June 2000

CHRISTIAN

JUNE 2000

Bear the Call LEADERS FOR A NEW MILLENNIUM

, ALSO in this issue:

• u.S. Conference secretary

reflects as he leaves office

PAGE 22

• Global mission agency to be guided by national conferences PAGE 24 • New visions emerge for youth mission agency PAGE 29

The U.S. Conference prepares to gather in Denver, Colo.

July 27-30, 2000

JUNE

2000

FIR S TWO R D S ... from the editor

T

his summer, MBs are gathering for the biennial U.S. Conference national convention in the mile high city of Denver, Colo. It promises to be fun and challenging, full of celebration for what God has done and prayerful decision-making on how to follow him in the future-not to mention fun and fellowship in the cool shade of the Rockies. !fyou are planning to go, this issue will wet your whistle. !fyou can't get there this year, this issue will give you a taste of what's on the plate.

To start us off, Leader columnist Philip Wiebe puts together seven reasons to make an investment in the U.S. Conference. He reminds us of the value and benefits of acting as a larger body of believers. Following his article, the feature section is jam-packed with information about our U.S. Conference activities and ministries. For a conference of just over 21,000 members, we've been quite busy.

A special feature this month is an interview with Lynford Becker, who retired as U.S. Conference administrative secretary last December. As he steps down, Becker reflects on the vision of and challenges faced by our national conference.

BodyLife continues in the spirit of the feature section, presenting updates on MB activities and ministries.

Denominational leaders are recommending that MBMS International, the global mission agency of North American MB churches, be enfolded in the arms of the U.S. and Canadian conferences if the decision to dissolve the General Conference is ratified by the two conferences. Several articles in BodyLife focus on that possibility.

Because we are overflowing with these updates on our ministries and conference activities, we ran out of room for our regular columns and letters to the editor. These features will return next month.

I encourage you to read through the articles about U.S. MB ministries. These are our ministries-yours and minethat are only possible because we choose to act together, as a body and family of God. Hope to see you in Denver. God bless. -CA

, Hear the call u.s.

Conference Convention, pages 4-20

Page 22

COMING -JULY 27-30-Biennial U.S. Conference convention,

Denver, Colo. _ OCTOBER 26-29-Central District Conference convention, Huron, S.D. _ NOVEMBER 10-ll-Pacific District Conference convention

2eTHE

CHRISTIAN

LEADER

Page 24

INSIDE JUNE

2000

VOLUME 63, NUMBER 6

FEATURES - Hear the call 4 Smart investments In an age when individualism is in, Philip Wiebe gives seven reasons why investing in community-denomination-benefits us all.

6 Just who are MBs and what do we believe?

A rundown on the history, theology and ministries of the U.S. Conference of MB Churches.

8 Do you hear the call?

BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, chair; Peggy Goertzen, Phil Neufeld, Dalton Reimer, Herb Schroeder.

Mennonite Brethren are hearing the call to gather for the upcoming national convention focusing on calling out leaders to meet a nationwide demand.

The Christian Leader (ISSN 0009-5149) is published monthly by the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, 315 S. Lincoln, Hillsboro, KS 67063. The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events, activities, decisions and issues of their denomination, and to instruct, inspire and initiate dialog so members will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelical/Anabaptist theological tradition. However, the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the position of the Christian Leader, the Board of Communications or the Mennonite Brethren Church.

9 Let's keep the main thing . .. the main thing.

10 Board of Church Ministries 10 National Youth Commission 11 Peace Education Commission 12 Integrated Ministries 14 Report from the conference minister

15 Mission USA •

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Connie Faber

EDITOR Carmen Andres

Report from the executive director The editors invite free-lance article submissions, essays to Forum and letters to the editor. Forum is open to members or attendees of Mennonite Brethren churches. The essays can address any issue of relevance and interest to the faith and life of the Mennonite Brethren Church and should be no longer than 800 words and include the home church and occupation of the writer. A SASE must accompany articles and forum essays.

17 Board of Communications •

Report from the Leader editor

19 Board of Trustees •

Report from the MB Foundation

DEPARTMENTS Special Feature

22

• Becker reflects on vision, challenges as he leaves office

BodyLife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 • MB global mission agency to be guided by national conferences 24 • Evaluation first step in redefining mission agency's relationship with churches 25 • Special Forum: Exploring the true meaning of partnership 26 • Workshop encourages participants to make evangelism an everyday priority 28 • New visions emerge for youth mission agency 29 • MB Confession companion volume published 30

Church News & Notes Editorial •

TU nombre levantare

ART CREDITS: Cover art, Baker Brothers Printing Co, Hillsboro, Kan. Printing by Valley Offset Printing, Valley Center, Kan.

32 36

The Christian Leader is a member of the Evangelical Press Association and Meetinghouse, an association of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ editors.

WESTERN OFFICE: Carmen Andres, Editor 7531 Delta Wind Dr. Sacramento, California 95831 Phone: (916) 424-5710 E-mail: chleader@jps.net MIDWEST OFFICE: Connie Faber, Assistant Editor Box V, 315 S. Lincoln Hillsboro, Kansas 67063 Phone: (316) 947-5543 Fax: (316) 947-3266 E-mail: chleader@southwind.net Subscription rates are $16 for one year, $30 for two years, and $42 for three years ($20, $38 and $54 in Canada); $1.50 per copy. All subscription requests and address changes should be sent to the Circulation Secretary at the Midwest Office. All advertising inquiries should be made to the Western Office.

Postmaster: Send address changes to the Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, Kansas.

JUNE

2000-3

SMART INVESTMENTS

investments

,

Menn

TImRE IS AN INTERESTING television

One analysis I read said that buying

commercial I've seen that advertises

stock online may be fine for those

one of the many online investment

who enjoy an element of risk and an

services available in our dot.com age.

excess of cash, but people seeking

The ad shows a traditional stock mar-

responsible long-term growth are

ket scene with "official" traders going

probably better off sticking with a

Seven great reasons to belong to the U.S:;Conferen£e of

about their usual

reputable financial planner or invest-

business. Suddenly a

mentfirm.

crowd of people off the street crashes

seems to me that parallels can be

through a giant glass

drawn with the modem American

wall, trampling in

church.

t

among the stunned

eB,ethren Chur£hes

traders.

The implication is

4·THE

The analogy isn't perfect, but it

CHRISTIAN

We live in a time of rising localism and declining denominationalism; or perhaps more accurately, ris-

that online trading empowers any-

ing individualism and declining

one and everyone to go where only

interest in things beyond the person-

"experts" have gone before-and of

al sphere of influence. Just as mak-

course achieve greater wealth and

ing a fast million via the Internet is

happiness in the process.

more appealing in our day than

Well, maybe.

diversified or judicious investing, so

Many rush to the Internet as a

the personal benefits of spirituality

land of opportunity; others wonder if

tend to take precedence over the

online trading is more like rolling the

idea of seeking some broader con-

dice or wishing on a lottery ticket.

nection or "greater good."

LEADER

SMART INVESTMENTS

A question many modem churchgoers might ask is not, "Why should we care about our denomination?" but rather, "What denomination?" That such ties might even exist is to some a point of trivia; to others entirely unknown.

Not that this is all bad.

We do have to admit that church denominations have sometimes buried simple ministry under heavy loads of bureaucracy and traditionalism. At times conference structures have appeared to exist to be served by the churches rather than the other way around. If churchgoers have come to care more about local effectiveness than larger organization issues, it's partly because of past abuses.

But we also have to admit this modem taste for individual gain and glory has perhaps blurred our vision for some of the larger concerns of God's kingdom. This is where we can look to our U.S. Conference of MB Churches with renewed appreciation and commitment. If we believe our Christian call encompasses smart, responsible, long-term investment in kingdom ministry, we can celebrate-and supportthe fact that this already is happening through existing conference and denominational ties.

Jesus told his followers to invest in "treasure in heaven." In the context ofjesus' teaching recorded in Luke 12, this statement came in pointed contrast to the usual human tendency to "store up things" for themselves rather than be "rich toward God" (v.

21). As we strive to build that kind of wealth, here are seven ways our connection with the U.S. Confernce benefits us all.

age of individualism, we are building God's dom together. . imply put, we accomplish more together than would separately. Reflecting on this, I pulled out Q~Q£5hl.Y local church's weekly bulletins and a recent issue of the Christian Leader. In our bulletin I see proof of what I already know-that our congregation has plenty going on in areas of worship, fellowship, small groups, children's and youth ministries, prayer gatherings, service and outreach opportunities. These and other activities aim to make an impact in our neighborhood and city.

Perhaps I'm not as aware, though, of how much these ministries are multiplied through our conference connections. In the issue of the Leader I'm leafing through, I read that many sister churches are reaching out in unique ways to their own communities. I see we're planting new churches through Mission USA and sharing the gospel globally through MBMS International. We're helping harassed and hurting people around the world via Mennonite Central Committee. In our seminary and colleges

=t

we're training future leaders, workers and citizens to impact society with kingdom values.

This isn't just remote work done by other people-we do it together with our support and prayers and resources. As Paul wrote about a successful giving project centuries ago, "This service that you perform is ... overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God" (2 Cor. 9:12).

In a tiJ¥.e of restlessness, we are blessed with a rich family;Justory and identity. ~er a lifetime of connection with MB churches and m~tries, I've heard no shortage of fault-findlrtlt."IQtlfrsome of our denominational foibles and failures. I wish we'd talk more about the good stuff.

We have a powerful history. Our Anabaptist ancestors were zealous about restoring New Testament faithfulness to a complacent church. Many gave their lives for issues we take for granted-living God's word, following Jesus' teaching, practicing believer's baptism, committing to covenant fellowship, and so on. Later our MB denomination arose out of a desire for spiritual renewal and a call to daily discipleship beyond nominal or cultural Christianity.

How relevant for today. In a culture (and church) subject to trends and fads and living for the moment, we have a solid family history to stand on-and learn from.

We have a powerful history.

OUI' Anabaptist ancestors were zealous about restoring New Testament faithfulness to a complacent church ....

Later our MB denomination arose out of a desire for spiritual renewal and a call to daily discipleship beyond nominal or cultu al Christianity.

How relevant for today.

JUNE

2000-5

SMART INVESTMENTS

In a day of "easy Christianity," we are eommitted to disc:ipleship.

1Jr1I eulture absorbed with self, we believe in

mutuality and aeeountability•

DaU~ Willard has written that in recent times

"the churches of the Western World have not made discipleship a condition of being a Christian. One is not required to be, or to intend to be, a disciple in order to become a Christian, and one may remain a Christian without any signs of progress toward or in discipleship. " We don't feel that way. Discipleship is at the core of our denominational identity. We believe, as Willard puts it, that "the disciple ofJesus is not the deluxe or heavy-duty model of the Christian," but every Christian. Such a disciple "is one who, intent on becoming Christlike and so dwelling in his 'faith and practice,' systematically and progressively rearranges his affairs to that end." And even if we wonder if this is as evident in our pews as it should be, we can praise God that the call remains clearly and fundamentally before us.

.Not long ago, dUring a discussion about the need for lncreased accountability in certain areas of ministrY involvement, I was surprised to hear resistance expressed to the idea of volunteers having to answer to anybody. It was even suggested that if people had to be accountable, they might choose not to serve.

Perhaps that shouldn't have been surprising. But as MBs we've always believed that accountability is a good thing. Both those serving and those served benefit as we "carry each other's burdens" and "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Gal. 6:2; Heb. 10:24).

In a world of violenee, we follow the way of peaee.

It could even be said, to paraphrase an old country song, that we were peacemakers before peace was cool. Some still express discomfort with this "distinctive," but what better time to be peacemakers than now? There is hardly a more relevant issue in our nation or world today.

who are ~1Bs an< WHAT IS THE U.S. CONFERENCE?

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? *

One of 17 national MB conferences around the world, the U.S. Conference of MB Churches has 172 churches and over 21,000 members.

We believe in God as eternal Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created and sustains the universe. The eternal purpose of God the Father is to create a people who will bring glory to God forever. God alone is worthy of worship.

We believe that God became human in Jesus Christ. Jesus came to restore the world because humans have rejected God in disobedience. Jesus taught and modeled the way of God's kingdom. He died on the cross, making it possible for us to accept a renewed relationship with God. He rose from the dead, broke the power of sin and death, and frees us to live in obedience to God's will.

We believe that God the Holy Spirit invites all people to be reconciled with God and to join the global family of faith. Believers confess their faith, are baptized, and join in the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and guided by the Bible, members of the church seek to live as followers of Christ and invite others to experience this new life.

HOW DID THE CONFERENCE BEGIN? Organized in southern Russia in 1860, the MB denomination is historically and theologically rooted in evangelical Mennonite-Anabaptism of the 16th century Reformation, which sought to recapture the faith and life of the New Testament church.

The MB denomination was born as a result of spiritual revival in the larger Mennonite Church. Members of the MB denomination began immigrating to North America in 1874. The U.S. Conference was officially established in the late 19505. Today, the conference is made up of five districts: Pacific (the western coastal states plus Arizona and Utah), Central (northern states), Southern (midwestern states), Latin American (southern Tex.), and North Carolina.

I-THE

CHRISTIAN

LEADER

As Christians we are called to turn • from ignorance of God to a personal relationship with God; • from bondage of sin and past mistakes to freedom, forgiveness, and healing; • from individualism to interdependence with others in the local church; • from lifestyle choices that harm us, others, and the earth to choices that nurture wholeness, healing, joy and peace; • from hating enemies and ignoring neighbors to showing love and justice to all; • from loving possessions to sharing with all in need; • from aimless existence to a mission of representing and proclaiming God's kingdom on earth.

As Christians we look forward to the day when God will once again send Jesus to bring all things under God's eternal rule.

• The Sidewalk Version of the General Conference of MB Churches Confession of Faith

SMART INVESTMENTS

I don't think our identification as a "peace church" is a hindrance to reaching new generations with the gospel; it sounds like an attraction to me.

Peace is both "where it's at" and where the world needs to go. "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness" Oames 3: 18).

In ~a of "generation gaps," we are

lRuitigenerationai.

Sociologist Roben Bellah has written about the rise of "'lifestyle enclaves" in modern culture-groupin~thit: celebrate "the narcissism of similarity." In otlf'e'?'words, we tend to break off into segments of similar ages and interests. The New Testament church could hardly have conceived of such a thing. Yet today entire congregations rise up on such a basis.

The fact that MBs continue to work through generational issues such as worship style should be a source of joy rather than grief. It shows we are still multigenerational and trying to grow in true community rather than narcissistic similarity.

In a ~ety that talks about heing global and multicul....al, we really are glohal and multicultural.

,

It is often observed that MBs worship in many languages and cultural settings. And that's not just in California. Throughout the rest of the U.S. and world we worship in many more.

Often we speak about our role"in the Great Commission, Jesus' call to the first and followin.S disciples to "be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all]udea and Samaria, and to the ends ofthe earth" (Acts 1:8).

Without our conference-without our broad partnership with other MB churches and ministries-how would most of us go beyond our own Jerusalems to the ends of the earth? We wouldn't. For that reason alone we can give thanks that our U.S. Conference is helping us faithfully answer the call of]esus.•

Philip Wiebe is a freelance writer and editor. His book, It Takes Two to Tangle, was recently published by Kindred Productions. His column, Ph'lip Side, appears in the Leader monthly. He is also editor ofthe inter-Mennonite devotional guide Rejoice!.

\That do we believe?

WHAT MINISTRIES DO WE HAVE? As a U.S. Conference, we operate several ministries, including: • Mission USA, a church planting and renewal ministry; • Integrated Ministries, an outreach ministry to immigrant groups; • National Youth Commission, which plans the national youth convention every four years; • Peace Education, seeking to advance the vision for God's peace among U.S. MB churches; • Christian Leader, the monthly publication sent to attenders of MB churches in the U.S.; • Trustees, who manage the legal and financial affairs on behalf of the conference; and • MB Foundation, a service agency which encourages and assists Christians in faithful stewardship.

For more information on these ministries read their reports in the following pages.

Our districts operate a variety of regional ministries as well, from evange-

lism and outreach ministries to schools and higher education institutions. The Pacific District operates Fresno Pacific University and the Southern, Central, Latin American and North Carolina districts support Tabor College.

As a part of the larger North American body, the General Conference, we are partners in several other ministries, including: • MBMS International, the global mission agency; • Youth Mission International, a shortterm mission agency for youth, operated under MBMSI; • MB Biblical Seminary, with its main campus in Fresno, Calif., and satellite campuses in Canada; • Resource Ministries, which develops resources and materials to help MBs share what we believe with others; • Kindred Productions, the MB publishing house of North American churches, operated under Resource Ministries; • Historical Commission, dedicated to publishing histories and archiving historical materials related to the Anabaptist

and MB heritage; and • Faith and Life, which helps guide the church toward faithful living as salt and light in the world.

WHAT ARE OUR RELATIOIISIIIPS WITH OTHER MENNONITE! ANABAPTIST GROUPS? The MB church is one of the larger international conferences of Mennonite groups. The U.S. Conference and churches within its districts cooperate with other Anabaptist/Mennonite denominations in several ministries, including: • Mennonite Central Committee, a Christian world relief and development organization; • Mennonite Disaster Service, a volunteer-staffed North American disaster relief organization; and • Mennonite World Conference, an International fellowship of churches in the Anabaptist tradition.•

JUNE

2000-7

CONVENTION INFORMATION

do you hea~ t e Mennonite Brethren from around the country hear the call to gather in Denver for the upcoming national convention focusing on calling out leaders to meet anationwide demand.

P

LANNERS FOR THIS summer's U.S. Conference biennial convention, slated for July 27-30, are inviting Mennonite Brethren from across the country to "hear the call"-and not just the call to come to Denver.

Two items will dominate the agenda for this year's convention: calling leaders from our congregations to meet a nationwide demand for pastors and processing the proposal to dissolve the General Conference, the North American conference of MB churches.

Planners are extending a special invitation to congregational leaders.

"Men and women with gifts of leadership are needed to process the changes relating to the dissolution of the General Conference and to guide our congregations in calling out future leaders," says David Reimer, U.S. Conference chair.

Calling out future leaders Leadership is the key focus for the Denver convention.

"We live in a world of lost people who need to hear the Good News," says Reimer.

"But, as the apostle Paul says in Romans 10, how will they hear unless there is a preacher?

And how will they have a preacher unless someone is sent?"

Reimer reports U.S. and Canadian district ministers project that 571 new pastors will be needed in the next 10 years. The U.S. portion of that number, based on the number of churches in each nation, shows that our cona-THE

CHRISTIAN

LEADER

ference will need nearly 250 new pastors to replace retiring ministers and meet the needs for projected growth in the next 10 years.

Convention speakers and workshops will focus on how Mennonite Brethren can respond to this need.

Three services will center on leadership for the future. Friday evening, Ed Boschman, executive director of Mission USA, will speak on renewal efforts and the need to plant churches. The following evening, Henry Schmidt, president of MB Biblical Seminary, will concentrate on sharing the call to leadership. The Sunday morning worship will be led by Lynford Becker, retiring U.S. Conference administrative secretary.

General Conference dissolution Delegates to the convention will also be voting on whether to ratify the July 1999 vote to dissolve the General Conference.

Last summer, delegates to the General Conference convention voted to dissolve the conference and transfer its ministries to the two national conferences-U.S. and Canada. if the dissolution is approved, the process of integrating the General Conference ministries into the national conferences officially begins.

Ministry moments Throughout the convention, attenders will also hear reports from U.S. Conference ministries including Integrated Ministries, the Board of Communications, the MB Founda-

CONVENTION

Lynford Becker Retiring Admin. Sec., U.S. Conference

INFORMATION

Ed Boschman

Henry Schmidt

Executive Director, Mission USA

President, MB Biblical Seminary

__c_o_n_v_·_e_n_t_i_o_n__s_p e a k e r s tion and conference trustees. MBMS International, Tabor College, Fresno Pacific University and the seminary will also report.

Convention attractions In addition to the two major agenda items, the conference boasts a host of other activities.

Six workshops are planned, focusing on church conflict, calling out leaders, creating church web pages, spiritual formation, stewardship, and schooling and children.

Children and youth activities are also

planned. Nursery care for infants and preschoolers will be provided and special activities are planned for kindergartners through high schoolers.

Nearby attractions can provide entertainment for families who choose to make the convention part of their summer vacation.

The site for the July convention will be the Holiday Inn Denver Southeast. Amusement activities located in and around the Denver area include Six Flags Elitch Gardens Amusement Park, Ocean Journey AqUarium and the Denver Zoo.•

A WORD FROM . .. U.S. CHAIR

Let's keep the main thing... the main thing!

WE ALL HAVE HEARD that message. The call to evangelize the lost has new meaning in our culture. People we work with and live near need to hear the Good News. Our neighbors need to understand the Salvation story-the "main thing." The story, so familiar to us, will be a new story more frequently to our neighbors.

I praise God that we have found new energy for the "main thing." As you review our reports and our budgets, you will see investment that is directed toward evangelism via Mission USA, Integrated Ministries and Church Ministries.

But we also need to remember that the "main thing" is not the only thing. We need to tell the Salvation story as well as other stories that will nurture and motivate believers. This requires organizing for purposes such as stewardship (Board

of Trustees), communication (Board of Communications), oversight (Board of Church Ministries) as well as commissions for youth, history, and peace education. In addition, a U.S. Board of Faith and Life will be proposed to the delegates at the convention.

Our total U.S. denominational investment in ministry has grown as we seek to give witness as well as structure for maturing believers and maturing congregations. Please plan on joining us as we celebrate and plan our growing work. We have found a comfortable, convenient setting for the adults and children/youth will be offered a challenging experience.

Mark your calendars, and see you there! -David Reimer, U.S. Conference chair

JUNE

2000-9

board of' church lTlinistries CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP WORKS ON CHURCH RESOLUTION, CONFERENCE STAFFING

Shepherding the denomination BOARD MEMBERS David Reimer, chair (Reedley, Calif) Rolando Mireles, vice-chair (Rio Grande City, Tex.) Stuart Pederson, secretary (Cimarron, Kan.) Dale Regier, Treasurer (Hillsboro, Kan.) Dennis Fast, past-chair (Reedley, Calif.)

John Quiring (Hampton, Neb.) Nick Rempel (Buhler, Kan.) Marvin Just, Jr. (Reedley, Calif.)

Robert White (Boone, N.C.) Rene Pena (Rio Grande City, Tex.) Chuck Buller, Mission USA chair (Visalia, Calif) Kathy Wiest, Board of Communications chair (Kingsburg, Calif.)

Ken Neufeld, Board of Trustees chair (Fresno, Calif.)

AS WE BEGIN a new attended the church. Though BOARD OF decade, century and millenearly negotiations weren't as CHURCH MINISTRIES nium, we may question the successful as desired, we were SCM gives vision and direccontinued supply of electriciencouraged that later work tion to the conference and provides spiritual oversight ty and the function of combrought closure to this diffiand encourages leadership puters, but we never quescult time. development while coordInattion the continued grace of BCM also participated in ing the ministries of the variGod-we are grateful to God the investment of human and ous boards of the conference. for his grace. financial resources in our In the past two years, the North Carolina District. We Board of Church Ministries has been dedicathave now completed the first year of a foured to shepherding the denomination. year plan in which the U.S. Conference and the North Carolina District Conference share Church resolution in the expense of employing a youth pastor to Our work has included seeking reconciliaserve youth from several area MB churches. tion in a dispute regarding ownership of property related to the Pharr Mennonite Conference staff Brethren Church in Texas. Loyal Funk (U.S. After many years of service, Lyn Becker Conference minister), Lyn Becker (former concluded his work for the conference as U.S. Conference administrative secretary) and administrative secretary. We are grateful to Rolando Mireles (U.S. Conference vice-chair) God for Lyn's service and pleased that Lyn continues to serve the MB Foundation as vice have pursued resolution with people that bCITl: national youth cOlTllTlission

YOUTH COMMISSION TO PLAN 2001 GATHERING

God is changing young people LAST YEAR AT Estes '99, hundreds of youth accepted a challenge to follow Jesus Christ in a deeper walk of love and service. Many committed themselves to Jesus for the first time. It was an awesome sight to see high school youth crowding forward to respond to God's invitation.

Planning for 2003 The next National Youth Conference will be in the spring of 2003. The planning team is being selected now.

The Team will include representatives from U.S. Conference districts (Central, Pacific, Southern, Latin American Mennonite Brethren, and North Carolina), Fresno Pacific University, Tabor College and Integrated Ministries

,----------=,...--.....,..

Over 1700 youth from MB churches around the country gathered for Estes 99, the national youth convention held in late March 1999.

10 • THE

C H R [ S T I A N

LEA D E R

groups (including Korean, Slavic and Ethiopian).

The team will meet this fall to determine the conference's dates, location and theme.

There will be an increased emphasis on leadership training as we are training up the next generation of leaders.

Thanks for your support A big thank you goes to all the youth pastors, sponsors and parents who help make the National Youth Conference possible. The planning team only follows God's leading to put the pieces together.

The important work is the one-on-one relationships of those who work directly with the youth. A thank you also goes to everyone else who prays and gives so generously

NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSIOII A minfstry of SCM, NYC provides a life-changlng experi~ ence with Jesus Christ through biblical messages. engaging worship and service opportunities. The commission plans the national youth convention, usually held every four years.

that 1,800 plus youth and sponsors can come together.

Without you nothing would get done. Thank you for your partnership in this ministry.

Prayer needs for 2003 • Pray for unity, creativity and wisdom for the planning team.

• Pray for God's leading to select a time, place, speakers and leaders.

• Pray for lives to be changed.-Stuart Pederson, chair

\Xl HAT

president.

After studying the future needs of the conference, BeM concluded that a full time staff member is needed. Currently a search committee is working to find candidates for this posi-

\X' E DOT 0 GET HER

tion. At the U.S. Conference convention this July, we will present a budget that reflects employment of a full time staff person and related expenses beginning December 1, 2000. continued page 12

bern: peace educat:ion commission COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS RESOURCES. VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Finding ways to be peacemakers THE PEACE Education Commission has been busy this biennium. Our activities include: • Peace Sunday. In this first year of a new millennium, Peace Sunday-an annual activity sponsored and promoted by the Peace Education Commission-was February 20.

Churches of the conference are invited each year to set aside a particular Sunday to focus on the theme of peace.

The College Community Mennonite Brethren Church in Clovis, Calif. celebrated Peace Sunday in a unique way this year. After an extended study of peace in the youth Sunday school program, adults from the congregation joined the youth on a chartered bus to visit the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles on Peace Sunday. The following Sunday, they joined during the Sunday school hour to share their reflections. Participants found this experience both meaningful and challenging.

• Christian Leader. Each year the commission works with the editor of the Christian Leader to establish the direction for the annual January peace issue of the Leader.

This year the focus of the January issue was on the biblical theme of shalom. As it is published in January, the Leader peace issue provides background and potential resources for

the churches for Peace Sunday in each February.

• Resources for churches.

The commission has recommended two new resources on conflict and peacemaking to pastors/leaders.

The first is an excellent new and revised video (with study guide) on "Conflict in the Church." The video is designed to help persons and churches understand how conflict can build rather than destroy a church.

The second is a practical new work edited by Carolyn Schrock-Shenk and Lawrence Ressler entitled Making Peace with Conflict (Herald Press, 1999). The book provides a practical, biblically based introduction to skills that help us deal constructively with conflict. It is useful for individuals as well as study groups.

Both are the result of initiatives of Mennonite Conciliation Service of the Mennonite Central Committee and helpful resources, not only for pastors/leaders, but also for any who are interested in conflict and peacemaking in the church and beyond.

• Voluntary Service.

About two years ago, the commission shared our interest in taking another look at Mennonite Brethren voluntary service with the Board of Church Ministries, the U.S. Conference leadership board.

BCM was supportive, so the

commission began gathering information on the history of the former Mennonite Brethren voluntary service programs as well as other voluntary service programs.

So, how do we do voluntary service in the 21st century?

Voluntary service involves working for a church, churchrelated or nonprofit agency for a designated period of time, usually in return for living expenses and a small stipend or allowance.

Voluntary service agencies might range from those which are primarily program oriented (doing actual programs staffed by volunteers) to "placement agencies" (those which place volunteers in agencies needing volunteers).

Youth Mission International, an MB shortterm mission program for youth, is more like the first, with volunteers participating in programs. The past MB voluntary service program was more like the latter, placing volunteers in agencies.

While a program like YMI has grown, the absence of a "placement agency" has resulted in losses. For example, in the early 1980s-when the former MB Voluntary Service program was still in operation-several Mennonite

PEACE EDUCAnON COMMISSION God's vision for his world Is shalom, or peace. A ministry of BCM, the mission of the Peace Education Commission is to advance that vision within the supporting constituency.

Brethren, graduates of both Tabor College and Fresno Pacific, volunteered and contributed significantly to the development of the VictimOffender Reconciliation Program in Fresno, Calif. (VORP is an alternative process made available to judges, police and probation officers in dealing with criminal offenses and offers a very practical substitute for jailor prison while providing the opportunity for communication, restitution and reconciliation between offenders and their victims.)

As the voluntary service program faded away, so have MB volunteers. The volunteers that staff VORP in Fresno now come primarily from other Mennonite groups through Mennonite Voluntary Service, a placement agency of the Mennonite denomination.

What value should we place on voluntary service?

Should the present "placement gap" be filled? If so, how? Alone? In partnership with other Mennonite groups? In partnership with the placement offices of our colleges? In other ways?

These are questions the Commission plans to pursue.

-Dalton Reimer, chair

COMMISSION MEMBERS Dalton Reimer, Chair Don Isaac, Secretary Rose Buschman, Member Sam Resendez, Member

J U N

E

2 0 0 0

•

11

\'(1 HAT

\XI E DOT 0 GET HER

Convention notes Other items that will be reviewed at the July convention include: • Wichita '99 vote to dissolve General Conference. Conference delegates will vote whether to ratify the decision to discontinue the current binational relationship with the Canadian Conference of MB Churches currently known as the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. This decision was made with binational representation at a convention in Wichita, Kansas in 1999. As per the Wichita decision, both nations need to endorse the discontinuance and the transfer of binational ministries to national confer-

ences in forms acceptable to both the U.S. Conference and the Canadian Conference.

• Board of Faith and Life. Transition teams met last fall regarding the future of the General Conference Board of Faith and Life.

The transition teams, as well as BCM, advocate the creation of a U.S. board of faith and life.

More details of its new U.S. entity will be discussed during the convention, pending ratification of the Wichita decision.

• MBMS International. In addition, transition teams have studied related changes for MBMS International, the mission agency of North American MB churches. During the convention, delegates will hear of the plan to con-

bern: int:egrat:ed minist:ries MINISTRY FINDS HOME FOR IMMIGRANT CHURCHES, CONNECTS WITH WORLD MISSIONS

Ministry to immigrants • • surpasses vIsIon TODA Y, approximately eight percent of the population in the U.S. were born in another country. Ethnic people groups are growing at six times the rate of the U.S. as a whole. They will become a majority in California during the year 2000. These new immigrants-often called ethnic Americans-have been moving into America's large cities and becoming productive citizens.

The connection between these ethnic people groups

being reached for Christ here in America and the same groups that we strive to reach in their countries of origin cannot be ignored. It was partly because of this demographic knowledge that leaders in Canada and the U.S. put together a vision for renewal and evangelism in the late 1980s-from which Integrated Ministries was born.

A vision to reach the lost This vision challenged the U.S. and Canada to do as well

A woman worships at Immanuel Evangelical Slavic Church, an Integrated Ministries congregation located in Sacramento, Calif.

12 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

in renewal and evangelism in our own nations as we had been doing in the third world-specifically, to increase national numerical growth by 30 percent in each nation.

The U.S. Conference took this challenge seriously at its 1988 convention. Our churches ratified the aim of a 40 percent growth by the year 200D-a growth of 3.3 percent each year. Our national conference, in conjunction with the five districts, asked me to direct a program to meet that goal. Originally, the program was called Mission USA, which was later claimed by the current board known by that name. Conference leaders assigned a new name-Integrated Ministries-to the transcultural ministries, which became my primary assignment.

My task? Work with the five districts and focus on the new immigrant people groups coming to the U.S. By 2000, our goal was 30 new viable church starts with these people groups and at least a 20 percent growth (population

IIITEGRATED MIIIIISTRIES To fuHiII the Great Commission by reaching all people groups, particularly those who can also reach back into their homelands with the Gospel.

Integrated Ministries also focuses on aiding U.S. districts-and beyond-as they relate to new immigrant and ethnic groups. count) in the ethnic churches.

This required prayer and financial support that appeared beyond our normal giving.

Beyond the goal We are now in the year 2000, and it is time to decide whether we were faithful to the vision. I am pleased to report that we not only met our goal-we surpassed it.

The vision was real. God has been gracious, and the churches have been faithful.

The new church starts among the people groups in our membership include: • 20 Slavic/Russian churches with over 10,000 in weekly attendance (a number of others not yet in our official membership are not in this count); .7 Korean churches with some 7000 in attendance, with several more in process; .10 Hispanic churches in which 1M is specifically involved, with over 600 in

\V HAT \X! E DOT 0 GET HER

tinue the work of MBMSI as two national partners. (This too is pending the ratification of the Wichita decision.)

• Board of Resource Ministries and the Seminary. The binational transition teams will continue to work with the Board of Resource Ministries (which oversees Kindred Productions, the MB publishing house) and the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary.

These teams will present a transition plan at the 2002 convention. (This is pending ratification of the Wichita decision by both the u.S. and the Canadian MB churches at their respective conventions this year.)

• Change to bylaws. As we seek to make

attendance; • 2 Japanese churcheswhich originated with Japan's national MB conference-that we are mentoring; • 5 Ethiopian churches with 700-plus in attendance; • 1 Chinese church; and • several other Asian groups are in our conference.

Both in numbers of churches planted and in the numerical count of weekly attendance, the vision has been achievedto God be the gloryl Partners in evangelism Our success is due in large part to those who have partnered with us in this ministry.

• A group of committed people from our three larger

· Make discJl'les of all the nations M~2.8:19

h'~ h:lpreni~t..·

L"\'~n in the USA. llSlAo"epnrtru:rwitn. (.lu'i~1·r~1~'''''''en

among the 1l\<'U\V

updates and changes in our ministries, we will need to update our bylaws. BCM, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, will present amendments to reflect needed updates during the convention.

Thanks for your support Over the past two years, we have heard many encouraging words, we have heard of prayers said on our behalf and we have received larger financial support. For that, we say thank you. -David Reimer, chair

districts became "evangelism partners"-both prayer and financial supporters.

• MBMS International, the mission agency of North American MB churches, joined in partnership where the likelihood of "missions to countries of origin" would be achieved.

• The MB Foundation has been a key in fundraising and granting loans to the new churches for buildings which are essential to program and outreach.

• Districts and the u.s.

Conference often joined in the "basic financial grants" to these local churches as they acquired their first meeting places or "houses of prayer."

The vision continues Today, this vision plays out beyond our expectations.

Every month several new church groups in formation process give consideration to coming under the umbrella of our conference.

These churches agree with our Confession of Faith and our worldwide vision to reach every people group with the Good News. Our U.S. Slavic members have planted over 30 new Slavic churches in the c.I.S. Both Korean and Ethiopian churches are active in simi-

ne""'COIlu:r

p--oplt: group;. ....

"These churches affirm our faithfulness to the Word of God ... with specific emphasis on missions," says Funk in this brochure about Integrated Ministries.

Musldans from Korean (right) and Slavic (left) congregations shared in the 1998 U.S. Conference convention in La Mirada, Calif. lar homeland projects. The Gospel is reaching back to countries of origin. And many of these relate with MBMSI. Many new immigrants are not believers and are much more open to the Gospel than they were in their homeland.

One opined, "I lost my country, but I found my Savior when I came to America." A new plant in Bellevue, Wash., aims at benighted Slavic youth who do not know the Savior and are often agnostic and into drug use. They now number over 100 weekly. The "baptismal waters" are often stirred in these new churches, as the work of soul winning is paramount. The church is often the locus, not only for worship but also for most of social life.

The work 15 not yet done As a conference, we have a large role to fill. There are

thousands of unsaved immigrants in the arena where we work. With our ethnic pastors, we encourage, nurture and offer tools of aid for outreach and nurture. This is a distinct role that we as a conference can fill in the ongoing challenge with these new churches.

It is a spiritual high to see the faithfulness, vision and blessing in these churches that are somewhat new to us. I encourage you to visit these churches and get to know about them on a first hand basis. We have a place for "sister church" relationships for those who are open to the challenge.

"Occupy until I come" were the words of our Lord. As we anticipate his return and eternal Kingdom, let us be faithful. waiting, working and watching. -Loyal Funk

J U N

E

2 0 0 0 •

13

WHAT \VE

DO TOGETHER

A WORD FROM . . . U.S. CONFERENCE MINISTER

Take care of my sheep AS OUR CHURCHES have moved into mainstream evangelical churchmanship, not all have placed high priority on the Anabaptist distinctives that were once characteristic. Though our educational institutions-seminary and colleges-continue to stress these distinctives, each local church needs to be aware of generational shifts. It is said that each local church is always only one generation away from secularism and even relativistic pagan thought.

Thinking on this, I am reminded of our Lord's thrice repeated challenge to Peter in John 21, in both question and challenge.

"Do you truly love me?" he asks Peter.

Peter, somewhat defensive, answers, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."

The words of our Lord ring through 20 centuries to Peter and each of us-"Take care of my sheep."

In our fundamental credo we state our belief in the "priesthood of every believer," so "take care of my sheep" includes our various conference leaders, boards, district entities, local churches and, in final analysis, each individual believer.

A need which is often overlooked in our structure of highest priority may be a call to biblical holiness. Our Lord unequivocally states, "Be you holy as I am holy." We need to be "people of the Book" and reaffirm that position as we enter the new millennium.

alongside our evangelical goals if we are to survive and grow as a distinctive denomination. New recruits should be expected to be oriented to our Confession of Faith and to accept it with minimal reservations prior to being called to serve in pastoral leadership. Churches calling pastoral candidates without training in our schools should request the district faith and life boards to carefully interview these people to insure compatibility prior to a call.

There is an assumption that those trained in our schools will also have made basic commitments to our Confession of Faith, our doctrine and fundamental polity. We have a good number of failures in ministries because this has been somewhat carelessly applied in the interview stages prior to a call to a local church. It has been my duty to be involved in a number of mediation situations in four districts in the past interim where ministers and churches could not bridge the chasm of unmet expectations. In a number of these, an "entry level" clearance could well have avoided the pains involved in the tensions that concluded a pastoral ministry.

I strongly encourage churches to work with district ministers in the "pre-call" evaluations who will in turn involve the faith and life boards. Our conference leaders, though largely volunteers, do have the spiritual perceptions and tools for evaluating the "fitness" and "match" of pastoral candidates to churches. Because such evaluation seems tedious, some churches avoid doing so-to their own peril.

I HAVE SERVED AND TRAVELED throughout the U.S. Conference, composed of five districts and a host of multiethnic churches. Each district has its own faith and life component and most also have boards designed to focus on specific ministry needs, such as church building and home missions, education and doctrine.

I have also seen a strong emphasis on church growth. This is compatible with the Great Commission. Yet, spiritual renewal in our districts and churches is an absolute necessity if we are to be "salt and light" in our world.

Loving leadership under Christ is a banner we need to fly.

It is evident that we face an increasing need of dedicated pastoral leadership. If our distinctives are to be maintained, the pastors need to be called from within our ranks. The trend toward calling pastoral staffs from many training bases brings on pluralism in polity and sometimes in unclear theological emphases. We need to require basic commitments to our doctrinal and polity goals.

The historical Anabaptist roots need to be understood

THE BOARD OF CHURCH MINISTRIES is working to insure that a national faith and life board is set in place. It is long overdue. Its effectiveness will be in direct relation to the readiness of the district groups to work as a team. With the reception, growth and increase in multiethnic congregations, the faith and life board is an essential element in maintaining our Anabaptist-evangelical stance as pictured in our Confession of Faith.

There should be proactive steps taken to encourage local churches to identify with the conference not only in passive fashion, but with our total world vision of reaching lost people for Christ. When you visit an MB church-regardless of the local street name-there should be evidence that it is indeed one of our churches. Local autonomy does not negate accountability to the conference and its confession. I don't think it is asking too much to insure that our pastors are happy to identify with the conference.

Our Lord's words still ring true at every leadership level"Take care of my sheep." -Loyal Funk

14 • THE

C H R [ S T [ A N

LEA 0

E R

rTlission usa CHURCH PLANTING. RENEWAL BRING LESSONS ALONG THE WAY

Evangelism ministry in high gear MISSION USA has been about doing two things for the past five years-planting churches and helping to renew churches with spiritual growth. We have learned some lessons along the way.

methodologies. This process is always at work in our board as district representatives share the MUSA work collaboratively.

• Working with renewal. Renewing churches is probably an even more daunting task than planting churches. The partnerships needed in this area extend beyond the district to the local congregation. Beyond this partnership, there is the mysterious work of the Holy Spirit, leading congregations to points where renewal not only seems necessary but is in fact desired.

This challenge has been larger than we had imagined at the outset of our board work. While we continue to utilize the

MISSION USA Mission USA exists to encourage. facilitate and coordinate revitalization and reprodudion In existing churches and the planting of new churches. both for the purpose of winning lost people into the family of God.

Lessons learned • Working with districts. Being a national entity invites us to work as partners with the various districts in the U.S. Conference. Sharing resources, personnel and ideas helps us all grow in our knowledge of what it takes to bring the good news to our cities in establishing new churches and renewing existing churches.

Each district has its own characteristics that require unique strategic thinking and

BOARD MEMBERS: Chuck Buller, chair (Visalia, Calif.)

Loretta Jost (Aurora, Neb.) Stephen Reimer (Shafter, Calif.)

Tim Sullivan (Hillsboro, Kan.) Fred Leonard (Clovis, Calif.)

Nancy Laverty (Jones, Okla.)

Gary Wall (Lodi, Calif.)

Randy Steinert (Bakersfield, Calif.)

Joe Johns (Weatherford, Okla.)

Phil Glanzer (New Hope, Minn.)

Brad Klassen (Glendale, Ariz.)

EX-GFFICIO Clint Seibel (Hillsboro, Kan.) Bruce Porter (Clovis, Calif.)

Jim Westgate (Fresno, Calif.)

Roland Reimer (Wichita, Kan.) Clint Grenz (Bismarck, N.D.) Henry Dick (Fresno, Calif.)

A WORD FROM ..• MUSA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mission outposts in a post-Christian land RECENTL Y, IN A small men's group meeting. the discussion centered around the fact that the God of the Bible is a jealous God. One participant became incredulous. There was no room in his definition of God for love motivated by possessive passion for an exclusive relationship with anyone. Surely, he thought, God would be gracious and big enough to let each individual journey to wherever they might end up in their spiritual pilgrimage and then pronounce that a five star salvatory destination.

This story is a good description of many in America. While it's true that over 90 percent of our American neighbors stili believe in God or a higher power, the deification of individualism and tolerance has built a theological milieu in which people are free to define God in whatever way they prefer. Though three of 10 in the U.S. claim a meaningful relationship with God, many of those have painted God in their own image as illustrated by the story above.

We may have thought the America of the past was informed of the Gospel, but today's realities give us a differ-

ent America. In earlier generations, when America was still strongly influenced by "Judeo Christianity," we focused heavily on the pagan mission fields of distant lands.

Today, however, America is the third largest receiver country of Christian missionaries.

While we still claim spirituality, moral collapse is upon us.

I thank God for the ongoing ministries we offer through MBMS International in global missions and Integrated Ministries among transcultural groups on our domestic soil.

We must, however. also strongly commit to our own Jerusalems and Judeas in the witness assignment given by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our churches-old, younger and new-are mission outposts in a post-Christian land. We must strengthen our resolve to prioritize the reaching of the lost.

And since they really won't just walk into our churches, we'll need to live the message among them. "In the world but not of the world" is how Jesus put it. Maybe it's time to spend some quality time with some worldly friends.

Our mission is still to do whatever it takes "to win some."

-Ed Boschman. Mission USA executive director

J U N E

2 0 0 0 •

15

\VHAT

Last fall, Mission USA announced MetroNet 200S-the vision to plant 20 new churches in S years.

\VE

DO

TOGETHER

resource of Natural Church Development, we know that MUSA will need to pour greater amounts of energy and resources into this critical area in the future.

• Working with money. We have learned again that ministry requires money. With this lesson has come the addition of a part-time development director, Art Enns. We are excited about what he brings to the development of our vision on behalf of the conference. His development experience at Fresno Pacific University has allowed him to chart a course for us that will enable resources to flow more expediently towards ministry.

Again, our understanding of district sensitivities has led us to invite Art to work with other parttime development directors in each district. These people are still being discerned and we covet your prayers for this process.

At a crossroads On a personal note, I'd like to add that it has been a true privilege to serve our denomination as chairman of this board for the past five years. In these initial development years we have tried to build on the already existing foundation of the former Board of Evangelism.

I trust we have been faithful stewards of this task. We have sought to work collaboratively with the Board of Church Ministries, the MB Foundation, and Integrated Ministries. I can report that each of these entities is essential to a U.S. Conference identity, and that our partnership with them has served us all.

Having completed this important foundational work, MUSA is at an important crossroads. With the potential of the Metro-Net 2005 church planting strategy, we face the greatest need of all-church planters. As we seek to plant 20 new churches in the next five years, we each need to pray anew that the Lord of the Harvest will lead us to workers who are willing to sacrifice personal wellbeing for the sake of lost people. Join us in this prayer and desire. -Chuck Buller, chair

a WHAT

GENERAL SESSIONS

WORKSHOPS

The biennial U.s. Conference convention, a gathering of members, attenders and leaders of u.s. MB churches and denominational ministries

•

•

• • •

WHERE Holiday Inn Denver Southeast Aurora, Colo.

1-800-962-7672

WHEN Thursday-Sunday July 27-30, 2000

• • • •

Hear the Call, Thursday evening keynote address Call to Stewardship, Friday noon Call to Church Planting and Renewal, Friday evening Call to International Ministries, Saturday morning Call to Integrated Ministries, Saturday dinner Hear the call, Saturday evening Sunday worship and communion, Sunday morning Plus worship, testimonies, ministry reports, and business sessions

THEME Hear the Call: Leaders for a New Millennium

MORE INFORMATION U.S. Conference of MB Churches PO Box V Hillsboro, Kan. 67063 1-800-551-1547

16 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

• • • • •

Dealing with Conflict in the Church Calling Out Leaders from Our Churches Creating your Church Web Page The Fine Art of Spiritual Formation Stewardship in the Local Church Moral Development of Children: Can Home and School Work Together?

CHILDREN·S ACTIVITIES Activities are planned for kindergarten through 12th grade.

Nursery care will be available for infants through preschool.

board of' communications LAST TWO YEARS BRING NEW EDITOR, NEW CHALLENGES. NEW PROJECTS

Have you noticed?

YOU MAYNOT HAVE noticed it. From your point of view, it's looked pretty much the same. Every month the same high quality Mennonite Brethren magazine arrives in your mailbox, filled with inspirational articles, thought-provoking columns and editorials, and interesting news reports of what God is doing in and through our MB churches.

Yes, the Christian Leader you have come to rely on hasn't missed a beat. But behind the scenes there have been major changes in how it gets to you. And your Board of Communications is breathing a collective sigh of relief that these two transitional years are behind us.

A new editor We began this biennium with the news that long-time editor Don Ratzlaff was resigning.

Mer 13 years at the editor's desk, we had come to rely heavily on his experience and sensitive spirit in guiding the Leader.

Don's resignation opened up the opportunity for BOC to think about our mission. Was a magazine the best way to accomplish our mission of fostering communication within our national conference?

Our answer was an unequivocal yes. The monthly magazine format allows for in-depth reporting on what is happening in our churches and the conference. With its feature articles, regular columnists and reader response pages, a magazine also offers a unique opportunity for MB people to think about and interact on the biblical and Christian living issues that we share in common across the country. One major change we were open to was the possi-

BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS

BOC fadlitates communIcation among the churches and people of the U.S. Conference of MB Churches and assists the conference and Its churches in utilizing communications resources.

BOARD MEMBERS Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, chair (Kingsburg, Calif.)

Phil Neufeld, Secretary (Denver, Co.) Peggy Goertzen (Hillsboro, Kan.) Dalton Reimer (Fresno, Calif.)

Herb Schroeder (Delft, Minn.)

A WORD FROM . . . LEADER EDITOR

Down the yellow brick road THE LAST TWO YEARS have been the beginning of a new road for me-not unlike Dorothy's trip down the yellow brick road in the Wizard of Oz. Becoming editor of the Leader has been a bit daunting and even painful at times, but it's also been one of the most fun and rewarding experiences of my life.

The U.S. Conference has been traveling down its own yellow brick road of sorts.

About 18 years ago, the U.S. Conference reorganized itself and began working on a vision to guide them forward. In 1993, this vision coalesced in Vision 2000, in part a desire to work together with conference organizations, churches and agencies to be more intentional about evangelism in the U.S. Out of this, Integrated Ministries officially formed and Mission USA was born.

More recently, we turned a curve in the road to find a new landscape ahead. Last summer, delegates voted to dissolve the General Conference (the North American conference of MB churches) in favor of strengthening the U.S. and Canadian conferences. This vote is yet to be ratified by the two conferences, but work has already begun to prepare the two conferences to take over the ownership and management of the General Conference ministries.

Like Dorothy and her friends, we are having to learn to

work together in new ways as we travel down the road together.

It's an exciting time, and it's also a bit scary.

There is so much potential-for both spiritual growth in our churches as well as church planting, for ministry expansion and partnership, and a host of other opportunities.

But there's pain and danger as well. The potentialloss of the General Conference brings pain to many in our conferences. And the forces of this world-individualism, secularism, relativism, consumerism, and a host of other -isms-assault us, like many other Christians, as we walk down the road.

As I have traveled around the U.S. these last two years, I have been struck by the value of our spiritual heritage and beliets-<ommunity, authority of Scripture, evangelism, servanthood and, above all, the desire to follow Christ in a holy walk. I have also been struck by the strength and commitment to Christ of our brothers and sisters, who come from all walks of life and all parts of the world. We are in good company.

In spite of the dangers that we face and the choices we have ahead of us, my confidence in our future has only been strengthened by the people I've met and the churches I've visited. Like Dorothy and her companions, we aren't sure what the road we are traveling holds for us. But, if we travel down the road together, I believe we will find the way home. -Carmen Andres, editor

J U N

E

2 0 0 0 •

17

bility that the Leader might establish two office~ne on the West Coast and the other remaining in the Midwest.

Associate editor, Connie Faber, consented to become interim editor while we conducted our search for a permanent editor. The quality of the Leader didn't wane a bit as she and a temporary assistant, Natalie Roth, produced four issues of the magazine.

More structural changes were in the works when our search led us to Carmen Andres of Sacramento, Calif. Setting up the logistics and communication links between the Hillsboro, Kan., office and a new office in Sacramento were challenging. But again, you probably didn't even notice.

What you may have noticed is Carmen's youthful and creative touch in carrying on the Leader's long tradition as a top-quality magazine. Under Carmen's leadership, a love for the Mennonite Brethren church and a commitment to furthering its mission is still at the top of the Leader's agenda.

Budget challenges Another tradition Carmen has upheld is producing a quality publication for the conference on a shoestring budget. Faced with a serious deficit in 1998-99, all conference ministries were forced to plan for 23 percent less conference funding in 1999-200o-and this after a number of years of cost-cutting on the Leader to make more funds available for expanding conference ministries. The board struggled to

create a budget that allowed us to publish our 12 issues this year, and our staff valiantly worked within the budget to produce the magazine without a noticeable drop in quality.

Other projects Having the editor's desk filled and with full conference funding restored this year, the board is to look at our broader communications agenda. A $3,000 grant from the Mennonite Brethren Foundation is enabling us to begin development of an Internet web site for the U.S. Conference, but it is only the beginning. Carmen and board member Phil Neufeld are on a task force that is working toward having the web site in place this fall.

We are also working with Canada's MB magazine, the ME Herald, and 16 other national conferences to create a news service that will collect and disseminate news from our global MB family.

Much of that international family can be found right here within the borders of the U.S., so we are beginning to explore the possibilities of multiple language publications, perhaps in cooperation with other conferences or church agencies.

When it comes to communication, the opportunities are endless and the benefits are beyond measure. We as a board want to be good stewards of the resources God has given us and are prayerfully moving ahead to find new and better ways to foster good communication between the people of our conference.

We hope you'll notice. -Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, chair

The Christian Leader is looking for people who are interested in writing assigned news stories and/or willing to serve as correspondents for their region, reporting on the news and events occurring in Mennonite Brethren churches throughout the United States. Writers will be compensated.

If you are interested, please contact: Associate Editor Connie Faber 31; S. Lincoln, Box V, llillsboro, Kan. 67063 chleader@southwind.net

(316) 947-;;43

18 •

THE

C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

board of' trustees TRUSTEES IMPACT PEOPLE. DENOMINATION

It's not just about money NUMBER CRUNCHING budgets. Legal documents. Custodial duties of the conference's physical assets-money and property.

Though these are usually seen as the conventional roles of the conference trustees, behind these seemingly mundane activities of the Board of Trustees are people-and the Board of Trustees has impacted people during the past two years.

• People giving. People in the churches throughout the conference have seen the vision of the benefit of working together in projects and ministry that are more effectively done together rather than as individual churches. The evidence of this is the fact that church giving by people in the pews has maintained or increased during the past two years.

• Supporting the Seminary. People have realized the need for pastoral training and the need for calling out church leaders as evidenced by the strong support for our theological training institute, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary. This past budget year was the first time in recent memory that the U.S. Conference guaranteed subsidy for MBBS was fully funded without last minute heroic measures.

In part this was due to the effective person-toperson work of a half time development staff person, funded by the U.S. Conference.

• Maintaining a framework to serve in.

People need a framework within which to serve, minister and work together. In order for the Conference to function, it needs by-laws, which from time to time are in need of revision. During the past year since the vote to

BOARD OF TRUS'l"EES

The board's primary responsibility is the man· agement of all legal and finandal affairs in behalf of the conference.

BOARD MEMBERS Ken Neufeld, chair (Fresno, Calif.)

Randy Long, vice-chair (Reedley, Calif.)

Ed Thiessen. secretary (Weatherford, Okla.)

Leon Neufeld (Fairview. Okla.)

Phil Hamburger (Seneca, S.D.) Dale Regier, treasurer (Hillsboro, Kan.)

rnb f'oundation MB FOUNDATION HELPS PEOPLE WITH STEWARDSHIP. MINISTRIES WITH RESOURCES

Linking the financial community of faith .IN 1954, a member of a Mennonite Brethren congregation in Oklahoma opened what is now known as a Ministry Investment Fund account. He continues to maintain that investment, and says he plans to leave the funds till he dies ....

• An MB congregation in the Pacific Northwest is experiencing rapid growth. Its building cannot accommo-

date such a large group. A facility needs to be built, but funds are necessary ....

• A family in the Midwest gifted their family farm to Mennonite Brethren Foundation to fund a number of gift annuities. The annuities provide income through their retirement years, and upon their deaths, will provide a substantial gift to MBMS International ....

•••• •••••••

....l'/Jlu..nt~............., ~

This facility was completed September 1999 by the Slavic Christian Church in Salem, Oreg., who borrowed funds from MB Foundation.

• One family in South Dakota created a memorial endowment with MB Foundation in honor of a loved one who was tragically killed. The endowment produces an annual scholarship to encourage young people to pursue Christian higher education ....

• Another couple in California culminated a lifetime of giving by creating a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUn. They will receive income for life, as well as make a sizable gift to the MB ministries they love ....

What do these individuals and organizations have in common?

They are all members of a financial community of faith.

They are partnering together to accomplish more than they could do individually, and they are using their financial resources to express their

MB FOUMDATIOII

MB Foundation is a service a,enc:y whose primary

mission is to ~n(outage and assl~ Christians in the (aithful stewardship of their God given resources to benefit themselves, their families and the ministry of the church.

Christian values.

MB Foundation seeks to encourage and promote this financial community of faith in a number of ways.

By carefully managing its assets, MB Foundation provides financial resources for many conference ministries.

MB Foundation manages endowment funds, various life income plans (charitable trusts, gift annuities, life estates, etc.), donor-advised funds, and the Ministry Invest-

J U N E

2 0 0 0 •

19

\VHAT

WE

DO

TOGETHER

PAST AND PROPOSED BUDGETS-U.S. CONFERENCE BOARD

Church Ministries Faith & Life Integrated Ministries Mission USA Communications Trustees TOTAL

87,280 277,000 128,940 76,110 *

83,840 320,750 130,760 76,960 *

$588,530 *Inc/udes support of MBBS fund-raiser

ANTICIPATED FUNDING SOURCES

Church funds $308,500 Interest income 3,000 Endowment earnings 5,500 MBF and districts 65,000 Special fund-raising 571,000 TOTAL $953,000

MB FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Don Martens, chair (Fairview, Okla.)

Ken Neufeld, vice-chair (Fresno, Calif.)

Jim Enns, secretary (Fresno, Calif.)

Reginald Boothe, asst. secretary (Wichita, Kan.) Dean Jost (Aurora, Neb.) Marvin Reimer (Buhler, Kan.) U.S. Conference trustees are also on the board of directors

rnent Fund (MIF). These funds are invested to provide capital for building projects throughout the conference.

In addition, the leverage gained from combining our efforts reduces the fees assoc~ated with other investments and increases endowment earnings for use by our schools, churches, and missions work. Over $712,000 of endowment earnings were distributed during the past biennium.

Widespread involvement in this financial community of faith has produced steady gfowth overthe last two years, with assets now totaling $34,460,055-a 17 perc~nt increase over two years.

20 • THE

1998-99 $37,600

1997·98 $19,200

$649,910

86,000 322,000 118,660 56,000 *

$6ZO,260

2000·01 $182,950 ** 7,280 90,460 474,550 130,819 66,941 * $953,000

**Inc/udes development director (full year) and executive director (half year)

reallocate the work and ministries of the General Conference (the North American conference of MB churches), your Board of Trustees has spent considerable time in drafting new bylaws that will facilitate new functions and new ways of people relating to each other in ministry.

• Taking care of church workers. People who work for the Conference need to be paid in a fair and equitable manner. The Board of Trustees has initiated some comparative studies of compensation packages for church workers within the Conference, other Mennonite agencies and the larger Christian church. The trustees have also carried the responsibility of monitoring health care and life insurance benefits for our pastors. Fortunately today, most pastors are covered by a retirement plan. By contrast, in the past, there were several ministers who reached retirement age without adequate retirement income, and when they passed away, their spouses faced economic hardship. The Board of Trustees has assisted some of these people, who gave their lifetime in pastoral ministry.

• Maintaining good records. People need good record keeping too. The U.S. Con-

MIF accounts have grown to $1 S,394,503-over 23 percent since 1997.

Additionally, your participation in our financial community has enabled MB Foundation to grant over $100,000 in 1998 and 1999. The majority of these grants has gone to Mennonite Brethren minIstries such as MB Biblical Seminary and the U.S. Conference of MB Churches.

Because of the support of the many members of our financial community of faith, MB Foundation was able to provide capital for building projects for MB churches and institutions as well as church workers. Our loan portfolio has grown over 10 percent

C H R 1ST I A N

1999-00 $37,600

LEA D E R

ference treasurer has done the receipting for MBMS International (global mission agency of North American churches) and Youth Mission International (a short-term mission program for youth). It is gratifying to see how our people in the U.S. congregations have been moved to contribute to these ministries. Just as an example, the funds contributed to YMI have grown of the past few years from zero to well over $100,000.

We have also performed record keeping for the U.S. portion of the General Conference. In order to effectively keep records and generate reports, we completed extensive updating of all conference computers and accounting software. Partly this was motivated by Y2K compliance, and now we are pleased to say that our people in the Hillsboro office have a much easier time of completing their job of providing the conference with complete and meaningful records.

In summary, we thank the people of the U.S. Conference and its member churches for the support that the Board of Trustees has enjoyed during these past two years since our last convention. -Ken Neufeld, chair

since 1997, with a December 31,1999, outstanding loan balance of $22,916,322.

In addition to asset management, MB Foundation also assists believers in faithful stewardship through planned giving coun$el and facilitation. Over 125 families have received our estate planning assistance during 1999. For the years 1998 and 1999, MB Foundation facilitated gifts totaling $1,820,761. Most ofthese contributions were given in support of MB causes.

Representatives of MB Foundation spent over 100 hours offering workshops, stewardship conferences, and biblical teaching on financial

stewardship during 1999. The Giving Project has been well received as an effective resource for equipping the local church.

MB Foundation is pleased to playa leading role in the Mennonite Brethren financial community of faith. Our primary mission-to encourage and assist caring Christians in the faithful stewardship of their God-given resources to benefit themselves, their families, and the ministry of the church-<ontlnues to motivate us as we enter into the next biennium.

-Jon C. Wiebe, president of MB Foundation (AJ/1999 numbers are unaudited.)

What

Mennonite Brethren Foundation can do for We can be of assistance to you ... encouraging and assisting in faithful stewardship.

• Ministry Investment Fund • Charitable trusts • Gift annuities • Donor-advised funds Mennonite Brethren Foundation Staff: (front row, left to right) Kim Kroeker, Shawna Vogt, Donna Sullivan; (back row) lynford Becker, Ross Merritt, Jon Wiebe, Dale Regier

Bringing together a financial community of faith

• Charitable estate planning • Fad Iitati ng gifts • Providing capital for our churches and institutions • Endowment management • Stewardship education

,,,,.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------_ .. -----...-...... ------ ... -...-..

I am interested in: Name

-MENNONITE' BRETHREN' FOUNDATION'

'V'

315 S. lincoln, P.O. Box V Hillsboro, KS 67063 tel: 1-800-551-1547 fax: 316-947-3266 e-mail: mbfound@southwind.net

_

Address

_

City

_

Slale

Zip

_

o Stewardship training for our church o Charitable estate planning o Making gifts of property o Gift-giving and receiving a lifetime income

Daytime Phone

_

Evening Phone

_

Besllimelocall

_

o Endowments o Ministry Investment Fund o Other

_

SPECIAL FEATLRE:

PEOPLE

PROFILE

Becker reflects on vision, challenges as he leaves office • Retiring U.S. Conference administrative secretary encouraged

by denomination

W

en it comes to working within the Mennonite Brethren denomination, one could say Lynford Becker has seen it all. He's been a local church pastor, church planter and the u.s. Conference minister. He's traveled the constituency extensively in his work for Tabor College, the MB Foundation and the u.s. Conference.

Since 1983, he has been instrumental in helping the conference define its vision and has seen its goals become a reality.

Ibis past December, Lynford relinquished his role as u.s. Conference administrative secretary, a part-time position heftlledfor 14years. He continues to work as a field representative with the MB Foundation, an agency he headedfor more than 10years. Thanks to the various roles he has had over the years, Lynford knows us well and we editors wanted to hearfrom him regarding our conference and its congregations.

Christian Leader: You began your work with the U.S. Conference at something of a low point in its history and have watched it grow numerically thanks to a new vision for church planting. Tell us about that process.

Lynford Becker: When I was elected u.s. Conference secretary in 1983, we were sort of bare bones. Historically, the U.S. Conference was rather weak. The General Conference originated in the U.s. and that was where we put a lot of emphasis. We have struggled to find our niche and to know what our vision should be.

In 1984 the U.S. Conference was reorganized and we began work on a vision statement which was adopted in 1986. All we knew in those early days was that we needed to be more intentional about trying to reach people in

22 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

-Traveling the constituency has. .. left me with a strong conviction that our people are a very generous people,- says Lynford Becker, who retired as U.S. Conference administrative secretary last December.

our own country, even as we had done for many years in other countries. We weren't sure what that was going to look like but we knew we needed to do something.

Loyal Funk was selected as the director of evangelism and church planting.

But the opportunities to work among new immigrants were so much greater than had been anticipated and Loyal's time and energy were spent there.

Then we came to the realization that we were missing a component, which was urban Anglo-Americans. In 1993, we began meetings under the heading of "Vision 2000." That led to what we now know as Mission USA, the urban church planting focus under the leadership of Ed Boschman.

a: In 1993 you headed the strategic planning committee charged with making a 50 percent growth goal by 2000 a reality. Have we achieved that goal?

LB: Vision 2000 is a success in the sense that we have moved in the direction we felt we needed to move, although we probably underestimated the amount of time it takes. Among new people groups coming to America, you've got a core group of believers. With church planting in urban America, you're usually starting with no nucleus so it is a much slower process. You have to have more patience.

Our goal was to have 40 new churches by 2000, with approximately half of those coming from new people groups.

We have exceeded those goals, with LEA 0

E R

respect to Integrated Ministries. There are currently 45 cross-cultural MB congregations.

CL: Vision 2000 included an unprecedented agreement among conference agencies, institutions and boards to work together to evangelize the U.S. Has this level of cooperation been retained?

LB: Yes and no. In the early stages we involved representatives from the two colleges, the seminary, the districts and MBMS International with the idea that we would make use of some of the resources available from these various agencies for church planting. Well, that probably wasn't realistic.

But we certainly have had significant financial support from them. Fresno Pacific University, for instance, has given significant scholarship support for Slavic students. MBMSI has been involved in financial support for Integrated Ministries projects in the U.S. Both of the schools have been involved with Youth Mission International and MB Biblical Seminary has been involved in special training programs.

CL: Right now our church growth goals are hampered by a shortage of leaders. Would you comment on that?

LB: The lack of pastors available to go into church planting projects or even to existing churches is a real challenge. We would like to see more graduates com-

ing out of our seminary who would go into pastoral church ministries, but the seminary can't be expected to train students who don't come.

We need to encourage young people to be open and to respond to the call of the Lord for ministry. There has been discussion that the emphasis on shortterm ministry has hurt in terms of recruiting persons for long-term ministry. I don't know if that's fair because short-term Christian service has always been a feeder for long-term service.

And I think we need to look at people who have found a place of service in other denomination bodies or independent groups. Some might be open to serving among us and helping us fulfill our vision.

CL: What are the important issues Mennonite Brethren need to think about in the next five years?

LB: Recruiting leadership is a major one.

The second issue is financial. We are a small denominational body with a very aggressive ministry approach with MBMSI, MBBS, FPU, TC and the things the districts are trying to do. So expectations of our people financially are quite aggressive.

It will likely be several years before we can expect significant financial response from new groups that come into our conference. That takes a while because of needs that are pressing in their own local churches and communities. And many of these congregations have a very keen interest in their country of origin and carry on ministries there. So to expect a significant financial input from these groups has to be tempered a bit. But hopefully they will catch the vision for what we are seeking to accomplish and will find the joy to come alongside and participate.

A third thing is simply that Mennonite Brethren are a changing culture and that has its unique challenges. The question is whether we will be able to accept each other and be able to unite in vision and in purpose.

There is an increasing percentage of people who are part of our church fellowships who don't understand our history-maybe haven't even heard of our history or come to an appreciation of it.

They need to be brought to an under-

standing of the ministries which are important to us and why they're important to us.

And we who have been part of the Mennonite Brethren tradition forever have to have great patience and be open to new ideas and new approaches. New styles of worship have been a real challenge in some of our churches.

CL: What do you see happening in the u.S. Conference that signifies good health?

LB: There seems to be a genuine acceptance of the additional responsibilities that will come to the national conferences with the transfer of General Conference responsibilities. I think that will be a good test and that the u.S. Conference will respond favorably and appropriately.

The fact that giving from the churches has not decreased at the national level at the same time as churches are increasing staff, building new facilities and expanding their own ministries is a healthy sign. People recognize that the conference is a meaningful forum in which we can do some things better together than we otherwise could alone.

I think the work among the youth, for example the national youth conference and Youth Mission International, and the interest that our youth have in service projects and ministries are signs of health.

CL: You have worn many different hats in your years of service. What is the most important lesson you have learned about church work?

LB: The importance of maintaining faceto-face communication with people. So often we find ourselves talking past each other. When we do that misunderstand-

ing arises. One-on-one relationships with people are crucially important.

CL: You were a pastor for 26 years.

What advice would you offer a new pastor?

LB: I'd advise him to love his people genuinely. Even as the Bible says love covers a multitude of sins, people will forgive a lot of shortcomings if they know you genuinely care for them and love them.

I would advise a new pastor to spend an awful lot of time on his message.

Sunday morning is the time when you have the highest percentage of your people there. It's the golden opportunity to communicate, minister and reach out. If I were to do it over, Bible teaching would be my number one priority.

CL: You know the people of the U.S. Conference better than most of us.

What's your impression?

LB: Traveling the constituency has afforded me a unique privilege I cherish and value highly. It's left me with a strong conviction that our people are a very generous people. If they understand what we want to do and if they are able to, they will support the vision and will do so generously.

I also consider myself tremendously privileged to have made several visits to our North Carolina Conference and to have interacted and fellowshipped with these people. I cherish them very much.

The same is true of people in the Latin American conference and in more recent years of the Slavic, Ethiopian, and Korean leadership. It's been an experience that I almost feel I ought to pay someone for.

It's something I value very highly.-CF

GOALS AND GROWTH OF MBS IN THE U.S. 1993

¥IIION:zro 2000

REGULAR ArrENDERS

17,000

21,456

CHURCHES

140

'80

172

J U N

E

2 0 0 0 •

23

BODyLIFE MENNONITE

BRETHREN

NEWS

MB global mission agency to be guided by national conferences • Denominational leaders recommend that national conferences partner in ownership of MBMS International

M

ennonite Brethren global mission endeavors should be guided by local congregations via national conferences, say General Conference, U.S. and Canadian denominational leaders.

General Conference executive committee members and representatives from U.S. and Canadian national conferences and MBMS International are recommending that ownership of MBMSI be transferred to the U.S. and Canadian national conferences, while making it possible for other national conferences to someday join that partnership. The decision was made at a meeting March 10-11 in Fresno, Calif.

A year ago, delegates to the General Conference convention in Wichita, Kan., voted to dissolve the North American conference of MB churches and transfer its ministries to the Canadian and U.S. Conferences. MBMSI is the second ministry to be transferred; the first ministry to be reviewed was the Board of Faith and life (see January 2000 issue of the Leader).

Delegates to the U.S. Conference convention to be held next month in Denver, Colo., will be asked to give their approval to this plan. A copy of the MBMSI memorandum of understanding released after the meeting will be included in delegate packets.

The memorandum highlights the history of MB global mission and outlines the proposed governance structure. Recommendations are also made concerning finances and current program policies. Highlights of the memorandum are given here.

History In 1900, U.S. and Canadian MB churches joined together to form The 24·THE

CHRISTIAN

MBMS International staff and board members washing each others' hands in a gesture of community and servanthood. At meetings in March, the MBMSI board and staff focused on themes of international partnership and the agency's relationships to North American MBs. On the last day of meetings, board member Delores Friesen led a challenging devotional that was followed by an emotional hand-washing ceremony.

American MB Mission Union, the predecessor to the General Conference. The original corporation was formed with the intention of evangelizing those nations without the gospel of Christj to employ, send and support missionaries; to collect the funds needed for such an endeavor; and to establish, furnish and maintain mission stations.

According to the memorandum, "Over the past 100 years, global mission has continued to be a central focus of the MB churches of North America. As the General Conference divests itself of its ministries, it is appropriate that the MB vision for global mission be carried on by the churches with which it bega,n."

The memorandum states that by accepting ownership of MBMSI, the U.S. and Canadian Conferences are indicating their intention to continue giving significant priority to global missions and to view MBMSI as the primary channel for carrying out the mandate of global mission.

LEADER

The memorandum of understanding also makes it clear that North American leaders hope that in the future additional Mennonite Brethren conferences will be added as full partners in MBMSI global mission activities.

Legal status According to the memorandum, global mission will be operated by a newly formed nonprofit religious corporation known as Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International. Organization as a corporation will allow MBMSI to carry out its mission mandate more efficiently.

Because American law provides greater flexibility with regard to foreign ownership of domestic corporations, the new corporation will be incorporated in California.

For the time being, MBMSI will operate in Canada under the legal umbrella of the Canadian Conference, as has been the case with the General Conference.

Bom 1.111

Ownership and governance The MBMSI corporation will be owned jointly by the U.S. Conference and the Canadian Conference. The MBMSI bylaws will provide that in the future additional conferences may become joint owners.

MBMSI will be accountable to the partnering national conferences in sever· al ways. The partnering conferences will elect the majority of the MBMSI board of directors. The board will provide full reports to the partnering national conferences at their conventions. Articles of Incorporation and bylaws can only be amended by action of the partnering national conferences. The memorandum instructs MBMSI to review its constituency relations function in order to assure adequate communication and relation-

Delores Friesen, Harold Ens, Loretta Snider and Gary Janzen singing at a worship service during board meetings.

ship with the partnering national conferences, the district and provincial conferences, as well as the individual churches

which make up those conferences.

While ownership and governance will continued on page 27

Evaluation first step in redefining mission agency's relationship with churches • Evaluation will include surveys, face-ta-face interviews

O

ver the past two years, MBMS International has undergone major structural changes.

Now, the cross-cultural mission agency has commissioned an evaluation of its constituency relations and media efforts in an effort to solidify its relationships with Mennonite Brethren churches and individuals.

"We have had numerous structural changes happening over the past sever· al years," says Harold Ens, MBMSI general director. "Youth Mission International has come under the MBMSI ministry umbrella and we as an agency are moving to ownership by the national conferences in Canada and the United States. We want to be sure we are fully able to move forward in the light of these new structures."

The goal of the evaluation is to assess the agency's methods of communication.

The evaluation will consider everything from print materials and videos to missionary and staff relationships with churches to fundraising methods. An external consulting firm has been hired to design and oversee the project.

The evaluation will include mailed surveys, face-to-face interviews and focus groups with pastors and lay leaders, church members, missionaries and staff in Canada and the United States. It will measure how the constituency views MBMSI's programs, communications and services.

Ens hopes the research will reveal perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the agency's programs and how they impact the lives of constituents in their prayers, donations and volunteering to serve.

"One of the end results of the evaluation will hopefully be a new vision for how we as a church-based mission agency can better facilitate the mission vision of our churches," says Ens. "That means meeting churches' needs, communicating more effectively and helping missionaries build relationships with their supporters."

An initial meeting between evaluators and mission staff took place in late April. A written report is scheduled to be completed by September and will be processed by the MBMSI board at its October meeting.

In conjunction with the external evaluation, constituency relations and media staff have already begun envi-

sioning how to better meet churches' mission needs.

Some changes have already been made in how the agency networks with MBs in Canada and the U.S. Hiring mission mobilizers in four regional offices has been a central change. The mobilizers are the key contact between churches and the mission agency. They are located in Winnipeg, Man., Abbotsford, B.C., Wichita, Kan., and Fresno, Calif.

"We have for some time been seeking to change our communication methods, to adapt to how our churches want to be involved in mission," says Ens. "At the same time, we want to hold true to our mandate of sending long· term missionaries who plant churches through evangelism, social ministry and training of leaders.

"MBMSI has been involved in crosscultural mission for a century," Ens says. "In that time, we have built relationships with Mennonite Brethren and other Anabaptists around the world, and learned a great deal about how to do effective mission. We want to build relationships with churches where our collective vision and expertise come together to effectively accomplish the Great Commission." -MBMSI newsservice J U N E

2 0 0 0

•

25

Bom!.111

SPECIAL FORUM: PARTNERING FOR WORLD MISSION

Exploring the true meaning of partnership

BY HAROLD ENS, MBMSI GENERAL DIRECTOR

I

n 1971, Mennonite Brethren mission leaders from North America met in Fresno, Calif.• to discuss how to build true partnerships with Mennonite Brethren in other countries. Issues of how to nurture mutuality. respect and responsibility are not easily solved. and MBMS International continues to face these issues today. At meetings this April. staff and board outlined several new initiatives aimed at increased partnership with partners around the world.

A variety of tensions cloud the creation of true partnerships. Cultural and theological differences can cause misunderstandings. Our affluence as Westerners often leads to a perception of power, making us unequal partners. Sometimes one partner will make a decision according to its policies and the wishes of its members, but that decision is not acceptable to the other partner.

Solutions being defined To some degree. solutions are being defined in places like Colombia, the Congo, and India. The North American missionaries that we send to those countries report to the national conference of the country where they are ministering, as a part of that conference's ministry structure. This year Gordon and Gwen Nickel will begin serving as missionaries to Muslims in India under the direction of the India church. They are one of about a half-dozen long-term MBMSI couples currently serving under the direction of a partner conference.

In order to become true partners, we must first build deeper relationships. The greatest hope for MB mission partnership lies in the 13 other countries that have established MB conferences. We as North Americans must make a greater effort to build bonds directly to our brothers and sisters around the world.

MBMSI has also begun to tap into the human resources of our fellow MB conferences. We have administrators from Latin America, Africa and Europe who are responsible for our mission programs in their respective regions. We are seeing the tremendous benefits that come from people who have a deep tie to the culture in which we minister.

Another part of the equation is seen in workers from Japan. Germany, Colombia, Brazil and Congo who are partially funded by their own conferences but minister in another culture as part of the MBMSI mission team.

One step toward greater internationalization of mission lies in proposed changes to MBMS International's board. The recommendation that will come to the U.S. and Canadian MB conferences this summer will include appointing four board members. some of which could come from outside North America.

These appointments will be made by the eight elected members. As well. the proposed bylaws allow for ownership to be opened up to other national MB conferences in the future.

26 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

Sabbatical travels illustrate partnerships During my sabbatical this last year. I visited with leaders of the Indonesian Mennonite Church with whom we have partnered for several decades. The Indonesia church needs our prayers as they live out their Christian witness in the world's largest Muslim nation.

During my trip to Africa. I visited the Meserete Kristos (Christ the Foundation) Church in Ethiopia. When communists took over in Ethiopia, they had 14 congregations with 5,000 members. Despite government persecution. they met in cell groups and multiplied. Today Christians in the MKC have grown to 150.000 and have a strong ministry to Muslims. There are so many new congregations that the MKC needs assistance in leadership training. The MKC has invited us to partner with them and we are looking at ways to do so in the coming year.

It is a privilege to be invited to work with such a strong missional church.

While in the Democratic Republic of Congo. several other MBMSI staff and I met with the Congo MB church leaders as well as with students enrolled in their missiology school training to be missionaries. During our consultation on partnership in cross-cultural mission. we identified needs for people. prayer, administration and finances. Both MBMSI and the Congo church were challenged to contribute in these areas.

In the coming year. we will for the first time send MBMSI missionaries in partnership with the Congo MB Church. Pastor couple Masolo and Isaiko Mununga will go out as missionaries to neighboring Angola. They are being sent by the Congolese church but with joint financial support and under the supervision of the MBMSI program director.

Commitment to training leaders Last year, we completed an exhaustive evaluation of our leadership training programs around the world. As a result, the MBMSI board has approved a set of recommendations that will set the course for how we help develop leaders in the coming years.

We commit to leadership training programs that involve sharing people and resources across national. cultural and linguistic borders. This involves having our North American missionaries partner with workers from the country where they minister so that a mutual training function and accountability system is inherent in the role.

We pledge to help leaders interact and learn from other leaders through support for seminars and travel. and we will continue to share training resources and work in partnership with MB Biblical Seminary and other Anabaptist institutions.

We will continue to provide support for the production and distribution of Anabaptist materials on topics such as discipleship, peace and social ethics. evangelism. and church planting. •

130m 1.111

-Global mission agency continued from page 25 change, the memorandum assumes that for the time being MBMSI's management structure will remain the same.

The agency will continue to be headquartered in Fresno, Calif., with other administrative functions also remaining the same (i.e., regional program directors, regional constituency offices and the Youth Mission International office in Waterloo, ant.)

Financial matters The MBMSI board will be responsible for the financial management of MBMSI, including establishing the annual budget. The current policy of no deficit spending will continue and will only be altered with the approval of the partnering national conferences.

The funding of MBMSI's programs will continue as currently practiced, which means that MBMSI will continue to enjoy open access to all participating conference churches and their members

in order to solicit financial support.

Additional funding may come from such sources as grants, estates and interest earnings.

Any change in the "norm" suggested to local churches for funding MBMSI's operations must be approved by the national conferences and the national conferences will assist MBMSI in communicating the suggested funding level to the local churches.

Program policies In the memorandum, national con· ferences are asked to endorse the current program policies and procedures as outlined in the MBMSI Global Mission Guidelines 1995·2005. This to-year global mission strategy statement was adopted five years ago by General Conference convention delegates.

The guidelines state that MBMSI is committed to assisting and encouraging local MB congregations in carrying out their global mission mandate and that the agency is committed to facilitating the sending of missionary personnel from its local partner churches. Accord-

ing to the 1995 guidelines, MBMSI funding will continue to come primarily from the churches of the partnering conferences.

Any modifications to the Global Mission Guidelines prior to 2005 and/or significant new directions following that will be processed by the MBMSI board of directors with the partnering conferences prior to implementation. --eF

is accepting applications for

STEWARDSHIPI PLANNED GIVING ADVISOR This full-time position is responsible for activity in the midwest and would be based in Hillsboro, Kansas.

DUTIES:

Wanda Callahan, a "sister" or member in the Church of the Brethren, has never been one to wait for events to shape her. Rather, she has proactively sought to change her world.

Thus Callahan has spent a lifetime as activist in many areas. In pithy, direct style, this book addresses such areas, including advocacy for the poor, for women in leadership, and for prisoners on death row.

As she reports, Callahan's advocacy has often generated "Yes, but...." in response. Her passion in this book may stir more "Yes buts"-and should also generate discussion, fresh thought, and even sometimes advocacy to match hers.

Herald Press

To encourage and assist Christians throughout the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches in faithful stewardship. Specific responsibilities include planned giving, charitable estate planning, individual counseling, stewardship education and other Foundation-related activity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong interpersonal skills • Demonstrated ability to communicate • Aptitude for detail work • Willingness to learn • Christian commitment and desire to promote the rk he Mennonite Brethren .

Paper, 112 pages, $8.99; in Canada $13.49

Orders: 1 800 759-4447 ww.mph.org J U N E

2 0 0 0 •

27

Bo[wLIl [0

Workshop encourages participants to make evangelism an everyday priority • Mission USA helps fund Central District regional training sessions he Centra! Di.strict Confer~nce is encouragmg 1ts congregations to increase their members' skills and confidence in leading others to Christ and discipling new Christians through a Sonlife Ministries resource workshop titled The Everyday Commandment.

Clint Grenz, CDC minister, is enthusiastic about the workshop, which is part of a long-range strategy for renewal, evangelism and assimilation of new believers into the local church. Mission USA, the national church planting and renewal ministry, is funding those expenses related to the speakers' honorarium and travel.

Lincoln Hills Church in Sioux Falls, S.D., hosted the initial workshop April 15. "The Everyday Commandment is excellent, practical material, and it was well received by the congregation," says WC pastor Roger Engbrecht. "The trainer, Rick Rehmert, did an excellent job.

But more importantly, you could tell he really had his heart in this."

The workshop is not a program but rather a "philosophy" of doing ministry, says Philip Hagar, who along with Rehmert will be the two Sonlife certified trainers to facilitate the workshop in the various Central District congregations.

"All of Sonlife materials are based on

T

Christ's model of ministry. If our reliance is upon a method rather than the Holy Spirit as the means through which results are produced, then we are headed down a dead end road," says Hagar.

"I believe The Everyday Commandment workshop is an extremely effective tool that the Holy Spirit can use to lead our people toward understanding God's mission for their life, which is living out the balanced priorities ofJesus," Hagar says.

Engbrecht says, "The workshop helps Christians eqUip themselves in several ways to reach out to those who don't know Christ: by cultivating relationships or getting to know people, by planting which is sharing the Good News, and by reaping which is giving the unsaved a chance to respond to the Gospel message; and then helping them to continue to grow spiritually."

Engbrecht says the workshop material reinforced his congregation's mission statement which emphasizes outreach and discipleship.

Engbrecht is considering a follow-up seminar. "We scheduled this only three weeks in advance, so we didn't really have a chance to publicize it," he says.

"We are hoping to reschedule so people who attended can get a refresher course and so we can get new people to take the course."

The Everyday Commandment is one of two five-hour workshops offered by Sonlife Ministries in their Eternal CPR program

sept•• Bible fellowship Church, Minot. N.D.

,..30 am • 3:30 pm

sept. 16 New Ute Fellowship, Grant. Neb. 9:30 am • 3:30 pm ~2I

~da Church, Huron, 5_D-:As~Pastor Darren R~

9:30

o

3:30.J.m

which is designed to assist and equip Christians in developing intentional relationships with lost friends and neighbors.

Promotional material for the seminar explains that the acronym CPR is used to designate three steps in evangelism. CPR stands for "cultivating relationships with lost people, planting seeds of truth into those relationships, and reaping a response as God provides doors of opportunity."

Hagar describes evangelism as spiritual CPR. "For the person whose life hangs in the balance, the timely administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation can literally mean the difference between life and death," he says. "The ability to perform this lifesaving technique, however, lies in one's knowledge of how to effectively administer CPR." Members of CDC congregations are invited to attend the The Everyday Commandment seminar in their area. To date, three seminars have been scheduled for September. Grenz also hopes to schedule workshops in Henderson, Neb., and Rapid City, S.D. -Amelia Patrie, Leader regional correspondent

~Pontius'Puddle YEAI,\, Btn HOW !""ANY C~ORC,",E.5 00 'IOU

\<.NOW

iHA\ HAVE AN UNl\$l£t)

PHONE NOMBi.~? ...--"" ...-----~.

28 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

_

'")

130!wLIII I

New visions emerge for youth mission agency • Partnerships key to expansion of Youth Mission International

N

ew visions for short-term mission training and long-term service are emerging as a result of the 1999 convergence ofYouth Mission International and MBMS International.

New programs were proposed at April staff and board meetings that will more closely tie YMI programs with Mennonite Brethren churches and agencies in North America, as well as with church conferences around the world.

"YMI has 10 years of experience training Mennonite Brethren youth through short-term mission experiences, while MBMS International has been involved in mission in over 50 countries for the past century," says MBMSI General Director Harold Ens. "We're continuing to bring our programs together, to build vitality and long-term growth."

New short-term options Plans have begun to form a shortterm mission program for adults and families, using the discipleship model that YMI uses with youth. A resource team will train and debrief participants, to maximize their faith formation.

The qualities of short-term mission for adults and young families are similar to that of youth mission, says Randy Friesen, YMI director. "Short-term mission combines both a mission and a discipleship experience," he says. "The training camp, assignment, team life and debrief retreat encourage growth in spiritual disciplines, evangelism and team work-all valuable skills that adults and young families require as well."

Beginning in fall of 2000, Bethany Bible Institute, a Mennonite Brethren school in Hepburn, Sask., will send third-year students through the TREK program, a nine-month mission program for college-age young adults. Students will earn course credit for participating.

Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C., is also interested in providing short-term mission assignments for its students through YMI.

Discipleship for long-term missionaries Eight of the long-term missionaries being sent by MBMSI this year have experience in YMI programs. Because ofYMI's track record of training young adults for future ministry, MBMSI has decided to strongly encourage long-term mission candidates to participate in YMI for purposes of training and discipleship resource.

The MBMSI board also recommended at its April meeting that all of the agency's office staff be given the opportunity to participate on YMI assignments. The short-term mission experience, including having staff raise funds to cover their own costs, would give staff needed insight into the challenges of overseas mission.

"When a person goes on a short-term assignment, they learn first-hand what it's like to take risks and stretch themselves," says Friesen. "They get to fellowship with the global church in very real ways. We want our office staff, who may otherwise never get overseas, to share in that growth experience."

Training young leaders around world Last year, MBMSI commissioned a sweeping evaluation of the programs that train leaders around the world.

Some of the recommendations of that evaluation draw in YMI. In the future, YMI staff will serve other MB national conferences around the world that are interested in establishing similar programs. It will work through its partnership in the Global Discipleship Training Alliance, an Anabaptist related alliance of short-term mission and discipleship programs of which YMI is a member.

"We'd like to work with one new national conference every year, to help them set up their own youth mission and discipleship program," says Friesen.

"If we want to become brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to make sacrifices for each other, pray together, serve together, learn from each other. It's vital that YMI serves alongside youth mission programs around the world, so that our young people learn to be global Christians with a heart for all God's people."

-by Brad Thiessen, MBMSI director for media and communications

IN BRIEF PERFORMANCE: MB composer Larry Warkentin has written a new choral piece to be performed this month in Syria by a choir organized through Mennonite Central Committee. The Syrian Orthodox Church invited the choir, comprised of 24 members from the U.S. and Canada, to perform in Damascus during June and July to celebrate 2000 years of Christianity in Syria. Maries Preheim, professor emeritus at Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., leads the choir and commissioned Warkentin to create a piece for the event. Warkentin composed "Praising the Christ of Peace" for unaccompanied eight-part mixed voices and also wrote the text. Warkentin, a member of the Fresno Pacific University music faculty since 1966, will travel with the group and visit Istanbul, as well.

(FPU) AWARD: Ted Thiesen of Bakersfield, Calif., received the Beautiful Bakersfield Award in the senior's category in recognition of his work as a volunteer in his hometown and for the Mennonite Brethren denomination. The senior's award goes to the individual or group over age 55 who exemplifies the contributions, strengths and commitment of senior citizens.

Thiesen was recognized for his work with the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) in counseling business clients; mentoring a local fourth grader; volunteering with the U.S. Conference adult service program, U-SERV; serving with MBMS International as a Global Mission Volunteer; serving as a Fresno Pacific University trustee; and teaching Sunday school at Rosedale Bible Church.

PUBLISHED: A new book by former MB pastor and artist Lorlie Barkman has attracted the attention of both secular and Christian readers interested in Alzheimer's disease. Barkman's book, Remember, Dad?, is a poignant ride down the challenging path of care for his aging father who suffered memory loss. The book was released in November 1999 by Kindred Productions, the MB publishing house of North America. Marilyn Hudson, manager of KP, says the Ontario Alzheimer's Association has recommended that its provincial chapters use Barkman's book for both caregivers and for those suffering from memory loss. (KP)

]

U N E

2 0 0 0 •

29

130 ()) 1.11 I

IN BRIEF CONFERENCE: Plans for the annual district convention for 2000 and 2001 were announced at the Southern District Conference all-commission meeting April 2829. Regional rallies will be replaced by congregational leader's meetings to be held in various locations during September and SOC Ministry Sundays to be scheduled for October. The 2001 convention will be held Aug. 3-5 in Branson, Mo. (SDC) U-SERV: A team of U-SERV volunteers traveled to Bellingham, Wash., in April to work on the Barkley Hills Community Church facility. BHCC is a church plant supported by the Pacific District Conference and Mission USA, the MB national church planting ministry. Don Loewen, Bob Fiser and Ted Thiesen from the Rosedale Bible Church, in Bakersfield, Calif., and Lee Willems from Reedley (Calif.) MB Church framed interior walls and sheetrocked the pastor's office, two classrooms, the nursery and a heater room. (U-SERV) EDUCAnON: New church planting endeavors in Paraguay have affected enrollment at Indian Bible Institute, say Melvin and Gudrun Warkentin, MBMS International mission associates. "The 27 students come from 19 different Indian communities and five language groups, says Warkentin. "It is noteworthy that the number of Angaite and South Lengua students has increased as a result of new church planting endeavors initiated by both German Mennonite and Indian churches." As a ministry of the Paraguayan MB Conference, IBI seeks to provide stability to the growth of existing churches and to equip workers to plant new churches in areas that have no significant Christian witness. The Warkentins are salaried by Light to the Indians, the Paraguayan inter-Mennonite mission agency of German Mennonite churches in the Chaco region. (MBMSI)

MB Confession companion volume published J :J~") • Commentary and pastoral application to confession released

T

he long awaited commentary and pastoral application companion volume to the revised Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith is now available, says Michael Dick, Board of Resource Ministries executive secretary. A free copy of the 238-page book has been distributed to every Mennonite Brethren church in North America.

The General MB Conference Board of Faith and Life involved a variety of theologians (for the commentary) and pas-

tors (for the pastoral application) in writing the volume. BFL served as an editorial committee and Philip Wiebe was the general editor. In addition to the commentary and pastoral application sections, the book contains the full Confession, and the sidewalk, digest and liturgical versions of the Confession.

The commentary and pastoral application sections are meant as reference works to help congregations think through the implications and application of the Confession to everyday living.

Additional copies can be ordered from Kindred Productions for $7.95 by calling (800) 545-7322. -Kindred Productions news release

U

RATING: The American Institute of Philanthropy has rated Mennonite Central Committee among the best in international relief and development. MCC received an "A" rating for excellence from the Bethesda, Md., organization. AlP gave an A to any organization that channels 75 percent or more of its revenues to program costs while generally spending $25 or less to raise $100.

MCC spends $2 for every $100 raised and allocated 90.7 percent of its revenue towards program. MCC is a world development and relief organization supported by Anabaptist congregations. (MCC)

30 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

FPU graduates 354 The 55th graduation ceremonies for Fresno Pacific University were held May 6 in the campus Special Events Center. FPU is a Mennonite Brethren university located in Fresno, Calif.

The college commencement for the traditional undergraduate program took place that morning with about 154 students receiving degrees.

Commencement for Fresno Pacific Graduate School and Center for Degree Completion was held that afternoon, and about 200 students received degrees and certificates. Sandra Mercuri (above center with graduate faculty members Yvonne and David Freeman) received the Graduate Dean's Award.

Wilfred Martens was the featured speaker at both ceremonies. Martens, who is retiring this year from the English faculty, joined the university in 1965 and holds a bachelor's degree from Tabor College, a master's degree from California State University, Los Angeles and a doctorate from the University of Wales.

Other speakers included David Franz, college student body president; Linda Derby, CDC graduate; and Craig Cleveland, graduate school candidate. -Fresno Pacific University

LEA D E R

Be a part ofMission USA Celebrate the story ofGod's work!

In Draper, Utah, God is working! South MOW1tain Community Church is reaching its neighborhood through women's ever.ts. These women bring their families. Already 12 people have left Mormonism and joined the family of God! In Papillion, Nebraska, God is working! YOW1g people are the future of the church! Rolling Hills has purchased property! Newly married, college and career - this is how the church is being built.

In Bellingham, Washington, La Mirada, California, and Phoenix; Arizona, new churches are being formed to transform their commW1ities.

Existing churches throughout our denomination are being renewed and seeking to effectively reach lost people. God is working!

Be a part ofMission USA Come hearhow God is working!

Mission USA will be sharing the good news ofhow God is working in our denomination! Come to the U.S. Conference July 27-30 in Denver, Colorado and hear stories ofnew beginnings and renewal endeavors. You'll get quick glimpses from new church plants, emerging churches, and MetroNet 2005. Hear about outreach advances and leadership development.

God is working!

God works through healthy churches.

Mission USA is committed to assisting the church in areas ofeffectiveness and productive body life. At the Saturday session ofthe U.S. Conference, Mission USA will present a workshop on dealing with conflict in the church. Come learn how God wants His power to flow through the church to build strong commitments to one another, to mission and to Him. Mission USA is working at a new location. For information about church planting and renewal opportunities you may now reach us at: Mission USA, 333 West Melinda Lane, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85027·2926. Phone: 623-434-3301, Fax: 623-434·3299.

MISSION USA BOARD: Ed Boschman, Phoenix, P;z Chuck Buller, Visalia, CA Phil Glanzer, New Hope, MN Joe Johns. Weatherford, OK Loretta Jost, Aurora. NE Brad Klassen, Glendale. ftZ Nancy Laverty. Jones, OK

Fred Leonard, Clovis. CA Stephen Reimer, Shafter. CA Randy Steinert, Bakersfield, CA Tim Sullivan. Hillsboro, KS Gary Wall, Lodi. CA

Ex Officio Members: Henry Dick, Fresno, CA Clinton Grenz, Bismark, N.D. Bruce Porter, Fresno, CA Roland Reimer, Wichita, KS Clint Seibel, Hillsboro, KS Jim Westgate. Fresno, CA

130m LII I

NEWS FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

Baptism/membership BUHLER, Kan.-Hannes Rumpf, Cody Dick, Ryan Dick, Matt Pauls, Dustin Dick, Dylan Wray, Doug Gray, Matthew Gray, Thomas Gray, Larry Mullins, Maggie Mullins and Jacob Hodges were baptized and received into membership May 7. Doris Gray, Kelly Reed and Jolene Reed were also received into membership.

Marc Pankratz, Sharon Pankratz, Brent Wichert, Anthony Wichert, Jesselyn Heide and Janet Warkentin were baptized and received into membership and Jim Pankratz and Helen Pankratz were received into membership May 21.

GARDEN CITY, Kan.-Gary and Dana Greelee were baptized April 30.

CLOVIS, Calif. (Mountain View Community)Dick and Mary Bolster, Tony and Danica Moser, Ricky Moser, Jennifer Biggs, Andrew Lucas, Andrew Rodriguez and Paul Wagner were baptized April 16.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Rosedale Bible)-Jeff Schaefer and Eric Ueberoth were baptized April 23. Morgan Davis, Caitlin Davis, Craig Bono, Doug Eirich, and Timothy Peters were baptized April 16. Brad, Rene, Daniel and Zachary Weiss, Bethany Feil, Heather Reimer, Ben Fast and Robbie Vargas were baptized April 9.

L1T1lETON, Colo. (Belleview Acres)-Rick Virtue was baptized and received into membership April 9.

Jonathan and Alice Bartel, Charles Darrah and Brett Walter were received into membership April 2. Kay Wilhelm was received into membership March 19.

HILLSBORO. Kan. (Ebenfeld)-Kelli Just, Esther Richert and Heather Stepanek were baptized and received into membership April 2. Mike and Sonja Fisher, Tim and Sandy Jenkins and Matt and Judy Krebs were also received into membership April 2.

Proclamation GARDEN CITY, Kan.-The spring mission festival April 2 included testimonies by several individuals.

Megan Alexander shared about her summer plans touring with the Continentals, Jenny Unruh told of her plans to teach in South Korea and Marvin and Shirley Thiessen told about their recent trip to India. A potluck meal followed the service.

ULYSSES, Kan.-Special music and presentations were given April 2 by Tabor College President Larry Nickkel and his wife Elaine; Jack Braun, director of development; Steve Berg, director of alumni relations; and four TC students.

Teaching/Nurture FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-Jon Wiebe, president of MB Foundation, preached April 30. Ross Merritt, MBF field representative, presented an estate planning workshop during the Sunday school hour.

CORN, Okla.-Sunday School teachers and Awana staff were recognized April 30. Special music was provided by a Com Bible Academy men's ensemble and James Suderman, pastor for Christian Education at Fairview MB Church, preached. A meal followed the morning service.

NEW HOPE, Minn.-Jon Wiebe presented a stewardship seminar April 8-9 using the theme "Stewardship From Now to Eternity." A follow-up leadership

32 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

meeting on the Giving Project and a three hour estate planning workshop were offered. During the Sunday school hour, a seminar on financial planning was given and Wiebe preached during the worship service.

Fellowship NEWTON, Kan. (Koerner Heights)-A mother and daughter banquet was held May 13 vvith special speaker Deborah Raney. Raney is a Hesston, Kan., author and speaker on a variety of subjects including marriage and parenting.

SHAFTER, Calif.-A mother-daughter event May 12 was intended to be a relaxed and casual evening honoring mothe~articipants were even invited to wear their favorite lounge attire. The women indulged in painting their nails, made a hankie craft and had a short devotional.

change to the children's penny jars.

FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-During the Easter season, the congregation created a cross banner signifying their commitment to the Lord. Members were encouraged to bring a piece of material cut in the shape of a cross to help create the banner.

Workers VISALIA, Calif. (Neighborhood)-Chuck Buller has resigned as senior pastor.

DELFT, Minn. (Carson)-Herb and Pauline Schroeder have resigned as pastoral couple effective June 30.

YALE, S.D. (Bethel)-An installation service was held April 9 for pastoral couple Tom and Amy Cartney.

District minister Clint Grenz conducted the service.

HEW HOPE, Minn.-A women's retreat was held May 12-13 at Mount Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington, Minn. Marcy Zakeer of Bible Study Fellowship was the special speaker.

L1rrLETON, Colo. (Belleview Aues)-Jeff Werth has accepted the call to serve as pastor of outreach and discipleship. He will begin this ministry full-time in September.

REEDLEY, CaUf.-Christian Education Sunday April 30 included special music by Heritage and a mesSage by pastor Michael Trostrud. A church picnic followed the worship service.

INMAN, Kan. (Zoar)-Rob and Karen Morrow have accepted the call to serve as pastoral couple. He has been serving as associate pastor at Emmaus Mennonite Church near Whitewater, Kan. They will begin their ministry July 1.

FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-Mothers and sons were invited to attend a special event April 28 featuring a project, speaker and dessert.

MADERA, Calif.-The senior high youth group and Christian Education Board sponsored an Easter egg hunt for all ages after the morning service April 23.

Ministry WICHITA, Kan. (First)-Summer events are being planned for children of all ages. Vacation Bible school June 12-16 offers crafts, songs, games and Bible stories for children age four through second grade. During July and August, children in grades three through five are invited to morning Bible studies followed by an afternoon of fun activities including roller skating, ice skating and other sport events. Preteens will spend July and August mornings doing acts of service. A week long music camp July 10-14 culminates in a musical production to be Jiven during morning worship services July 16.

DENVER, Colo.-The Ethiopian Evangelical Church was accepted as a district congregation by the Southern District Conference April 28-29.

DRAPER, Utah (South Mountain)-Postcard invitations were mailed to several homes in preparation for Easter Sunday. There was a positive response as seen in the high attendance for the Sunday morning worship services.

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (Community Bible)-The Haven Ministries Quartet presented a concert during the moming worship service April 9 and Haven speaker Charles Morris spoke. Haven Ministries produces a three-minute radio program of teaching and music heard around the world.

GARDEN CITY, Kan.-Junior ushers shadowed adult ushers March 12 through April 2 raising money for Mennonite Central Committee'S Penny Power project. The congregation was invited to contribute loose

LEA D E R

DENVER, Colo. (Garden Park)-Steven and Catherine Johnson have accepted the call to serve as part-time pastoral couple. Steve has served several congregations in the Denver area and will serve as a bi-vocational pastor together with Glenn Balzer, who assists with pastoral care and is director of DOOR. ULYSSES, Kan.-Loyal and Rosella Martin have announced their plans to retire as pastoral couple effective Aug. 1.

HAYS, Kan. (North Oak Community)-Jeff Neher is serving as director of youth ministries. He has been involved with youth work in the congregation for the past five years.

WICHITA, Kan. (First)-Rod and Julia Zook have mad~ a one-year commitment to the church as "mis-

sionaries in residence." They have served as church plantels in Munich, Germany with MBMSI for the past 11 years.

OMAHA, Neb. (Faith Bible)-Peter Thomas has resigned as pastor. His future plans include planting a "Boomer" church in Asheville, N.C., with a focus on inner city ministry.

REEDLEY, Calif.-Nick and Michele Delgado have resigned as pastoral couple effective this summer. Delgado has been serving in student ministries BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-Associate pastor Ken Cross led the music and worship at the Hartland Christian Camp Memorial Day family camp May 26-29.

Deaths BUHLER, HENRY, Dallas, Ore., a member of the Dallas MB Church, was born Sept. 27, 1904, to Abraham and Elizabeth Martens Buhler at Dallas and died April 7, 2000, at the age of 95. On June 9, 1929, he was married to Katherine Thiessen, who predeceased him in 1989. He is survived by one son, Tim and wife

130m Li I I Judy of Dallas; three daughters, Ella and husband Art Penner of Fresno, Calif., Laura and husband Vernon Isaac of Shafter, Calif., and Gladys and husband Glenn Button of Kent, Wash.; 12 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren.

DICK, KARL VOTH. Bloomington, Ind., was born Aug. 27, 1920, to Aaron A. and Sara Voth Dick at Lustre, Mont., and died Mar. 11, 2000. He served the Central District congregations in Nebraska and Montana as pastor for more than 30 years. He was married to Evelyn, who survives. He is also survived by three sons, Samuel of Denton, Texas, Alden of Newton, Kan., and Douglas of Wichita, Kan.; one daughter, Judith Hickman of Bloomington, Ind.; 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

EITZEN. ABRAHAM B.• a member of Fairview MB Church, was born Sept. 24, 1898, to Daniel A. and Helena Bekker Eitzen near Hillsboro, Kan., and died Mar. 8, 2000, at the age of 101. On Oct. 29, 1922, he was married to Rubena Hein, who predeceased him in 1984. He is survived by four sons, Kenneth and wife Norma Jean, Wesley and wife Lauretta, Gene and wife Stella Jane, and Robert and wife Jane, all of Fairview; one son-in-law, Wes Braun of Topeka, Kan.; one sister, Helen Seibel of Hillsboro; 24 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and nine great great grandchildren.

ESAU. JUSnNA RUTH. Buhler, Kan., a member of Buhler MB Church, was bom Oct. 26, 1903, to Frank F. and Justina Wall Dick in Reno County, Kan., and died May 1, 2000, at the age of 96. On Aug. 9, 1925, she was married to Pete M. Esau, who predeceased her in 1988. She is survived by two sons, Ronald of Santa Cruz, Calif., and Frank of san Jose, Calif.; one daughter, Fern Reimer, of Buhler; one brother, Pete F. Dick of Moundridge, Kan.; one sister, Hilda Friesen of Plainville, Kan.; seven grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

ENSZ. ADOLPH BERNHARD. Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Oct. 9, 1914, to Bernhard G. and Helena Wiens Ensz at Conway, Kan., and died Mar. 27, 2000, at the age of 85.

On June 11, 1949, he was married to Mae Magdalene Huss, who survives. He is also survived by three sons, Paul, David and wife Toni, all of Reedley, and John of Grover Beach, Calif.; two daughters, Mary and husband Bradley Fast and Lois and husband Dean Parento all of Reedley; and 13 grandchildren.

FUNK, ERNA ESTHER, Corn, Okla., a member of Corn MB Church, was bom Aug. 23, 1917, to Comelius J. and Lydia Schmidt Funk near Com, and died Apr. 17, 2000, at the age of 82. She is survived by one sister, Leona Funk of Corn; four brothers, John and wife Viola of Com, Paul and wife Rosella of Inman, Kan., Dannie and wife Wanda of Olathe, Kan., and Orlando of Com; one sister-in-law, Rose Funk of Wichita; and one brother-in-Iaw, Alvin Dalke of Newton, Kan. KOEHN. EVA, Fairview, Okla., of the Fairview MB Church, was born May 18, 1913, to Henry and Eva Koehn Eck at Madera, Calif., and died Mar. 29, 2000, at the age of 86. In December 1931, she was married to Isaac Koehn, who predeceased her. She is survived by two sons, Doyle and wife Faye of Denver, Colo., and Emie and wife Norma of Fairview; two daughters, June and husband Jim Butricks of Enid, Okla., and Sylvia and husband Dan of Enid; two brothers, Harry Eck of Meno, Okla., and Lindy Eck of Enid; six sisters, Myrtle Smith and Suzanna Eck both of Fairview, Kathryn Luscombe of Helena, Okla., Mable Buller of Goltry, Okla., Clara Belle Buller of Enid, and Ella Frantz of Fairview, Okla.; 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

NEUFELD. WESLEY A., Shafter, Calif., a member

of Shafter MB Church, was born Aug. 27, 1921, to Arthur and Elizabeth Thiesen Neufeld at Dinuba, Calif. and died Apr. 8, 2000, at the age of 78. On Aug. 12, 1944, he was married to Anna Quiring, who survives.

He is also survived by two sons, Gerald of Fresno, Calif., and Ron and wife Gail of Bakersfield, Calif.; one daughter, Carol and husband Alan Whaley of Phoenix, Ariz.; three brothers, Daniel and wife Gladys of Reedley, Calif., Ray and wife Ethel of Grass Valley, Calif., and Charles and wife Verna of Kingsburg, Calif.; one sister, Clara and husband Milton Warkentin of Tuscon, Ariz., and 6 grandchildren.

RODRIGUEZ, JUDY, Hillsboro, Kan., of Parkview MB Church, was born May 8, 1938, to Paul and Florence Cowley at Muncie, Ind., and died May 4, 2000, at the age of 61. She was married to Junior, who survives. She is also survived by one son, Dwight Wilkening and wife Carlene of Hutchinson, Kan.; three stepsons, Dennis and wife Donna, Barry and wife Delberta of Kinsley, Kan.; and Douglas and wife Janieve of Herington, Kan.; three stepdaughters, Nora and husband Dennis Schaller of Kinsley, Lisa and husband Jerry Springer of Lewis, Kan., and Beverly and husband Joey Sharp of Coldwater, Kan.; two brothers, Paul Murray of Carson City, Nev., and Eddie Cowley of Merced, Calif.; two sisters Lila Minson of Fresno, Calif., and Tina Robinson of Rocky, Okla.; 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

SCHWINDT. EMMA ROSE, Fairview, Okla., a member of Fairview MB Church, was bom Sept. 17, 1915, to Henry and Emma Rose Trachsler Bergman near Homestead, Okla., and died Feb. 5, 2000, at the age of 84.

On Aug. 8, 1937, she was married to Elmer Schwindt, who predeceased her. She is survived by two sons, Kendall and wife Carol of Rogers, Ark., and Richard and wife Emagene of Topeka, Kan.; two sisters, Lena Bergman of Homestead, and Ruth Bierig of Okeene; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

WIEBE, DANIEL A., San Jose, Calif., of the Lincoln Glen Church, was born Jan. 23, 1927, to Peter and Martha Hodel Wiebe at Dinuba, Calif., and died Jan. 5,2000, at the age of 72. On June 12, 1948, he was married to Betty Friesen, who survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Beverly and husband Wes Bartell of San Jose; one son, Bob and wife Sharon of Shafter, Calif.; five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

WIENS, JOHN E.• Reedley, Calif., a member of the Shafter MB Church, was born Aug. 13, 1906, at Medford, Okla., and died Apr. 15, 2000, at the age of 93.

On Apr. 12, 1931, he was married to Emma Siemens, who survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Barbara and husband Wilbur Nikkel of EI Cajon, Calif.; one brother, Irvin Wiens; three sisters, Zelma Heier, Edna Kroeker, and Louisa Duerksen; two grandchildren and one great grandchild. •

• Columbia Bible College announces a search for its next president effective June 2001. The mis'sion of Columbia Bible College. as a teaching arm of the Mennonite Brethren and .....nnonite churches of British Columbia, is to prepare students for a life of discipleship. service and ministry in the contemporary world. Columbia's president is the chief execu1ive officer and responsible for the overall administration of the school. The successful candidate will: • Demonstrate a passionate love for God. youth and the church; • Be a visionary leader; • Be an effective communicator with strong relational skills; • Be able to lead the college through a decade of capital development; • Be a committed evangelical Anabaptist; • Have an ability to exegete today's culture from the framework of the church's mission to the world; • Have an earned doctorate (preferred); • Have significant experience in church ministry (preferred); and • Be a member of. or willing to join. a Mennonite Brethren or Mennonite Church.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements. this advertisement is directed to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Letters of application along with curriculum vitae or nominations may be sent, in confidence. to: Michael Dick, Chair. Presidential Search Committee, Columbia Bible College, 2940 Clearbrook Road. Abbotsford, BC V2T 2Z8; e-mail mbresource@bcmb.org.

The committee will begin processing resumes in summer 2000.

hoI81!'!!~THE

STEPS OF JESUS

WITH PASTOR DENNIS 8r CONNIE FAST

NOV. 17-Z7, ZOOO $Z399/per person

Includes airfare III 8 nights deluxe botel

1210 G

g lden.f:.

0

SI~I. R.aJ1ey~!!:~(g~;:~}, J U N E

2 0 0 0

•

33

!1< ll)) 1.111

Clearinghouse Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or mi . t .

Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse announcemen~:r 7.a~~~::u~ty? Have a gathering.or celebration to promote? Reach U.S. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. MB institutions announci a. For ~ds, the c~~rge IS 40. cents per word, with a $15 minimum. ng vacancies or positIon opemngs may be eligible for a no-cost announcement. Contact the editor for more information.

EMPLOYMENT-CHURCH Assistant Pastor Forest Grove Community Church of Saskatoon Saskatchewan invites applications for an assistant pastor, responsible for senior high youth. Forest Grove Church has a senior high youth group that has a current potential size of about 120 young people. We are a member of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. We believe that the successful candidate would be energetic, experrenced, VIsionary and capable of developing meaningful relationships with a shepherd's heart.

Th~ position would be part of a pastoral team WhICh rncludes, among others, pastors for junior high youth and for college and career. Resumes may be sent by mail, fax or e-mail to Youth Pastor Search, Forest Grove Community Church, 502 Webster Street, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3P9; fax (306) 249-4464; e-mail fgcc@sk.sympatico.ca. If further information is required, please contact Pastor Harry Strauss at the above address or call (306) 933-2266.

Director of Student Ministries Koerner Heights MB, a growing church of 250, needs a director of student ministries, junior high through college, who has a heart for discipleship and outreach in a community of 20,000. Send resumes to Gary Harms, Chrm. Search Committee, 14318 NW County Line Rd., Whitewater, Kan. 67154 or e-mail glharms@prodigy.net.

Pastor Grantham MB Church in St. Catharines, Ontario is seeking a pastor. The applicant should have a he~rt for discipleship and helping others develop their giftsfor mrnlstry and outreach. By effectively communICating God's word, show a desire to lead the church into a deeper relationship with Christ.

Please send resumes to Rick Wiebe, c/o Grantham MB C~urch, 469 Grantham Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontarro L2M 3J2; e-mail JWWiebe@aol.com.

Pastor of Children's Ministries Butler Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church in Fresno is looking for a qualified person to serve as pastor of children's ministries. The church is multi-cultural and multi-congregational, located in a neighborhood rich In opportunities for ministry to children and their families. For more information and/or an application, please contact the church office: phone (559) 252-3741; fax (559) 252-8059; e-mail butlermb@fresno.edu.

Pastor of Music and Worship Forest Grove Community Church of Saskatoon Saskatchewan invites applications for a pastor of music and. worship. Forest Grove is a congregation of approximately 900 with a diverse age demographic including young adults and young families

34.THE

CHRISTIAN

to seniors. We are a member of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. We beli.eve that the successful candidate would be gifted rn leadrng the congregation into the presence of God through inspiring worship; capable of leading the choir, worship teams and orchestra; able to connect worship to evangelism. Resumes may be sent by mail, fax or e-mail to Pastoral Search Committee, Forest Grove Community Church, 502 Webster Street, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3P9; fax (306) 249-4464; e-mail fgcc@sk.sympatico.ca. If further Information is required, please contact Pastor Harry Strauss at the above address or call (306) 933-2266.

Pastoral Team River East MB Church is seeking additional members for its pastoral team. Women and men with gifts in the a~eas. of pastoral care, discipling, preaching coordination and outreach are invited to apply.

Please direct inquires or c.v.'s to: Pastoral Search Committee, c/o River East MB Church, 755 McLeod Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba R2K OB8. Inquiries can also be made by calling REMB at (204) 663-5096 or through e-mail toschubert@pangea.ca.

Senior Pastor Henderson (NE) Mennonite Brethren Church is seekin~ a senior pastor. Thisyosition requires leadership skills for mobiliZing ministry In thiS congregation of 200. Applicants should have gifts for preaching and possess strong relationship building skills. Send your resume to: Pastoral Search Committee Tim Klopfenstein, Henderson M.B. Church, BOX' 400 Henderson NE 68371. Fax: 402-723-5846. '

Senior Pastor The Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church is seeking a senior pastor that can creatively lead the congregation to fulfill our vision statement: To build the Body of Christ by equipping people for Christ-like maturity and for reaching unbelievers in our community. Inquiries or resumes can be sent to Pastoral Search Committee, c/o Stan Wilson, P.O. Box 817, Shafter, Calif. 93263; fax (661) 746-1620; e-mail: ewanwils@lightspeed.net

EMPLOYMENT-CONFERENCE YMI Program Director Youth Mission International, the short-term mission and discipleship division of MBMS International seeks a full-time program director for its office i~ Waterloo, Ont.. Applicants for the position must be MB church members who are in agreement with the MB Confession of Faith. The position will proVide oversight to TREK and SOAR directors in areas of program development, assignment location and focus and training resource development; responsible for YMI human resources development; and oversee YMI related communication materials.

Responsibilities also include providing overall direction for the ACTION programs, summer ACTION coordinator, representing YMI among the MB constituency. To learn more about us, visit www.youthmlsslon.org and www.mbmsinternational. org. The position reports to the YMI director and is part of the larger MBMSI administrative team.

Deadline for applications is July 31, 2000 or until position is filled. The position will be effective Nov. 2000. Send resumes and inquiries to: Harold Ens General Director, MBMS International, 4867 E: Townsend Ave., Fresno, CA 93727-5006; phone 888-866-6267; fax 559-251-1432; e-mail harolde@mbmsinternational.org.

EMPLOYMENT-EDUCATION Assistant Principal Bethany Christian Schools (gr. 6-12; enrollment 345) invites applications for the position of assistant principal, beginning July 1, 2000. Responsibilities Include overseeing daily operations and student discipline, supervising teachers, and leading the middle school program. Candidates should possess a vision for ~hristian education and hold, or be prepared to obtain, administrative licensure in Indiana. Contact Allan Dueck, Principal, 2904 S. Main St., Goshen, IN 46526.

Phone: 219-534-2567; email: dueckak@hotmail.com

WANTED-BOOK

Senior/Lead Pastor Bethany Mennonite Brethren Church, an established multigenerational suburban congregation of approximately 400 located in Fresno, is seeking a senlorllead pastor. The church is located in a rapidly growrng area of Central California. The candidate should be strong in teaching and leadership skills and ~ave the heart of a shepherd. Previous experience IS ~Ighly deSirable in leading and working with an eXlstrng multlstaff team. Direct all resumes or inquiries to: Pastoral Search Committee, Jay Wiebe~halrman, 1902 Los Altos, Clovis, CA 93611; e-mail j-awlebe@prodigy.net. All inquiries will be held in confidence.

LEADER

Book search The Greenhaven Neighborhood Church Library is looking for a copy of A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church by John A. Toews and published by the MB Publishing House, Hillsboro, Kan., in 1975. Send information to Wilma Ewert, 2033 66th Avenue, Sacramento, Calif. 95822 or e-mail wrewert@jps.net

:

I

Are you keeping your head above water?

1you're like others, it's ea5Y to take your health for granted. Hemth is often one more competing priority in the ever-growing list. But it's an important gift to understand, maintain and celebrate. MMA is interested in supporting your efforts. We look at

managing one's hemth from a broad perspective including: living a hemthy lifestyle, practicing preventive hemth care, being prepared for major hemth care expenses, and being a wise health care consumer.

Free guide: Order the free booklet, Honoring thegift ofhealth, through your local MMA representative, through our Web site or call us. We can help you discover stewardship solutions for your life.

1-800-348-7468 www.mma-onUne.org

InI --

r.-.1

M M A®

.:

.~~ St.".,."" ~ Solutions

An MMA commitment to helping

people become better stewards

EDITORIAL

Tit nombre levantare

C

onnie Faber, the Leader's associate editor, recently shared an experience with me during one of the many phone calls between our offices. In visiting with a good friend during the time around the funeral of the woman's mother, Connie learned that the two of them were related.

"Now when I see her, I feel differently about her," Connie says. "I feel more connected to her."

Like a typical journalist, however, Connie's insight didn't stop at the personal level.

"I started thinking, this is why people should come to the MB convention in July. Once you know you're family, you look at someone differently."

I think she's right.

Connie's experience is not unlike those I've had attending churches and conferences as editor of the Leader. Recently, I visited Immanuel Evangelical Slavic Church in California and La Grulla MB Church in Texas. I didn't know a word of either of the languages spoken in these churches. I wasn't sure what kind of experience it would be.

But a funny thing happened. At Immanuel Evangelical, the congregation began singing "How Great Thou Art." At La Grulla, it was "I Lift Your Name on High." Suddenly, the barriers seemed to slip away. While the people around me sang in Russian or Spanish, I sang in English. Later, often through a translator, I heard their struggles and dreams. A connection began to form. Though we spoke different languages, we were part of the same family. I felt like I was home.

Now, when I hear about these congregations, I see individual faces instead of a church name. I feel more connected to them.

There are many faces in our conference. I wish everyone could see the things I've seen, meet the people I now know.

I've watched Mary Elizondo, a Mennonite Central Committee worker and MB church planter in central California, cuddle the two-month-old infant of a woman who spoke no English and had fled Mexico because her family would go hungry a week at a time. I wasn't surprised when I learned that Karen Huebert Sanchez and her husband are taking their family to Thailand for 10 years with MBMS International, because Karen has one of the greatest passions for the lost I've ever known.

Then there's Loyal Funk, our U.S. Conference minister, who spends many days on the road working and struggling side-byside with our immigrant and ethnic brothers and sisters. Or Jean Janzen, an MB poet whose exquisite poems melt my spiritual and physical lives into beautiful word pictures. The list is never-ending.

It's not hard for many of you to name someone like this in your own church. But there are people like this in the MB 36 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

church down the road, a state over, across the country and the world-in almost every local MB church. And because we have a structure like the U.S. Conference, with just a little effort, we can get to know each other-we can get to know our family.

But why should this matter? Why should we reach out beyond the immediate family of the local church?

Like Philip Wiebe says ("Smart Investments" on page 4), we can do more together than we can alone. One church alone cannot minister to the world. Together we can do more.

• In south Texas and Mexico there is heart-wrenching poverty-too overwhelming for one church to face. But a group of young people from across North America gather at La Grulla every year and then travel into Mexico with Youth Mission International, an MB short-term youth mission program under MBMS International. Together we can do more.

• In Utah, a state dominated by the Mormon religion, there is a great need for Christian churches. Planted through Mission USA and in cooperation with Pacific District churches, South Mountain Community Church has grown to an attendance close to 200 since 1998, baptizing 21 people so far. Together we can do more.

• When Washington, Barkley Hills Community Church needed work done on its facility, volunteers from churches in California framed interior walls and sheetrocked rooms through U-SERV, an adult volunteer service program. Again, together we can do more.

There is an unending supply of examples of what we do together as district and national churches.

But beyond the tangible ability to get more done to fulfill the Great Commission, there is another benefit.

When we come to know each other-be it through the pages of the Leader, a regional event, a district gathering or ministry or a national convention-we are changed. We can no longer look at each other as strangers. What hurts one pains the other. What one dreams, the other envisions. Paul tells us that the body of Christ "should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it" (1 Cor. 13:25-26). When we come to know each other, we truly become the family of God. And there is strength in that. Scripture tells us, "Two are better than one.... A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (Ecc. 4:10, 12). This is a strength that enables us to stand stronger together in a world that is darker than we know. A strength to shine brighter in a world of pain and suffering, a world that longs to know God. For this, 0 Lord, I lift your name on high. Or, as they say at La Grulla, til nombre levantare. -CA