment • A beautiful partnership • An outdoors outreach

27 Church spotlight Christian Center the Hand of God Hamilton, Ohio

28 Church Life

Involving families

By Caitlin Friesen

Tell us how we’re doing!

ONLINE A look at Menno Simons and our true evangelical faith

Scan the QR code, answer four questions and enter to win a $25 gift card!

By David Faber

christianleadermag.com 3

■ from the national director

A radical way of living What early Anabaptists teach us about boldly reflecting Jesus

T

he first Anabaptists of the16th century played a distinctive role. As neither Catholic nor Protestant, they presented a sort of third way. From our beginnings, Anabaptists have been countercultural with a commitment to be led by the teachings of Jesus and formed by Scripture and community.

Today, it is too easy to point to the legacy of Anabaptism in a nostalgic fashion, with core ideals such as believer’s baptism, discipleship, peace and nonviolence, the separation of church and state, and life in community. Certainly, remembering well is important; however, it is critical we don’t simply celebrate stories from the past. We need to do the hard “We would all work together to understand how God is calling us to live out those ideals today.

do well to revisit Jesus’ words again and again, each time considering how they are to be applied today.”

In a far more individualized society, which values self-determination and personal success, how do we live in community effectively? How do we share our lives together in a radical way that reflects Jesus?

The early Anabaptists valued a separation from church and state in a time they were under threat for those convictions. Today, we experience significant religious freedom and, at times, political power for our beliefs. What is our approach then to the separation of church and state? It would be easy for us to be selective, only applying this principle when it is to our advantage.

And what about peacemaking? Anabaptists took a radical position in a time when they suffered martyrdom in shocking numbers for their faith. They refused to return violence for violence at great personal cost. How do we live this same type of response out toward those who might oppose us?

At the center of many Anabaptist ideals is a commitment to take Jesus’ words seriously and apply them to daily life. People considered the early Anabaptists radical for their commitment to personal discipleship and lives directed by the teachings of Jesus, regardless of the cost.

So, how are you applying Jesus’ teachings to your daily life? Disciples are those learning to obey (live out) the teachings of Jesus. We would all do well to revisit Jesus’ words again and again, each time considering how they are to be applied today. I am convinced this practice can make us no less radical than those who came before us.

Before you read any further in this issue of the Christian Leader, would you grab your Bible and take 10 minutes to reread Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7? As you read, consider what it looks like in your context to take the teachings of Jesus and apply them radically in your own life.

I would love to hear what you are learning and applying to your life.

OUR STORY Scan to watch this short video on the origin of Anabaptism and its radical peacemakers.

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Aaron Box National Director

News in Brief Compiled by Janae Rempel Shafer

USMB Gathering 2026 registration opens in January Registration for USMB Gathering 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah, July 21-25, opens Jan. 15.

Save with these early bird rates: $200 for the pastors’ conference and $250 for the national convention. Prices will increase after May 1.

Speakers are A.J. Swoboda, associate professor of Bible and theology at Bushnell University in Eugene, Ore.; Aaron Box, USMB national director; Jon Annin, pastor of Stony Brook Church in Omaha, Neb.; Aaron Halvorsen, lead pastor of Community Bible Church in Olathe, Kan.; Kyle Goings, NextGen pastor at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, Kan.; and Andy Owen, equipping and multiplication pastor at Ridgepoint Church.

Gathering 2026 will focus on calling, sending and supporting missions with the theme, “Cultivate: Living on mission with Jesus.”

For more information, including schedule, accommodations and travel discounts, or to register, visit usmb.org/gathering2026.—USMB

Giving Tuesday donations total $8,257 Initial donations to USMB on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, totaled $8,257, helping fund disciple-making, leadership development and church multiplication.

“Thank you for partnering with us this Giving Tuesday in our efforts to make disciples, develop leaders and multiply churches,” says USMB National Director Aaron Box. “Would you continue to pray that God would direct, lead and help us to be fruitful in our efforts?”

In the 12 years USMB has participated in this global day of generosity, donors have contributed more than $272,000, including $8,430 in 2024.— USMB

USMB boards convene, approve 2026 budget U.S. Mennonite Brethren boards convened Oct. 1-4, 2025, in Hillsboro, Kan., to hear ministry reports, address agenda items and discuss ministries related to core commitments.

The Leadership Board approved a 2026 budget of $933,550, a 4.6% increase from 2025 ($892,725), with increased funds for staff changes and travel costs. Additionally, the Leadership Board sent the U.S. Board of Faith and Life an amended version of the reversion clause for input, which details what should happen to church property when a congregation is no longer part of a district. Explanations on the amended version will be available at Gathering 2026.

Several national ministry and program leaders presented reports to the Leadership Board and Council. Aaron Box, national director, proposed an updated USMB mission statement to clearly communicate core commitments and addressed USMB’s financial reality, sharing plans to increase giving and identify new donors.—CL

LEAD Cohorts starting in January A new season of LEAD Cohorts launches in January—an opportunity for pastors, leaders and believers to grow in community and sharpen ministry skills. New topics explore effective communication in a digital world, implementing a discipleship program, pursuing healthy living and book studies.

Popular cohorts for church leaders are also returning.

LEAD Cohorts are free, online learning communities designed to encourage and equip. Each group meets on Zoom for about an hour every other week over three months, with book purchases as the only cost.

Sign up at usmb.org/lead-cohorts.—USMB

Central District fall youth conference draws 130 The Central District fall youth conference, held Nov. 20-23 at Inspiration Hills in Inwood, Iowa, involved 130 participants from 10 churches.

Stuart Curry, pastor of Salem MB Church in Bridgewater, S.D., spoke on the theme, “Even if: Unshakeable joy when life shakes us” based on Habakkuk 3:17-18.

Students participated in service projects in Sioux Falls and engaged in freetime activities.

Evening activities included group games and an Amazing Race activity focusing on the Multiply missionaries receiving the conference offering. Students collected an offering of $1,010.

The Tabor College worship team For His Glory led students in singing.—CL christianleadermag.com 5

Central District welcomes new church into membership More than 100 attendees, including 69 delegates from 26 churches, gathered Nov. 6-8, 2025, at Bethesda Church in Huron, S.D., for the 115th annual Central District Conference convention.

Attendees welcomed Medhanialem Ethiopian Church, Milwaukee, Wis., into district membership, engaged in worship and business sessions, attended workshops and celebrated the annual Church Planting and Renewal banquet.

Engaging in business, delegates heard conference reports, approved the slate of nominees and affirmed a 2025-26 budget of $447,491.

Aaron Garza, senior pastor of Bethesda Church; Logan Nyquist, pastor of Grace Bible Church in Gettysburg, S.D.; and Wendell Loewen, director of constituent and alumni development at Tabor College, spoke on the convention theme of “Empowered to Preach the Gospel,” based on Acts 1:8.

District Minister Daniel Rodriguez reaffirmed the district’s mission to strengthen churches, plant new congregations, provide leadership development and focus on disciple-making.—CL

Pacific District convenes: “Together we are PDC” More than 130 people from 39 churches gathered Nov. 6-7, 2025, at Bethany Church in Fresno, Calif., for the Pacific District Conference convention.

With the theme, “Together we are the PDC,” District Minister Jordan Ringhofer called attendees to “see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Ringhofer presented a “Reimaging the PDC” document, outlining a three-year process to align leadership structures, financial models and collaborative ministries to strengthen the district’s mission. Ringhofer and Randy Reiswig, district moderator, facilitated business sessions, including reports from boards and ministry partners as well as delegates’ approval of board nominations and the 2025-26 budget of $537,707.

More than 140 people attended the Board of Home Missions banquet Thursday night, which highlighted creative church multiplication efforts.

Attendees participated in rotating 25-minute listening sessions with the district boards on Friday afternoon.—CL

Southern District youth conference shifts to one-day format More than 200 students from 14 churches gathered Nov. 22 at Buhler (Kan.) MB Church for the Southern District youth conference in a firstever, one-day format.

Luke Haidle, lead pastor of Living Hope Church in Henderson, Neb., spoke on the theme, “Connected,” based on John 15:5.

Scheduled activities included sessions, workshops, a youth group breakout and free time.

Students collected an offering of $825 for King’s Kid Farm in Uganda, enough to purchase 55 chickens.

The Tabor College worship team For His Glory, which includes former SDYC attendees, led students in singing.—CL

Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday slated for Jan. 25 Mennonite World Conference invites Anabaptist-related churches globally to observe Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday on Jan. 25, 2026, a day to observe a common theme in a worship service.

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The theme for AWFS 2026 is “Solidarity” with biblical texts, prayers and song suggestions prepared by MWC member churches in Europe. Resources may be found at mwc-cmm.org/awfs.—MWC

5 minutes with...

ASCENT theme announced The theme for ASCENT 2026 is “Connect.”

“It’s what we all long for—real connection with God and with others,” says USMB NextGen Director Kyle Goings in a Nov. 3 email announcing the theme. “At ASCENT 2026, we’ll discover what it means to be rooted in God’s love and to build deeper, life-giving relationships with Christ at the center.”

USMB NextGen’s annual high school summer camp will take place June 27-July 1 at The Crossing Retreat Center in Lexington, Neb., a new location.

Registration will open in mid-January. Cost is $365 per student and $200 per adult.

Visit usmbnextgen.com/ascent for more information.—USMB NextGen

Multiply staffing changes Multiply, the mission agency of MB churches in North America, has shared three U.S. staffing transitions and announced a new role.

Galen Wiest, regional mobilizer for the Pacific District, retired in December 2025 after 40 years of ministry, while two regional mobilizers for the East of the Rockies region, Joanna Chapa and Stephen Humber, also transitioned from Multiply in December.

The three vacancies coincide with a search for a U.S. regional team leader.—Multiply

CL earns award The Christian Leader received fifth place in the Evangelical Press Association 2025 “Best in Class” contest as announced Oct. 16, 2025.

The magazine competed in Class C for publications with a circulation between 4,001-10,000.

Judges critiqued the design and editorial content of the March/April 2025 issue, which focused on church planting.

Christian Leader has received a “Best in Class” award every year since the contest began in 2020.—CL

TOM GLANZER Tom Glanzer of Bethesda Church, Huron, S.D., has established a 30-year professional career in media and public relations, but that has never been enough for this serial entrepreneur. His latest side gig? An indoor motocross event called MX @ the DeX that has brought crowds to his small community of Huron for some midwinter entertainment.

They started their first four-race series in December 2024. Season two kicked off Dec. 20, 2025.

What is motocross?

Basically, you put a bunch of athletes on dirt bikes on a groomed track with jumps, corners and other features to see who can go the fastest. In the spring, summer and fall we race outdoors, but in this four-state region, we had no indoor winter race series within 400 miles.

What prompted you to try it in Huron?

A couple of years ago, the State Fairgrounds built The DeX, a state-ofthe-art, 150,000-square-foot event center. The state built it for rodeos and livestock events, but I saw how high the ceiling was and thought, “We can race dirt bikes in here.”

Ben Wipf is one of our main sponsors with his business, Wipf Excavating of Huron. They brought us the extra dirt for the track and additional energy to make this happen.

What kind of response did you get?

We saw about 9,200 people at our events last year, and I would say that, for most of the fans, this was the first motocross event they had ever been to. It created a buzz in the region.

Do you ride motocross?

I ride a dirt bike, but I don’t race it. I wanted a dirt bike when I was a kid, but my dad was a rodeo guy, so he put me on bulls and horses.

So what do you do when your dad doesn’t buy you the bike? When your kid turns 4, you buy him a dirt

bike, right? Our middle son was building jumps and ripping around the yard on his second day of riding his little 50, so we knew that was something he was going to do. He had no fear.

You have said that God has guided the process to get this endeavor going. What do you see as his purpose here?

It’s a pretty weird mission field. Our entire family is involved in the race program, and from the beginning, we wanted to make it a family-safe event, but put on a show—a rock show where we also race dirt bikes.

We are probably a little too punk rock for all the church people, but race families see that we’re different from other motocross promoters and families they’ve been around. We are very intentional on doing prayer with a message of salvation prior to our event. We’re connecting with people that do not usually go to church, since most outdoor races happen on Sundays.

What can Christians learn from the motocross community?

The people that are involved in moto are 100 percent in. You don’t just “kind of” race dirt bikes. You’re putting your life on the line every time the gate drops, every time you jump on. If somebody lived their Christian life as sold out to Christ as these people do to motocross, the world would be a much different place.

Learn more at mxatthedex.com

Interview by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest christianleadermag.com 7

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A movement is born On Jan. 21, 1525, the three men baptized one another and others present in Manz’s home. Thus, the movement of the

“re-baptizers” was born. The civil context was that believers baptism was a radical and powerful symbol of both a commitment to follow Jesus and a declaration of refusal to align with the state or Roman Catholic church’s rules and regulations. Belonging to Jesus and his church meant not belonging to the state or the institutional church. People viewed this as an extreme choice, and soon, both the state and church began aggressively persecuting the re-baptizers.

his “followers” came to be known as Mennists, and later Mennonites. The most often quoted line from his writings is saturated with foundational truths: True evangelical faith cannot lie dormant, it clothes the naked, it feeds the hungry, it comforts the sorrowful, it shelters the destitute, it serves those who harm it, it binds up that which is wounded, it has become all things to all creatures. (paraphrased)

What made Anabaptists distinct Those early Anabaptist Mennonites came to be known for several of their distinctives. While Catholics had holy words, rituals, places and persons, the Anabaptists had none of those. Choosing the Gospels as key biblical texts, they identified as being transformed by being “born again.” While it may not have been intentional to differentiate them, it did have a different ring than being “justified by grace through faith,” as was common among the reformers.

The Reformers knew that the Catholic church, in which they belonged and served, had over the centuries chosen and eventually systematized and catechized some unbiblical beliefs, practices and systems. That reality was a strong signal to the need to reemphasize the Scriptures being the final authority for faith and life. The Catholic understanding was that the papacy and the institutional church had the last word and were in essence the purveyors of grace and providers THE CORE of salvation. The church taught that the TENANTS OF priests mediated between the church faithful and God. The Anabaptists had HISTORIC come to believe in the priesthood of all ANABAPTISM believers. That practice alone labeled STAND RELIABLY them as rebellious and unfaithful.

“

TODAY: THE BIBLE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE. JESUS MATTERS MOST.

Anabaptism precipitated significant persecution by both church and state and yet spread rapidly in Europe. After the movement had grown to about 2,000 members, Anabaptist leaders met in Schleitheim, Switzerland, to draft a common confession of faith. They developed a biblically founded document, including statements about: (1) the meaning and practice of baptism and communion; (2) living exemplary lives that demonstrated separation from evil; (3) the “ban”—excluding the sinful from the church; (4) the responsibilities of pastors; (5) declining oaths in favor of simply speaking the truth; and (6) refusal to participate in violence.

In 1536, Menno Simons rejected the Catholic church and the priesthood and joined the Anabaptists. By that time, most of the pivotal initiating leadership had died, and the movement was floundering. He bravely and aggressively marginalized a group of radical extremists from Münster, Germany, and effectively coalesced the fragmented Anabaptists. He wrote extensively and, as a result, provided much needed cohesion and traction for the movement.

As a result of his itinerant travel and subsequent notoriety,

“

The practice of indulgences stood in direct contrast to the clear biblical teaching that salvation was by faith and not by works, but the Anabaptists also strongly emphasized that genuine salvation by faith would naturally demonstrate itself in one’s life.

In the centuries following, the Schleitheim Confessional statement has been reviewed and revised in several contexts.

Our U.S. Mennonite Brethren conference was founded as a renewal and missionary movement on Jan. 6, 1860, in South Russia. The current USMB confession is available at usmb.org/confession-of-faith-4/.

It is reassuring that the unswerving commitment to the Scriptures has been foundational in Protestant belief for centuries, as attested by Charles Spurgeon in the 19th century: “The Scripture alone is absolute truth, essential truth, decisive truth, authoritative truth, undiluted truth, eternal, everlasting truth.”

While they don’t encompass all our confessional commitments, the core tenets of historic Anabaptism stand reliably today: The Bible is not negotiable. Jesus matters most. We live Holy Spirit-powered, “born again” lives. Jesus’ free church is our committed community. We invite others into faith in Jesus. We pursue peace and reconciliation. Those theological foundations are as powerful today as they were then.

While the legacy of their Reformation leadership lives on, it is noteworthy that the three aforementioned founding fathers moved on to paradise not long after the birth of Anabaptism.

Conrad Grebel (1498-1526) succumbed to the plague at the age of 28. George Blaurock (1491-1529) was burned at the stake for his faith. Felix Manz (1498-1527) was martyred by drowning.

Ed Boschman serves as the head coach for the USMB LEAD Coaching initiative and lives in Lynden, Wash.

References: Murray, S.: (2010). The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith. Herald Press. | Becker, P.: (2017). Anabaptist Essentials: Ten Signs of a Unique Christian Faith. Herald Press.

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Photo by Getty Images

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Anabaptists in the 16th centur y lived in a time when religious powers centered the faith on state authority, church hierarchy and doctrinal conformit y. Anabaptists insisted that Jesus, not the pope or some church authority, must be the center.

Jesus as the the center of discipleship If Jesus is the center, then the goal of life is to know him, follow him and be shaped into his likeness. Discipleship is not a side project—it is the Christian life. This is one of the distinctive emphases of Anabaptism: Faith is not merely belief in what Jesus has done but participation in what he is doing.

Anabaptists rejected the idea that a person could claim Christ as Savior while ig ignoring him as Lord. To confess “JJesus is Lord” meant reorienting ever y part of life — relationships, possessions, work, speech, even attitudes—around him. His rightful place as Lord is at the center of our lives.

Jesus as the the center of community communitty When Jesus is the center, his people become a distinct kind of communit y —a fellowship bound not by ethnicity, nationality or social status, but by shared allegiance to him. The early Anabaptists called this the Gemeinde, the gathered church. It was not simply a Sunday meeting but a way of life, where believers cared for each other, held one another accountable and practiced reconciliation.

In John 13, Jesus commanded his followers to love one another as he loved them.

With Jesus at the center of our community, the church will become a visible demondemon stration of Jesus’ presence in the world. If the world wanted to know what Jesus was like, it should be able to look at his people.

the center of mission Jesus as the A Christ-centered life is out ward-looking. Jesus is not simply the center for personal spirituality; he is the center of the church’s mission. “...As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21).

A Jesus-centered life will walk across the street and go around the world to share the truth and wonder of Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Keeping Jesus at the K eeping e Jesu the center today It is one thing to affirm that Jesus is the center in theor y; it is another to live it out!

We may be tempted to center on theological debates, political alignment, denomdenom inational loyalty or personal comfort. None of these, on their own, are evil—but when they become ultimate, they displace Christ. The result is a faith that may be religiously active but spiritually hollow.

In a fragmented, distracted age, we desperately need a center that can hold. Political ideologies will shift. Cultural norms will change. Even religious traditions will evolve. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8).

When Jesus is the center, ever ything else finds its rightful place. Scripture becomes alive. Doctrine takes on flesh. Community becomes family. Mission becomes joy.

And discipleship becomes not a burden but a life -giving journey.

Conclusion: TThe he hub that h olds ev err ything togeth er holds everything together The Anabaptists were right to insist that Jesus—and only Jesus—belongs at the center. Not just as a theological truth, but as the living Lord who shapes ever y thought, word and deed. The challenge is not merely to agree with them but to live as though it is true. Because in the end, the Christian life is not about defending our center—it’s about following him.

Keeping Jesus at the center requires intentionality in these areas: The Bible.

The Bible is our authority, showing us what to believe and how to live in relationship with Jesus and others. As Anabaptist leader Menno Simons wrote, “All the Scriptures from beginning to end point to Christ alone.” Jesus is not one voice among many in the Bible; he is the interpretive key. We must immerse ourselves in his words and actions.

Obedience.

Faith is not proven by doctrinal precision alone but by lived obedience. Others will see Jesus at the center of our lives as we live in obedience to him. We do not obey to earn salvation; because we are saved, we obey. Obedience is our grateful response to God’s amazing grace.

Community.

We keep Christ central not just as individuals but together. In community, we remind each other of our first love, correct each other when we drift and encourage one another to persevere.

Mission.

If Jesus’ mission was to seek and save the lost, ours cannot be different.

Brent Wark a entin is lead pastor at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, Kan. a christianleadermag.com 11

I

What does an Anabaptist community look like?

1. Community exists for the sake of others

An Anabaptist community

2. Community discerns God’s will together

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Jesus is central to our communities and our lives. Whether we’re gathering to read Scripture or simply enjoy a meal, Anabaptists are keenly aware that we are ambassadors of Christ and, as such, are the incarnate presence of Christ himself wherever we go.

3. Community is centered on Jesus

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WE HEAR WORDS SUCH AS FORGIVENESS, JUSTICE AND REMDEPTION— BUT WHAT IS THE OVEREACHING, MEANING OF RECONCILIATION? Photo by Getty Images

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THE PATH OF RECONCILIATION CLEARING THE WAY FOR RESTORATION

BY JESSE SWIERS

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n north central Minnesota, we have a landscape covered with trees and seasons that bring storms with high winds. Combine the two, and you get all sorts of damage: blocked roads, downed power lines and hours of picking up sticks and branches from your yard.

After a recent high-wind event, I was asked to help clear a heavily damaged part of the Northland Trail, which winds through miles of Minnesota forest. Usually, I use heavy equipment, which makes the task less difficult. But because of the nature of the trail, we strapped on our chainsaws and hiked on foot to the wind-torn area. Our job was to restore the trail through the downed trees. As I approached the damaged area, I realized why they asked me to bring a big saw. Large trees lay in a mangled mess, blocking the way.

My good friend Jason and I assessed the situation and weighed our options. Should we follow the trail? Should we try to make a new route around the damage? We decided that Jason would make his way around the damage and find the trail on the other side. We would start on opposite ends of the path and work toward each other, hopefully meeting in the middle.

It was a slow process. Wind-damaged, uprooted trees carry a lot of tension, and each cut has to be done carefully. If you cut too deep and too fast, your chainsaw bar will become pinched, and the work will stop.

My first tree was a large basswood. I slowly cleared out the underbrush and began tackling the tree itself, cutting off the big pieces of the tree and rolling them away by hand. As each piece rolled away, I began to see the trail beneath me. As I worked, I could hear Jason's saw in the distance, working his way toward me.

Sweat dripping from the brim of my hat, I wondered if we would meet in the middle. It took some time, but we

finally cleared the way, creating a small, 4-foot-wide trail for walking again.

The path was restored.

The hurt cuts deep Just like my friend Jason and I restored the forest path, reconciliation could be explained as connecting two separate, closed-off areas into harmony.

This might sound simple, but the hurt is deep.

The month I was asked to write this feature, a horrible evil affected the state in which I live—a shooting targeting a Christian school. Innocent children were the victims, and the result affected thousands of families. In cases like this, we ask ourselves, “Will we be able to recover from this? Will I be able to forgive?”

How can we experience peace and reconciliation in these multifaceted situations? We hear words such as forgiveness, justice and redemption—but what is the overarching meaning of reconciliation?

Atonement: The foundation of reconciliation The Bible explains reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:1619: “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

The Hebrew word for reconciliation is “kaphar,” which means “to cover” or “atone” and signifies the removal of sin to restore a broken relationship, usually between

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The foundation of reconciliation is the atonement, quite literally the reconciliation of God and humanity through Jesus Christ.

God and humanity. In the New Testament, we find a deepening challenge for us to be reconciled to God as well as to each other.

The Greek word “apokatallasso” means “to reconcile completely” and implies a complete transformation of enmity into friendship, often with an element of restoring something to its original state or bringing a peaceful state to a relationship that has been damaged.

The foundation of reconciliation is the atonement, quite literally the reconciliation of God and humanity through Jesus Christ. Why is this so foundational? Because it explains why Christ had to be obedient to the cross and pay the penalty for my sin. It is the heart of the gospel and the center of our work as leaders.

At one time in history, humans walked with God, talked with him and felt no shame. Humanity was one with God. But out of this perfect place came our fall. Man and woman disobeyed God and ate from the tree. From that point on in Scripture, we see God extending opportunity after opportunity for humanity to come back to himself, ultimately reconciled through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Reconciliation is transformational In addition to being foundational, we also see the ministry of reconciliation is transformational.

Our church has been studying the transformational power of reconciliation by looking at Saul in Acts 9. Saul was a devout, zealous Jew with a deep desire in his heart to persecute the "blasphemous" Christians—until Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. Saul's heart changed. His life changed. His mind changed. He did a 180 and allowed the sacrificial work of the cross to “apokatallasso” (completely reconcile) his life to God. By this, Saul brought the gospel message to the Gentiles.

The U.S. Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith speaks of being deeply rooted in the 16th century evangelical Anabaptist reformation, while striving to recapture the teachings of the New Testament church. I have heard it said that the Mennonite Brethren strive to be a people of The Book we study and live out these teachings in community. In my time of serving Jesus through the MB world, I have experienced this to be true. Has there been hurt?

Yes. Has there been division? Yes. Has there been a realization that we need to submit to the power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus and his reconciliation? Yes. In Article 13 of the USMB Confession of Faith, we read how we should live this reconciliation out: “We believe that God in Christ reconciles people to himself and to one another, making peace through the cross. We seek to be agents of reconciliation, to practice love of enemies, and to express Christ’s love by alleviating suffering, reducing strife and promoting justice.”

We live as “agents of reconciliation” so that others may see a demonstration of Christ's love through us.

One of God’s names in Scripture is “Jehovah Rapha,” which translates “the God who heals.” I find tremendous comfort in knowing that it is by his power that he reconciles us to himself. He provides the way to wholeness in Jesus, the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:20).

Therefore and because of this, let’s strap on our boots, clear some paths and work at being agents of reconciliation.

Jesse Swiers is pastor of Lake Region Mennonite Church in Detroit Lakes, Minn., and chair of the U.S. Board of Faith and Life.

READ ONLINE What’s so peculiar about the Mennonite Brethren? A look at Menno Simons and our true evangelical faith by David Faber Professor of Bible and Religious Studies at Tabor College, David Faber reflects on Menno Simons’ famous quote about faith: “For true evangelical faith is of such a nature that it cannot lie dormant, but manifests itself in all righteousness and works of love…”

Faber compels us to think of faith as personal, not private; political, not partisan; and one that develops peacemakers, not power-grabbers.

16 christian leader | jan/feb 2026

Scan to read Faber’s feature online:

testimony ■

Not dismissed Choosing to stay connected and invested

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ne Sunday, our pastor said, “You’re dismissed.”

“Oh, no you’re not,” I shouted, making a short announcement about the way God has been at work in my life. Just when I think I’m dismissed—whether in church life, parenting or retirement—God says “No, you’re not!”

I did not grow up in a Christian home. Don’t get me wrong, my parents were moral, but they didn’t know Jesus. When I moved to Ulysses, Kan., to teach second grade, I “tried out” a few churches but didn’t find a home church until a little girl in my class invited me to the church where her daddy preached. I met Jesus at Patterson Avenue Church of God, which merged with New Life Church, an MB congregation, in 2019.

Like many other people of faith, I have struggled with surrender and obedience. I still do at times. My husband and I sometimes have differing opinions on tithing and time spent at church or in Bible studies.

Church can keep us busy, and we might think we’ve done enough. I've heard people say, “I taught Sunday school when my kids were little or washed dishes after carry-in dinners when I was younger. It's my turn to sit back and relax.” But am I dismissed from ministry? No! When the kids leave home, it’s

easy to feel dismissed from parenting or being present at ball games or school activities. We have three adult children, and it’s heartbreaking to see our children and grandchildren make poor choices. I know, now, that parenting never actually stops, and I am committed to praying for their return to the Lord. I’ve surrendered my will for our kids— which has been crazy hard—but I’m not dismissed.

When I retired after teaching 40 years, I went straight to my new dream job as secretary at New Beginnings Community Church. Sometimes, people pull back from community involvement in retirement, but I've found new purpose in activities at the senior center, through projects at our local chamber of commerce and serving on volunteer boards for my community and region. I am retired but not dismissed.

Now that I’m retired, I shouldn’t have excuses for spending time in the Word and praying, but I do. The Lord is constantly calling me to come into his presence and be still. I find that journaling pulls me back—I have a drawer full of journals to pass on. I love my quiet time, and I’m beginning to hide God’s Word in my heart, too, so when the enemy whispers, “You’re dismissed,” I can fire back, “Oh, no I’m not!” Philippi-

ans 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (ESV).

I’m choosing to stay connected and invested in the community where I live and volunteer. One day I’ll hear, “Well done, now you’re dismissed.” Until then—Oh, no I’m not.

“The Lord is constantly calling me to come into his presence and be still.”

Cathy Cavasos serves as secretary at New Beginnings Community Church in Ulysses, Kan. She has been married to Tony for 38 years, and they have three adult children and two grandchildren. She enjoys walking and crocheting.

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■ frontlines A pastor’s perspective

Blooming in the dark One cactus unfolds new truths about how God works

I

n our backyard, we have a cactus, and it's striking. It's huge— probably 15 feet tall. It’s like the ones you see in old westerns.

The other day, I noticed that there were some buds beginning to emerge from it. I thought, “I wonder if that's going to bloom.” Our family came back that evening and went to the backyard, and on the cactus were these amazing flowers—the size of your hand—with white petals. It was glorious. I didn't know that something that seemed like a normal cactus could bloom.

I researched and found that this type of cacti only blooms once a year and only at night. The cactus will put out this beautiful flower, and come sunrise, it closes, and it's done. That's it. Blooms once and blooms at night.

This reminds me that beautiful things can emerge right in the darkness.

The other day, I was holding my phone, thinking about what needed to be done the following day.

Within four minutes, I got four texts.

• One text from a neighbor whose marriage is suffering.

• Another from someone who is depressed and feels like they're at the end.

• Another from someone dealing with a family trauma.

• And the last from my wife about

18 christian leader | jan/feb 2026

one of our own kids who got in trouble at school.

Within four minutes, I got four messages–all of which felt like darkness.

I thought about that cactus and how it has learned to produce a bloom in the middle of the night.

Then I thought about these four crises. If we could see those crises differently, we might see what God could bring forth through it.

I began to pray for each person.

"Lord, in this darkness, produce a bloom. Lord, in this depression, produce a bloom. Lord in this trauma, produce a bloom…”

When we sat around the dinner table that night with our own kid who had gotten in trouble at school, there were some tears, some confessions and an acknowledgement of the truth. Our family formed a team, and we committed to help support this family member through what felt like a trial.

Blooming cactus. Photo: Joe White

ceived care and felt a reduction in symptoms.

And the person dealing with a family trauma shared that it was still hard; but there was a sense that they could go through it with God beside them.

God produced blooms all around me in the middle of the night.

What darkness might you be facing in this moment, and what bloom are you expecting to see Jesus produce in the middle of the night?

The following day, I heard from all the people who messaged me.

The person with the struggling marriage said, “Thank you so much for your prayers. Something shifted in the night. It's hard, but we are on the same page today.”

The person who was experiencing depression called to say that they felt seen and heard. They had re-

Joe White is the pastor of Neighborhood Church in Fresno, Calif., where he lives with his wife and four children.

got questions ■ finding answers together

Involving families How can we engage families in the church?

A

new year means a calendar with new possibilities. While some of us have free time to fill, many people—most notably those raising kids—have a schedule loaded with extracurricular activities, get-togethers and meetings. In light of these commitments, church leaders are asking, “How do we engage families, especially those with young children?”

Many churches say it is getting more complicated to schedule ministry events around family plans. Traditional activities aren’t connecting as well so communities are exploring different ways to gather. The author of Hebrews reminds us to prayerfully “...consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” (Heb. 10:24-25a).

We often think about activities and events to attract families but sometimes forget the spiritual discipline of hospitality. Sociologist Ray Oldenburg talks about “the third place,” a location where people connect outside of their house and workplace, with the environment of a “home away from home.” In our church communities, we strive to be spiritual third places where families feel welcomed and comfortable to engage with God and each other.

Pastor Matt Thrift and his wife, Hannah, help lead Koerner Heights Church in Newton, Kan. The Thrifts have seen families engage well when a church embodies a shared mission and vision that includes multiple generations.

Matt encourages leaders to “write down that you want to engage with kids and families,” and that will help “lead to the goal you are trying to accomplish.” This means creating an inclusive posture toward young people.

Hannah points out that “kids know where they are wanted and where they are viewed as a burden.” A church can create a family-supporting culture that loves children (especially those who attend without adults), teaches teenagers how to lead and disciples parents alongside their kids. The Thrifts value their church’s youth pastor and volunteers and remind others to celebrate those who are serving families in the name of Jesus.

Within the USMB body of churches, youth and children’s ministry leaders embrace families by hosting gatherings that provide food, fun and discipleship. Beyond preparing curriculum and praying over their flock, leaders have conversations with families and coordinate schedules, meet student needs and set up spaces for multiple genera-

tions to gather. I personally am part of the Family Ministry Team at my church and can testify to how much time and effort it takes to figure out the details.

Perhaps the most important way to engage families is to remember God’s heart for all generations. Matt reminds us, “Families and kids are not the future church—they are already the present church.”

“We often think about activities and events to attract families, but sometimes forget the spiritual discipline of hospitality.”

Caitlin Friesen , a graduate of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, is married to Ben Friesen and is part of Cornerstone Community Church in Topeka, Kan.

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■ bodylife stories that connect us

A heart for planting Stony Brook Church launches second campus on Christmas Eve

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new Mennonite Brethren church campus launched in Springfield, Neb., on Christmas Eve. Stony Brook Church in Omaha, Neb., and the Central District Conference are leading the effort with USMB support. Stony Brook pastors Jon Annin and Jason Starinieri believe the campus model will be a fruitful and cost-effective way to help more people meet Jesus.

“Research shows that the best way currently to reach the unchurched and nonbelievers is through church planting,” says Starinieri, associate pastor and Springfield campus pastor. “Most church growth in existing churches comes through transfer growth, whereas with church planting, 75-80% of the growth comes from the unchurched and the lost getting saved.”

A counterintuitive proposition Annin has had a heart for church planting ever since an internship during his Fresno Pacific University days turned into an opportunity to serve as a campus planter for a nearby congregation.

He brought that same heart for multiplication to Stony Brook in September 2021, where, as pastor, he’s led a renewal effort that’s seen the congregation increase in size from 35 to 155.

Although he’d call Stony Brook a mid-size church, Annin wanted to expand the church’s reach through church multiplication. A USMB LEAD Pods episode struck a chord.

“The (episode) mentioned how you're never going to have enough money or enough people to church plant, but you still should because when you do, you actually find you gain those things,” Annin says. “It's counterintuitive.”

Annin chose Springfield—a growing community of 2,000 people just 7 miles south of Stony Brook— where he says most people leave town to attend church. Annin wanted the people of Springfield to experience what the congregation has at Stony Brook.

20 christian leader | jan/feb 2026

“I have a passion for people having a good church experience, experiencing the gospel and experiencing community because of that,” Annin says.

“We have that here at Stony Brook.”

Although Annin’s first planting proposition was met with a “not yet” from the church Faith and Life team, he later received a call from District Minister Daniel Rodriguez asking if he’d revisit his vision for church multiplication. Rodriguez had been in communication with an interested campus pastor in Starinieri, setting the wheels in motion once more.

“Jason had a very impressive resumé, and when doing the first interview via Zoom, his love for God's word and the church was very clear,” Rodriguez says via email. “He has been working in different projects, and the excitement for him to move to Omaha and work with Stony Brook felt like God was in the move, directing all the steps. It is a blessing to have Jason in our Central District family.”

Planning and dreaming Starinieri had spent the past 11 years pastoring two small, rural churches in Colorado. His desire to be part of a team prompted a search for other job opportunities, eventually leading to a connection with Rodriguez and Annin. Starinieri visited Omaha in February 2025 and was offered the associate pastor job with the intent of launching a new campus.

Starinieri and Annin started planning, believing a campus model to be the smartest option. The average cost of a church plant is more than $500,000 they say, but launching a campus requires only $40,000 and comes with the benefit of having ties to an existing church with established culture, finances and staffing.

“You have staff support, you have financial support, you have accountability,” Starinieri says. “It's not the parachute model of church planting.”

Stony Brook requested funding—Annin says the Central District has been generous, and USMB,

bodylife ■ stories that connect us

Jason and Leah Starinieri (far right) stand with the Springfield core team in the community center gymnasium, which they will transform into a worship space on Wednesday evenings. Photo: Stony Brook Church

supportive. USMB has committed funding of $27,000 over three years.

Stony Brook has rented the Springfield community center for its campus gatherings, intending to transform a basketball court into a worship center and the basement into a Kid Life space.

Rodriguez is excited about the potential in Springfield.

“I think the community is ready for a church that is passionate about the gospel, and there is a lot of potential in that community to reach it for Christ,” he says. “I believe that God is guiding this process because we have seen God working in providing and opening doors for this church plant to work and be present in the community.”

One church in multiple locations Starinieri and a core team from Stony Brook met for months of training and together participated in Springfield community events. They began practice services in December with an official launch on Christmas Eve. Springfield services will meet on Wednesday evenings, allowing Stony Brook staff and volunteers to serve in both locations each week.

Annin’s Sunday sermons will be recorded and broadcast in Springfield, while Starinieri—who has a background in sound and video—will lead worship. In addition to leading community life growth groups and occasionally preaching at Stony Brook, Starinieri’s primary role will be to meet people in Springfield.

“Sitting down and getting a cup of coffee with somebody is so life-giving to me,” Starinieri says. “It's not

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■ bodylife stories that connect us

just that I enjoy it. I know how beneficial it is for both sides—for me and hopefully the other person—to build those deep relationships. When you're stuck doing everything, you don't always have time for those things.”

Annin envisions Stony Brook to be one church with multiple services in multiple locations. Both campuses will share leadership, administrative support, Faith and Life team members and a Kid Life director. Volunteers will be needed to help with setup and teardown and in kids’ ministry.

A heart to serve Because Springfield will be served by a video sermon, a project in the new year is to improve video quality. Those interested in giving oward this project may visit stonybrookchurch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general-fund-springfield and designate a gift for Springfield. Annin says he is willing to share sermon videos as a resource for other churches in need, meaning the videos may be used well beyond Springfield.

Annin’s biggest prayer request is for people to be receptive.

“I would just love (for) people to have a real openness to new things and (be) supportive in their stance,” Annin says. “We would love to do more of this for really good reasons. We want to see people get saved and baptized.”

Annin and Starinieri see Springfield as an experiment with hopes of reproducing the campus model in other cities or even states. They are seeking young men and women interested in serving for a season, as well as for a campus pastor for their next project. Those interested in these opportunities may contact Annin for more information at jon@stonybrookchurch.com.

“Ultimately, we want to see people coming to know Jesus,” Starinieri says. “A big thing is getting out of the mentality that you have to be a certain size church or have a certain budget to make an impact for the kingdom of God beyond the four walls of your building.

“You're never going to have enough people or enough money. What you’ve got to have is what Jon started with—a heart, support from your current church and your district and somebody crazy enough to move to Omaha to do it.”—Janae Rempel

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bodylife ■ stories that connect us

A CORD commitment Committee announces strategy shifts after funding two congregations

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.S. Mennonite Brethren’s partnership with immigrant congregations will soon be district-led, as CORD—USMB’s national efforts to assist vetted congregations—has run its course after fully funding two Congolese congregations.

“We had said we wanted three CORD recipient churches, but now that the districts have stepped up and (taken) ownership of bringing on any new immigrant churches, we feel that two is going to be the max for us,” says Terry Hunt, CORD Committee chair.

USMB National Director Aaron Box says CORD’s work will be incorporated into USMB’s broader efforts as opposed to a separate initiative.

“This is part of our core commitments,” he says. “This isn’t an elective side thing we’re doing.”

Two congregations funded CORD became the umbrella term for USMB’s partnership with immigrant churches during a rebrand in 2023 to eliminate confusion from multiple names and acronyms.

The CORD Committee led the effort, described by an acronym: • Connecting immigrant churches to resources and other congregations within the MB family.

• Organizing and assisting with establishing a stable place of worship.

• Retooling through biblical training and educational resources centered around the USMB Confession of Faith.

• Developing pastors and key leaders capable of shepherding a healthy church.

Through CORD, USMB offered $55,500 over three years to vetted congregations, including $36,000 for a facility, $18,000 for pastoral compensation and $1,500 for education. The initiative was funded primarily by USMB congregations and individual partners.

To date, two Congolese congregations have received CORD funding. USMB made its final payment to Christian Center the Hand of God in Hamilton, Ohio, on Oct. 1, 2025, where Pastor Hermann Mputu and his growing congregation are securing the needed permits for a building expansion.

course in French. Mputu has also completed immigration law training and is pursuing accreditation with the Department of Justice to help immigrants with legal issues.

“Part of the goal of CORD was to train people to become trainers,” Hunt says. “Hermann and the Hand of God have been a great example for the other churches.”

The second recipient church, Restoration Church in West Chester, Ohio, is also fully funded, thanks to a gift from MB Foundation. Needs include a van to transport people to church and funds to purchase a building.

USMB’s financial commitment to this church runs through July 2027.

A unified vision for church multiplication Moving forward, work among immigrant churches will be district-driven—as with any church wanting to join the conference—which will help foster regional relationshipbuilding, Box says.

The national office will still lend support by casting vision, finding partners, making connections and possibly identifying areas of opportunity where English-speaking churches can rent their buildings to immigrant groups, Box says.

Ultimately, the goal is for all USMB churches to work together in unity toward a shared mission of church multiplication.

“CORD was never meant to be a long-term, ongoing committee,” Hunt says, adding later: “We don't want to have two different church multiplication organizations within the U.S. conference.”—Janae Rempel Shafer

Scan to read more about USMB’s work with immigrant congregations.

Mputu has completed training from World Impact’s The Urban Ministry Institute at Lenoir, N.C., while teaching a

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■ bodylife stories that connect us

A beautiful partnership Church multiplication comes full circle for Lincoln Glen, Iglesia Los Hechos

T

he congregants and staff at Lincoln Glen Church are no strangers to sharing proximity with other churches, and they are looking forward to welcoming a new congregation to their space in 2026.

The church building in San Jose, Calif., is currently used by three different congregations, according to pastor Tyler Cole, but this new fourth congregation, Iglesia Los Hechos Lincoln Glen, is special because it is a fellow MB church.

“San Jose is often ranked as the most expensive place to live, so rent is really expensive,” says Cole. “We’re able to help some churches at below-market rate be on our campus and reach people that we might not be able to reach.”

Coming full circle The new church plant also represents a sort of “full-circle” moment for Lincoln Glen.

In the 1980s, Lincoln Glen planted a Spanish-speaking church called Iglesia Los Hechos. That church has gone on to plant several Spanish-speaking churches itself, the

latest of which is Iglesia Los Hechos Lincoln Glen.

“Having this new church get planted here is cool for us because it’s like our grandkid coming,” says Cole.

Cole is a member of the Pacific District Conference’s Board of Home Missions, which focuses on church planting. He and other leaders at Lincoln Glen volunteered to help Iglesia Los Hechos find a place for the new plant to meet, but they also offered their building as a potential option from the beginning.

Alex Maravilla and his wife, Katherine, have served as youth leaders at Iglesia Los Hechos since 2018 and were asked by pastor Marvin Briones if they would consider leading the new church.

“We started doing all the necessary documentation, and at the same time praying to God and making sure that everything was ready on my end spiritually and mentally, since it’s a big responsibility,” says Alex Maravilla.

“It’s something I’ve never done before, but I’m more than willing and happy to take it on for the glory of his name.”

Activities include food, live music, games and prizes. Last fall, Lincoln Glen invited members of Iglesia Los Hechos, a congregation preparing to launch a church plant in the Lincoln Glen building, to join them for two of these block parties. Photo: Lincoln Glen Church

24 christian leader | jan/feb 2026

bodylife ■ stories that connect us

Maravilla received his MB pastoral license in the fall and began working to renovate the space in Lincoln Glen’s building that will be used for the church, with help from funds supplied by the Board of Home Missions.

A beautiful partnership Maravilla and Cole both say they are excited for the possibilities for these two MB churches to partner in more than just sharing a building.

Lincoln Glen regularly hosts block party events, where they invite the neighboring community to gather outside for food, live music, games and prizes. Last fall, they invited the worship team and others from Iglesia Los Hechos to join them for a couple of these events. They also combined with the new church plant for a special bilingual service and Thanksgiving meal one Sunday in November.

Maria Salazar, chair of the Pacific District Conference’s Board of Home Missions, interviews Tyler Cole, pastor of Lincoln Glen Church, and Alex Maravilla, pastor of Iglesia Los Hechos Lincoln Glen, about sharing space during the PDC convention in November 2025. Photo: CL Staff

“They’re going to be able to reach people that would never really come to know Jesus in our church because of the cultural differences and because of the language barrier,” says Cole. “So it’s a beautiful partnership, where we’ll do some things together, and where we’re weak, they’re strong, and vice versa. We’re two distinct churches, but we have the same mission.”

Maravilla shares the sentiment: “It has been a great pleasure to work with Pastor Tyler and his congregation.

I know that they are God-seeking people, and they also want to do what’s right in the community. And I know that the Lord is doing his will by giving me the opportunity to reach out to the Hispanic community in our neighborhood.

I’m very excited to get started and see what the Lord has in store for us.”—Jessica Vix Allen christianleadermag.com 25

■ bodylife stories that connect us

An outdoors outreach Super Buck event at North Oak draws 200-plus

W

hen Josh Gelatt, lead pastor at North Oak Community Church in Hays, Kan., was growing up, his father began hosting an outreach event for outdoorsmen at the church he pastored in Michigan.

“He loved deer hunting, he loved Jesus and he loved evangelism, so he would do a sportsman's dinner in February every year,” Gelatt says.

As the event typically happened around the Super Bowl, it was coined “Super Buck,” drawing 200 people into a sanctuary built for 70.

“People would pack in, and they would hear the gospel,” Gelatt says. “Guys were getting saved, and it was a neat thing.”

As the North Oak congregation was looking for ways to reach the unchurched in its community, Gelatt brought up the idea of hosting their own Super Buck, aiming for it to be even bigger than what he had grown up with.

Beyond expectations After making sure no other local church or ministry hosted a similar event, North Oak moved forward with its inaugural event on Feb. 1, 2025.

Not knowing what turnout might look like, North Oak welcomed 225 attendees to the Saturday evening event.

“If the people come to this thing, let’s call it a win,” Gelatt says. “It blew out our expectations.”

They prepared over 125 pounds of meat and handed out more than 100 door prizes, ranging from a Traeger grill to firearms and knives. Local businesses and members of the church donated many of the prizes.

The event’s main attraction was speaker Jim VanSteenhouse, a sportsman, adventurer and grizzly bear attack survivor.

“He had a really compelling story,” Gelatt says. “He was attacked by a grizzly bear while bowhunting in Canada and the Yukon, and that actually led to his conversion.”

Life transformation Of the 225 attendees, Gelatt estimates that about half were not connected to any church. By the end of the night, 19 people had accepted Christ after hearing VanSteenhouse’s testimony.

In following up, many of these people were connected to

26 christian leader | jan/feb 2026

Jim VanSteenhouse, a sportsman, adventurer and grizzly bear attack survivor, speaks at the 2025 Super Buck event at North Oak Community Church. Photo: North Oak

a church, whether it was North Oak or somewhere else.

Hunter Harris was an attendee who was inspired seeing the faith of men like VanSteenhouse.

“Seeing big, tough men—hunters and outdoorsmen—relying (on) and knowing that they need Christ—that's inspiring," Harris says.

Gelatt mentions one man who came to the event, and it challenged him to take his faith more seriously.

“Now he's jumping in, involved in leadership, doing devotions with his family, actively engaged in Bible studies, coming to Sunday school class; he and his wife are just soaking this stuff up,” Gelatt says.

Another attendee, amid his personal struggle and hardships, gave his life to Christ that night and has been attending North Oak regularly since.

North Oak’s upcoming Super Buck event will be Feb. 7 The speaker will be Jeff Tipton, a retired wildlife officer from Ohio.

“He’s really passionate and evangelistic and excited about God’s unique creation and how God has designed various species of animals for survival and flourishing,” Gelatt says. “Jesus tells us that God cares so much for these animals—how much more does he care for you and I?” North Oak is looking to surpass its attendance from last year, preparing for upward of 270 to come celebrate hunting, but more importantly, to hear the gospel and experience life transformation.—Cody Meyer

■ church spotlight

Christian Center the Hand of God Established: May 2015, joined USMB 2019 Attendance: 100 in main building; 90 kids in Sunday school Lead Pastor: Hermann Mputu

Our congregation in three phrases:

Impact life, love, spiritual growth Connect with us! facebook.com/CCHG2015 youtube.com/@CCHGTV45

Our mission: To impact life all over the world and to become a multicultural church.

How can you pray for us?

Pray for spiritual growth and a church building.

The construction of a new church building is a main goal right now. (After completing the land survey, which enabled us to combine all of the church plots, we began working with the architect. One day, he showed us the church's layout and informed us that it was perfectly positioned and shaped like the cross.)

Top: Sunday school teachers planned a trip to the Noah's Ark Encounter for students and church members in 2023. Second: Members and adolescents gather for prayer during a baptism service in 2024. Third: Students perform a Sunday school activity for Christmas in December 2023. Bottom: Women from Christian Center the Hand of God present and sing on Mother’s Day in 2025. Photos by CCHG christianleadermag.com 27

Church Life Compiled by Janae Rempel Shafer

MILESTONES

Baptism/Membership Brower Robison was baptized and received as a member Nov. 23 at Fairview (Okla.) MB Church. Luke Carter and Parker Miller were also baptized. Kassey Regier, Jason Mendenhall and Heather Mendenhall were also received as members.

Dane H. was baptized Nov. 23 at North Fresno (Calif.) Church.

Annjanette Nickel was baptized Nov. 23 at Ridgepoint Church, Wichita, Kan. Tiffany Miller was received as a member at Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, Kan. Cooper Taff, Hudson Williams, Benjamin Musick, Cara Penner and Tillie Akin were baptized Nov. 2 at Pine Acres Church, Weatherford, Okla.

Andrew Oquist and Ashlyn Robertson were baptized Oct. 12 at Community Bible Church, Olathe, Kan.

Shemus Roof was baptized Nov. 16 at Renewal MB Church, Rapid City, S.D. Melanie Macazo and Elizabeth White Magpie were baptized Oct. 26. Khailee Tobacco and Rosie Jones were baptized Oct. 5.

Lucas Wadkins, Lynlei Brenamen, Jade Brenamen, Justin Brenamen and Kole Wadkins were baptized Oct. 11 and received as members Oct. 12 at Martin Box MB Church, Marshall, Ark. Melissa Alvey, Samantha Bain, Brian Brinkerhoff, April Durrer, Ernesto Escobar, Melissa Findley, Amy Francis, Amber Johnson, Camber LaFranchi, Marcie Long, Jonah Michaels, Jaycee Ostler, Zachary Ostler, Samson Rawlings, May Robertson, Rachel Sanchez, Presley Sayre, Charlize Talley, Jessie Thompson, Brian Thompson and Evelyn Thompson were baptized Nov. 9 at South Mountain Community Church, St. George (Utah) Campus. CJ Kinchen, Jeri Brown, Brooke Strong, Justin Moore, Samantha Christensen and Anna Benavidez were baptized Oct. 12 at Draper (Utah)

Campus. Beau Moran, Esai Moran, Harper Kollman, Trevor Neuman and Aleeyah Neuman were baptized Oct. 12 at South Jordan (Utah) Campus. Presley Feltch, Sati Sivongsa, Emily Naylor, Rohnn Sivongsa, Ezra Sanchez, Penelope Matkins, Trace Adams and Emmery Bourgoin were baptized Sept. 28 at Lehi (Utah) Campus.

LaVona Sundquist was received as a member at Zoar MB Church, Inman, Kan.

Deaths Acker, Mary Ann, Lynden, Wash., member of Good News Fellowship, Ferndale, Wash., Aug. 24, 1931—Oct. 27, 2025. Parents: Robert D. and Willa F. (Carter) Higgins. Spouse: Paul. Children: daughter, son; five grandchildren, 13 greatgrandchildren.

Braun, Johanna Alice, Fresno, Calif., member of Butler Church, Fresno, Nov. 13, 1934—Oct. 23, 2025. Parents: Jacob and Maria Krause.

Spouse: Donald Braun (deceased). Children: Randall (deceased), Denise.

Clasen, Richard Allen, Bakersfield, Calif., member of Rosedale Bible Church, Bakersfield, Sept.

19, 1951—June 23, 2025. Parents: Otto and Lee Clasen. Spouse: Colleen Smith. Children: Lenny, Tina Fierro, Terri

Baptism at Community Bible Church, Olathe, Kan.

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Aldrete; six grandchildren.

Decker, Albert, Huron, S.D., member of Bethesda Church, Huron, Sept. 2, 1927—Nov. 3, 2025. Parents: John M. and Katie (Pullman) Decker. Spouse: Marilyn Walter. Children: Twyla Miller, Valerie Roberts, LeAllen, Kathie Peyton, Carol Hulbert, Jeffrey; 15 grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Eitzen, Stella Jane, Fairview, Okla., member of Fairview MB Church, Nov. 12, 1932—Oct. 13, 2025. Parents: Albert and Emma Wichert.

Spouse: Gene Eitzen (deceased). Children: Sandra Denton, Roger; eight grandchildren,16 greatgrandchildren, one greatgreat-grandchild.

Epperly, Patricia Ann, Salem, Ore., member of Kingwood Bible Church, Salem, March 19, 1935—Nov. 11, 2025.

Parents: Gordon and Hazel (Fink) Schwalen.

Spouse: Harry Epperly (deceased). Children: Denise, Dean, Diane, Donna, Darrin; grandchildren, great-grandchildren.

Gerbrandt, Gary Lynn, Reedley, Calif., of Reedley MB Church, Nov. 15, 1936—Sept. 12, 2025.

Parents: Bernhart and Geraldine Gerbrandt.

Spouse: Joanne (deceased). Children: Julie Rey, Amy Wiley; two grandchildren.

Gibson, David Jerome III, Hickory, N.C., member of The Life Center, Lenoir, N.C., March 22, 1948— Feb. 7, 2025. Parents: David Jr. and Catherine Tearell Gibson. Spouse: Earlene Hartso Gibson.

Child: David Reed; grandchildren.

Haley, Debra “Debbe” Kay, Shafter, Calif., member of Shafter MB Church, May 25, 1951—Sept. 30, 2025.

Parents: John B. and Genevieve Hosmon.

Spouse: Craig Haley.

Children: Wendy Wilson, Mark; 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild.

Hofer, Earl, Wichita, Kan., member of Ridgepoint Church, Wichita, Oct. 30, 1954—July 25, 2025. Parents: Joe E. and Alma E. (Glanzer) Hofer. Spouse: Suzanne Kroeker (deceased), Elizabeth Schmidt. Children: Tim, Brittany Wilker. Stepchildren: Ben Schmidt, Emily Bartel, Kari Leal; 14 grandchildren.

Hofer, Gayle Janelle, Huron, S.D., member of Bethesda Church, Huron, Dec. 17, 1954—Nov. 24, 2025. Parents: LaVerne and Josephine Hofer. Spouse: Bruce.

Stepchildren: Matthew, Traela; four step-grandchildren, one step-greatgrandchild.

Jantzen, Irvin Donald, Reedley, Calif., of Reedley MB Church, Sept. 17, 1937—Oct. 28, 2025.

Parents: Oswald and

Sarah Jantzen. Spouse: Kathryn Kroeker. Children: Donald (deceased), Susan Matt; three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.

Nachtigall, Marie Susanne, Newton, Kan., member of Koerner Heights Church, Newton, May 30, 1965—Nov. 20, 2025. Parents: Andrew and Adina Nachtigall.

Nickel, Hank “Henry,” Fresno, Calif., member of North Fresno Church, May 4, 1935—June 15, 2025. Spouse: Jeanette Nickel. Children: Scott (deceased), Bryan.

Nickel, Jeanette, Fresno, Calif., member of North Fresno Church, Nov. 18, 1935—Nov. 9, 2025.

Spouse: Hank Nickel (deceased). Children: Scott (deceased), Bryan.

Pruter, Roger, Hays, Kan., member of North Oak Community Church, Hays, Sept. 29, 1940— Nov. 8, 2025. Parents: Otto and Ella May (Stockton) Pruter. Spouse: Janet Wickham. Children: Wade, RaJan; three grandchildren.

Rempel, Charles Daniel, Edmond, Okla., former MB pastor, Nov. 13, 1950—Oct. 7, 2025.

Parents: Daniel and Ida (Buller) Rempel. Spouse: Elvera (Ellie) Rempel. Children: Heather Tirogiannis; one grandchild.

Rogers, Royce Jean, Shafter, Calif., member of Shafter MB Church, July 15, 1944—Oct. 31, 2025. Parents: Elmer and Opal Morgan Rogers.

Spouse: Helen Rogers (deceased). Children: Tony, Danny, Jeannie Roark, Wes; 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren.

Sawatzky, Jerry, Amarillo, Texas, member of Crossroads Bible Fellowship, Balko, Okla., Oct. 17, 1942—Feb. 13, 2025. Parents: Isaac and Lena Sawatzky. Spouse: Joyce Frantz. Children: Randy, Michelle Slaughter; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren.

Suderman, David L., Stockbridge, Ga., formerly of Kingwood Bible Church, Salem, Ore., Oct. 10, 1948—Sept.

29, 2025. Parents: John and Irene Bankson Suderman. Spouse: SueAnn. Children: Philip, Rodney, Jennifer Tatum, Philip Schar; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren.

Tadesse, Ashenafi Zewge, Overland Park, Kan., retired associate pastor of Ethiopian Christian Fellowship Church, Shawnee, Kan., Nov. 21, 1952—Nov. 4, 2025.

Parents: Zewge Tadesse and W/ro Ejigayeh Kassa. Spouse: Zewdinesh Tadesse. Children: Ement, Lydia, Ficker; six grandchildren.

Thesman, Sara Sophia, Enid, Okla., member of Crosspoint Church, Enid, May 9, 1920—June 24, 2025. Parents: A.G. and Susana (Regier) Toews.

Spouse: Ruben Thesman (deceased). Children: Rita Schmidt, Terry, Carol Wink, Jeri Ruttan (deceased), Tim (deceased); 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild.

Vogt, Norma Jean, Corn, Okla., member of Corn MB Church, Jan. 10, 1928—Oct. 14, 2025.

Parents: Ferd and Sarah (Ediger) Hinz. Spouse: Jake Vogt Jr. (deceased).

Children: Charles, Darla; two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren.

Weaver, Berniece Ann, Bridgewater, S.D., attender of Salem MB Church, Bridgewater, June 15, 1934—Oct. 18, 2025.

Parents: Edmond and Anna (Walter) Tschetter.

Spouse: Lawrence Weaver (deceased). Children: Sandra Wallum, Janet Chapman, Susan Letcher, David (deceased); 13 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren.

Wiens, Daniel Brent, Inman, Kan., member of Zoar MB Church, Inman, April 13, 1986—Nov. 17, 2025. Parents: Lois and Gail Wiens. Spouse: Ashley. Children: Cooper, Dietrich, Stella.

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REACHING IN

Discipleship Parkview MB Church, Hillsboro, Kan., hosted a trauma education event Oct. 19.

Faith Bible Church, Omaha, Neb., hosted a six-week Art of Neighboring workshop Sunday school class in October and November.

Fellowship Community Bible Church, Olathe, Kan., held a turkey trot Nov. 27. The Fully Alive group had a potluck and played games Oct. 18.

Reedley (Calif.) MB Church held a turkey tailgate Nov. 26.

Hillsboro (Kan.) MB Church women held a Jesse Tree ornament exchange. The church hosted a chili cook-off and worship night Nov. 16. Men hosted a “Meet, Eat and Skeet” event Oct. 5.

Ridgepoint Church, Wichita, Kan., women gathered for a “Made to Create” event Nov. 8 and shared a meal and heard a guest speaker Oct. 14.

Koerner Heights Church, Newton, Kan., women had a game night Oct. 24.

Hesston (Kan.) MB Church women gathered for trivia Oct. 30. The church held a family kickball event Oct. 22.

Faith Bible Church, Omaha, Neb., women had a craft event Nov. 15 and a game night Oct. 18.

Axiom Church, Peoria, Ariz., planned a movie in the yard night Oct. 26 where cost of admission was a nonperishable food item to serve the hungry.

The congregation hosted a community baby shower Oct. 18.

Bethany Church, Fresno, Calif., men gathered for BBQ and golf Oct. 24-25.

Good News Fellowship, Ferndale, Wash., held a family game night Nov. 14.

Nearly 100 North Oak Community Church, Hays, Kan., women attended a fall refresh conference Oct. 18.

Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, Kan., held a trivia night Nov. 9.

Valleyview Bible Church, Cimarron, Kan., went to a pumpkin patch Oct. 12.

Pine Acres Church, Weatherford, Okla., women held a “Flannel and Flapjacks” event Nov. 9.

Worship Axiom Church, Peoria, Ariz., held a contemplative worship experience Nov. 30 involving art, music and prayer.

Celebrations

blankets, hats, gloves, scarves and socks for an annual Eleos Coffee Thanksgiving outreach dinner.

Copper Hills Church, Peoria, Ariz., held its WestWing Classic car show Nov. 15.

Valleyview Bible Church, Cimarron, Kan., celebrated its 100th anniversary Nov. 1-2.

Zoar MB Church, Inman, Kan., held its annual trunk or treat event Oct. 31.

Cross Timbers Church, Edmond, Okla., celebrated its 60th anniversary Oct. 26.

Neighborhood Church, Fresno, Calif., prayed for students, teachers and administrators Oct. 13. They later brought snacks for elementary staff.

REACHING OUT

Locally Cornerstone Community Church, Harvey, N.D., collected boxes of stuffing and turkeys for a local food pantry.

Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, Kan., surpassed its goal of preparing 110 food baskets of blessing for community families.

Reedley (Calif.) MB Church held a JOY Disability Ministry respite event Nov. 22 to serve families affected by disability.

Axiom Church, Peoria, Ariz., held a free community Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 19.

Community Bible Church, Olathe, Kan., collected stuffing,

Pine Acres Church, Weatherford, Okla., fed local football players Oct. 19.

Globally Zoar MB Church, Inman, Kan., packed 540 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child and sent 27 people to serve at the Dallas processing center.

North Oak Community Church, Hays, Kan., packed 822 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Cross Timbers Church, Edmond, Okla., packed 112 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

North Fresno (Calif.) Church collected items for Mennonite Central Committee relief kits.

Classifieds Associate Pastor of Youth and Family Ministry: Cross Timbers Church in Edmond, Okla., is excited to announce that we are seeking a fulltime associate pastor of youth and family ministry. This position’s primary responsibility is to provide leadership to the church’s youth and kids ministries. The successful candidate will have a heart for discipling the next generation to become mature followers of Jesus. The associate pastor of youth and family ministry will work closely with the senior pastor, serving as a key partner in integrating youth and kids into the larger church community. Visit timbers.church/job-opportunities for more information.

Worship Leader: Cross Timbers Church is seeking a part-time worship leader to support the continued growth and development of our worship ministry. The successful candidate will lead weekly contemporary services and oversee all aspects of the worship ministry. The applicant should be a gifted musician who can lead vocally and ideally lead with guitar or another primary instrument. Visit timbers.church/job-opportunities for more information.

Director of Financial Discipleship: MB Foundation is seeking a director of financial discipleship to champion biblical stewardship, serve churches and pastors, encourage generosity, and promote MB Foundation and the services we provide to pastors, churches and ministries throughout the MB family. This position will office out of Hillsboro, Kan. If interested, visit mbfoundation.com/employment.

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CHRISTIAN LEADER PO BOX 20200 WICHITA, KS 67208 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED