June 2004

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INSIDE JUNE

FIRST WORDS

2004

••• from the editor

Every other year, U.S. Mennonite Brethren gather to take care of family business. Part of that business is to simply enjoy one another's company and to remind ourselves why we are related in the first place.

The stories we will hear from our hosts at South Mountain Community Church of Draper, Utah, and sermons from convention speakers will surely remind us that it is our relationship to Jesus Christ that gives our family meaning and purpose.

We will do some work while we are together. Delegates would do well to bring along tool belts since the business sessions will focus on recommendations that Significantly revamp several ministries. Action will be taken on a recommendation to remodel the structure of the U.S. Conference and on recommendations from MBMS International regarding funding and vision and mission of the cross-cultural mission agency.

The Board of Faith and Life is asking delegates to discuss two topicsbaptism and church membership and an international confession of faith.

Just as families gather to celebrate the accomplishments of their members, the 2004 convention will honor members of our Mennonite Brethren family. Loyal Funk, who this summer will complete his work as Integrated Ministries director, will be recognized and the 50th anniversary of MB Biblical Seminary will be celebrated. Convention goers will also meet ministry staff members who are new to their asSignments since the family last gathered in 2002. Topping that list are MB Biblical Seminary President Jim Holm who will give a keynote address and Chuck Buller, U.S. Conference executive director.

This issue of the Leader includes the three recommendations and the international confession of faith draft as well as brief reports from all U.S. Conference boards and denominational agencies. Readers may wonder why we devote the majority of an issue to this material. Historically the Leader is the vehicle by which delegates receive preconvention materials. While this method of communicating with delegates is a tradition in our conference, it is not the norm among other denominations.

Given that few Leader readers attend the convention, over the next two years we will be exploring other options for getting this information to delegates. But even for readers who do not attend the biennial convention, this information is valuable as you consider the ways in which your own household and local MB congregation ministers with others in our Mennonite Brethren household of faith.

Given the number of board, commission and agency reports we have to publish we gave our columnists the month off and are including an abbreviated news section. Bodylife continues the convention focus with a proille of U.S. Conference moderator Rolando Mireles. Other news stories come from our colleges and seminary as well as MBMS International and Mennonite Central Committee.

May God bless our efforts to do ministry together as Mennonite Brethren locally, regionally, nationally and around the world.~

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• JULY 21-23, 2004-National pastors' convention, Salt Lake

City, Utah • JULY 23-25, 2004-U.S. Conference convention, Salt Lake

City, Utah • JULY 25-26, 2004-55-Plus Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah Printing by Valley Offset Printing, Valley Center, Kan.

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INSIDE JUNE

2004 CHRISTIAN

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Convention 2004

Makeover: MB Edition Delegates meeting next month in Draper, Utah, will be approving-or redrawing-plans to remodel several Mennonite Brethren ministries.

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LEAnER VOLUME 67, NUMBER 6

Recommendation: U.S. Conference structure

22 Recommendation: MBMSI relational funding 24 Recommendation: MBMSI vision and mission 14 For Discussion: International confession of faith 6

Board and Commission Reports 6 Board of Church Ministries 10 Integrated Ministries 10 Historical Commission 11 Peace Education Commission 11 National Youth Commission 12 Board of Communications 13 Board of Faith and Life 16 Board of Trustees 18 MB Foundation 17 Board of Mission USA 19 Kindred Productions 20 MB Biblical Seminary 21 MBMS International

EDITOR Connie Faber NEWS WRITER Myra Holmes

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Nadine Friesen GRAPHIC DESIGNER Elaine Ewert

BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, chair; Peggy Goertzen, Reggie Hunt, Phil Neufeld, Moises Tagle, Dalton Reimer MANDATE: The Christian Leader (lSSN 0009-5149) is published monthly by the Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. 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 dialogue so members will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelical/Anabaptist theological tradition.

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EDITORIAL POLICY: 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. Scripture references are from New International Version unless otherwise noted. The editors invite free-lance article submissions. A SASE must accompany articles.

READER PARTICIPATION: The editors invite readers to share their thoughts and opinions on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church using letters to the editor and Forum essays. Letters to the editor should be brief - 300 words or less - and on one subject.

Letters must be signed and include the writer's city and state. Letters will be edited for clarity, appropriateness and length. Letters will be published, as space allows, unless marked "Not for publication." Forum is open to members or attendees of Mennonite Brethren churches. Essays should not exceed 800 words, and should include the writer's name, address, home church and occupation.

DEPARTMENTS What Readers Say . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25 Bodylife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 • Mireles: Reluctant but effective leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 26 • MB schools graduate 550 students ... .... .. .. . . .. . .. 28 • Displaced families given seeds, tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 30

In Brief .. ......... ...................... .. . .. 31 Church News & Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Editorial .. . . ............. .

36 • Remodeling our house

COMMUNICATION: All correspondence, including change of address, should be addressed to the Christian Leader, Box 220, Hillsboro, KS 67063.

Phone: (620)947-5543. Fax: (620)947-3266. E-mail: christianleader@usmb.org.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Rates: $16 for one year, $30 for two years and $42 for three years ($20, $38, $54 in Canada); $1 .50 per copy.

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Christian Leader, Box 220, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, Kansas.

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PREVIEW

Mennonite Brethren attending the 2004 convention would do well to come equipped for the task, as they are being asked to revamp the way we do ministry in the u.s. and around the world. egates be oing business in a construction zone, to an gend packed with ministry remodeling p jects and sched ule that includes several new additi ns. tio convention will be held July 23-25 disllosteclb South Mountain Community Church of Draper, Utah.

Blueprints and the appropriate tools are helpful in any remodeling project and this issue of the Leader provides readers with information pertinent to the decisions being made in Utah. This issue includes the full text of the three recommendations on which delegates will act as well as a proposed international confession of faith. Short reports from U.S. Conference ministries are also included; full reports will be distributed at the convention.

Remodeling plans One ministry being remodeled is the U.S. Conference itself. The Board of Church Ministries restructuring recommendation calls for a single leadership board and is a staff-driven model. Ten years ago, as denominational leaders planned for the birth of a new national focus on church growth and renewal to be known as Mission USA, a similar model was considered and subsequently put aside in favor of continuing with the multiple-board model. The recent decision to dissolve the binational General Conference and to divest its ministries to the national conferences prompted U.S. leaders to look again at a new form of governance. This time around the notion of one "super" board drew the strong-if cautious-support of denominational leaders. It comes to the delegates as a unanimous recommendation from BCM. Delegates will also take action on two recommendations from MBMS International, the cross-cultural mission agency of North American Mennonite Brethren 4

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churches. Of the two recommendations, the proposal to revamp the current funding model has drawn considerable discussion since it was first proposed almost two years ago. In late 2002, MBMSI published a draft of the recommendation. It was discussed with local church and Canadian and U.S. conference leaders, posted on the MBMSI Web site and highlighted at district conferences. Based on feedback it received, MBMSI revised the recommendation and is submitting a revised draft to delegates.

Historically, local MB churches have funded a general MBMSI budget and the agency has allocated these funds to support workers and projects. Under the proposed relational funding model, missionaries will be sent and projects initiated only when a team of churches and supporters has fully committed to supplying the

CONVENTION

needed funds. MBMSI hopes that by connecting its workers more closely to the churches, both financial support for and interest in global missions will increase.

An "extreme" makeover?

Conference leaders involved in developing these recommendations point out that while the recommendations do change how MBs do cross-cultural missions and national ministry, they do not alter the commitment to growing the church and discipling believers in the U.S. and around the world. In other words, these recommendations do not represent an "extreme" makeover.

But just as growth and change in a family prompt many home remodeling projects, conference leaders say changes in the MB family necessitate these recommendations. They point to changes in giving patterns, a shift in the way MBs volunteer their time and talent to ministry and the divestiture of the General Conference as significant factors. And while impetuous decisions hamper some remodeling projects, these recommendations have been on the drawing board for considerable time.

Delegates will also review a proposed international confession of faith and hear reports from national boards, MB ministries and inter-Mennonite agencies. A dinner honoring the ministry of Integrated Ministries director Loyal Funk and another recognizing MBMSI general director Harold Ens as well as a 50th anniversary celebration for MB Biblical Seminary are also being planned. Vaughn Jost of Hillsboro, Kan., who led worship at the most recent national MB youth convention, heads the convention worship team comprised of Southern District Conference musicians.

Convention "additions" Remodeling projects often include adding a new room to the house. The 2004 convention schedule includes not one but two additions. Prior to the convention, the Board of Faith and Life is hosting the first ever Pastors' Conference with speakers Jim Holm, Ted Haggard and Leith Anderson and musical guest BeBo Norman. Coincidentally, at the U.S. Conference convention 12 years ago Anderson and Holm also shared speaking duties. Anderson will also give two keynote addresses during the convention. Worship during the Pastors' Conference will be led by a team from South Mountain and Shadow Mountain Community Churches. The host church is providing childcare and youth activities for the Pastors' Conference as well as the national convention.

The first ever 55-Plus Conference, planned for after the convention, will feature speakers from the Mennonite Brethren family, including Katie Funk Wiebe and Chuck Buller, and the Bethany Four Quartet. 55-Plus Conference hosts Roland and Lois Reimer of Wichita, Kan., are also hosting a July 22-28 bus tour for senior adults that

PREVIE\V

leaves from Central Kansas.

There is another sense in which the 2004 convention is similar to a home-remodeling project: members of our MB family are hosting us in their house of worship. It has been almost 20 years since a local MB church has hosted the U.S. Conference convention. Since 1986, when the convention went to an every other year schedule, the convention has been held at a convention center or hotel. The 2004 convention will be hosted by one of the newest and fastest-growing congregations in the U.S. Conference. South Mountain was planted in 1998 as a joint project of the Pacific District Conference, Mission USA and Laurelglen Bible Church of Bakersfield, Calif. In six years, South Mountain has grown in attendance from 40 to 700. The congregation meets-as will convention delegates-in a 20,000 square-foot warehouse facility.

The congregation, led by Paul Robie, has also planted a daughter church, Shadow Mountain.

Convention goers are asked to register by July 1.

Blocks of rooms are being held until June 21 at several Draper hotels. Registration and hotel information are available from the U.S. Conference office by calling (620) 947-3914. Registration can be done on-line using the ''July 2004 Convention" link at www.usmb.org.-Connie Faber

fin infJitation On behalf of all our Mennonite Brethren churches, I invite you to come and celebrate the continuing faithfulness of God at work in our local church, district conferences and national ministries and entities. Let us all come together to worship God under the white-capped Rocky Mountains of Utah hosted by the South Mountain Community Church in Draper. We pray that every church will send its delegates and pastors to be challenged with our theme "Living the Call." Come, as we will be having our first National Pastors' Convention, U.S. Conference Convention and also our first 55-Plus Convention. The Lord is doing great things within our denomination and we invite you to come and participate in these gatherings to rejoice and worship the Lord. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised! Come!

BleSSings, Rolando Mireles U.S. Conference Chair

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Board of

Ghurch Ministries

Responsibilities • Give vision and direction to the U.S. Conference • Provide spiritual oversight and encourage leadership development • Coordinate ministries of USC boards

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he Board of Church Ministries has been blessed this year with a special group of gifted men and women who have faithfully given vision and direction to our conference. These past two years BCM has seen God at work in the following areas:

Hiring of new executive director Chuck Buller was hired to help give vision and direction to our conference. His leadership has been very instrumental and it has been a blessing to see him become a visible U.S. Conference representative our churches. One of his main tasks has been to help BCM create a structural proposal to better meet the needs of our conference and to help it become a more efficient tool to do God's work.

Structural revision proposal A task force was formed to work on a structural proposal.

The proposed structure includes a U.S. Conference Leadership · Board of nine members chosen biennially in convention. It will have an executive committee that will set agenda for meetings of the Leadership Board. Additionally, there will be six members chosen to manage the functions of the Trustees, _ Faith and Life, Communications and Mission USA. This Leadership Board will serve as the governing body of the U.S. Conference. The proposal also includes an Institutional Board Summit consisting of the conference executive and the authorized representatives of MBMS International, MB Biblical Seminary, MB Foundation, Tabor College and Fresno Pacific University as well as the district ministers and district chairs. Project teams will be formed at the request of the staff and the executive committee and with the approval of the Leadership Board.

Other staff issues Don Morris was appointed as the new director of Mission USA, effective Sept. 1. This past year Connie Faber was also appointed as editor of the Christian Leader. Oversight of the administrative position currendy held by Donna Sullivan changed from the MB Foundation to the U.S. Conference executive director, effective Jan. 1, 2004. We praise God for the opportunity of having Don, Connie and Donna become part of our conference staff. Loyal Funk will retire in July 2004 after serving for many years within our conference as our Integrated Ministries director and as our interim conference executive director.

Working with and creating a realistic budget

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Board Members Rolando Mireles, chair, lAMB rep.

Rio Grande City, Tex. Steve Prieb, vice chair Topeka, Kan. Don Morris, secretary Weathetford, Okla.

Dale Boese, BOT, Salem, Ore. David Reimer, Past chair Reedley, Calif.

Board Members John Quiring, CDC rep.

Hampton, Neb. Nick Rempel, SOC rep.

Buhler, Kan. Don Dorman, PDC rep.

VISalia, Calif.

James Fox, NDC rep.

Lenoir, N.C. Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, BOC Kingsburg, Calif.

Lynn Jost, BFL Hillsboro, Kan. Loretta jost, MUSA Aurora, Neb. Ken Neufeld, MBF Fresno, Calif.

Bill Loewen, MBBS Wichita, Kan. Dennis Fast, MBMSI Reedley, Calif.

Staff Members Chuck Buller, Executive Director Loyal Funk, Dir. of Integrated Ministries Donna Sullivan, Administrative secretary

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One of the steps taken this biennium was to spend only what came in. To make this possible and to avoid budget deficits at the end of the year, BCM proposed budget cuts for every U.S. Conference board. Our goal was to make an $86,000 reduction in our total budget. Each board made budgets while still having the task of continuing to carry on their ministries. We praise God that this was successful. Part of Chuck Buller's work has been to help us share the vision of our conference with everyone he meets and to solicit prayers that God will provide for our ministries and far beyond our present needs.

REPORTS

from Tabor College, Rick Bartlett from MB Biblical Seminary and Tim Neufeld from Fresno Pacific University to serve as co·chairs of the National Youth Commission and the next

Transition of U.S. Conference treasurer We praise God for the many wonderful years Dale Regier from Hillsboro, Kan., served as our conference treasurer and we were sad to see him go this past year. Words cannot describe the many gifts Dale provided to the financial stability to our conference, for which we are very grateful. But we were also happy to see him called to ministry with MBMS International; he, his wife and son are serving in India. We celebrate God's calling of Dale and the BCM appointment of Don Dorman to serve as our interim treasurer. His gifts have also been a valuable asset to our conference. For the upcom· ing year, BCM will hire a CPA firm in Hillsboro to fulfill that function.

Youth Event The largest gathering of MBs occurred at the YMCA in Estes Park, Colo., where over 1,600 high school students and sponsors participated in Estes '03. There was an overwhelm· ing response to a call to commitment. Attendees gave an offering of $15,000 for the youth center project in Lenoir, N.C. BCM has affirmed the appointments of Wendell Loewen

Board of Church Ministries members visit informally during the fall 2003 meeting.

'!hank you ...

In anticipation of our convention in Utah, I simply want to thank those of you who have served the U.S. Con· ference well in this past biennium. These have been two years marked by Significant change. Thankfully, God does not change. Yesterday, today and for all of eternity we can depend on his constant nature of love and mercy.

Through his son Jesus Christ we discover the ministry of reconciliation that begins with our own and then extends to the people we meet and serve.

It is a privilege to serve our denomination at such a time as this. As we consider the opportunities before us and the changes in structures, personnel, budgets and programs they require, we do well to remember that God knows the future of the Mennonite Brethren church. It is remarkable that God considers us his kingdom partners and it is a humbling honor to serve you as we serve him together.

Chuck Buller Executive Director JUNE

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Rec,,,,,,,,,,tl,lfi,,,: U.S. t,n/,,,ne, SI,,,cI,,,, Our Mission is to be a growing and healthy evangelicaVAnabaptist denomination that seeks to Task Force Members glorify God by serving Christ and his church in its mission of evangelism and discipleship (Matt.

Lynn Jost 22:37-40; 28:18-20).

Don Morris Nick Rempel Our Vision is to define growth and health as consisting of numerical increase of churches, bibChuck Buller lical faithfulness, organizational efficiency and financial stability (Col. 3: 12-17).

Our Intent is to be an organization that does not duplicate the services of other MB institutions. We want to give specific leadership to those ministries that our conference has uniquely called and equipped us to perform [e.g. the Christian Leader, Mission USNIM, confessional leadership, etc.] (1 Cor. 3: 5-9).

u.s. MB CHURCHES I

u.s. CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP BOARD 9 Members At Large Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary Members at Large -------------------------------------------------

Annual reporting from: MBBS, MBMSI, MBF

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I Executive Director I I

Annual Institutional Board Summit

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Leadership BdExec MBMS International MB Biblical Seminar MBFoundation District M'misters TaborC ollege Fresno Pac'ificUniv.

(CEO's and chairpersons or authorized representatives)

I Editor/Admin. Secretary/Accounting/Director of Mission USNIM

I

Projects: Magazine/Conf of Faith/Convention/Church Planting/Church Renewal!Integrated Ministries Project Teams: Editoria1!fheological!Historical!Mission/Renewal!Integrated Ministries/lnternational Committe of MB

Strategy: Communicate

Commit

Celebrate

Extra Fundraising Additional Projects: Website/Church PlantinglPastor's Orientation!Pastor's Conference/Estes Agencies: Mennonite Central Committee/Mennonite World Conference/National Association of Evangelicals

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narra';", summarlJ Leadership Board The u.s. Conference Leadership Board will be chosen biennially in convention. It will consist of nine members.

Three executive members (chair, vice chair and secretary) should represent an appropriate balance among the districts. Additionally, there will be six members chosen to manage the functions of the Trustees, Faith and Life, Communication and Mission USA. The nine members of the Leadership Board will include at least four members from west of the Rocky Mountains and four members from east of the Rocky Mountains. Initially, we will ask the Leadership Board to organize itself in two and four year terms to fit a proper rotation cycle of biennial conventions resulting in terms not exceeding four years. After two years off the Leadership Board, any individual may be renominated for any number of four-year terms in four-year on/twoyear off cycles. In addition, the executive director will serve as a nonvoting member of the Leadership Board and will be accountable to this board.

Leadership Board members must be members in good standing with a U.S. Conference MB church. They should have leadership gifts with interests in one of the three ministry foci of the U.S. Conference: communication, faith and life and Mission USN!ntegrated Ministries. They should be willing to give primary energy to this assignment, regardless of other commitments and to prioritize the ministry of the u.S. Conference in their service.

Leadership Board functions 1. Meet at least twice per year and considered the conference in interim 2. Establish the priorities and values of the u .S. Conference biennially 3. Hire and hold accountable an executive director to facilitate and implement these priorities and values 4. Authorize the creation and functions of new staff positions and authorize all hiring

5. Set budgets and hold the organization to principles of financial health and accountability 6. As necessary, serve as functional boards of Trustees, Faith and Life, Communication and Mission USA and respond to the reports, recommendations and requests of the staff, project teams and all interested constituents 7. Serve as the legal governing body of the u.S. Conference

Comments With our Canadian brothers and sisters, as co-owners of MBMS International and MB Biblical Seminary; we will continue to refine the organizational relationships to promote our shared denominational objectives for these organizations.

Any model needs to respect the authority and mutual accountability of these organizations to allow them to accomplish the mission given them by the conferences.

The Leadership Board will continue to ask each organization for an annual report with additional biennial reporting at the convention.

Similarly, ties to MB Foundation will be nurtured to facilitate its stewardship goals and vision. To this end, we will continue to ask the MB Foundation to report to the Leadership Board and the convention like MBMSI and MBBS do. Our dealing with MB Foundation must always respect the special relationships and obligations of that entity to its investors and business regulatiOns. Executive Committee This committee (comprised of the chairperson, vice chair, secretary, and executive director) will: 1. Organize the agenda and meetings of the Leadership Board, ensuring at least two annual meetings; 2. Convene and facilitate one annual meeting of the Institutional Board Summit and bring appropriate issues from this meeting back to the LB;

3. Establish a nominating committee consisting of the executive director, the district ministers and the secretary of the conference; and 4. Plan and coordinate the biennial convention.

Institutional Board Summit The Institutional Board Summit, consisting of the conference executive and the authorized representatives of MBMSI, MBBS, MBF, Tabor College and Fresno Pacific University as well as the district ministers and district chairpersons, will meet annually for mutual encouragement, support and opportunity to raise significant agenda for the U.S. Conference.

Project teams and interagency board appointments Project teams will be formed at the request of staff and the executive committee with the approval of the Leadership Board. The budgets for these project teams would be set annually by the LB in consultation with staff.

These teams will work at projects with definitive roles and timelines in keeping with perceived needs such as: • ICOMB participation • Editorial input on the Christian Leader • Faith and life issues • MUSA and 1M initiatives such as church planting and health, leadership development, and global mission connections with the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren • Historical commission work • Youth convention • Biennial convention • Church conciliation services • Mennonite World Conference representation • Mennonite Health Services representation • Mennonite Mutual Aid representation • Mennonite Central Committee representation

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Integrated Ministries

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his is a time of transition for Integrated Ministries and for myself as director. When the Board of Evangelism called me in 1988 to do this work, my instructions were to focus on immigrants to America. The massive influx of new immigrants in the late '80s from the former Soviet Union, Asia, Ethiopia and south of our border dictated the focus. little did any of us know how the Lord would bless the vision to minister to immigrants in our land.

I made initial contacts with Slavic and Hispanic people with some trepidation. God, by his Holy Spirit, blessed these contacts with abundant grace and this ministry grew beyond expectation. We currently have some 40 Slavic churches in our district conferences, 16 Korean congregations and 10 Ethiopian churches and smaller numbers in other Asian groups. On a typical Lord's Day over 40,000 people attend Integrated Ministries churches. This reflects the international character of u.s. Mennonite Brethren churches. A passion for their countrymen is a strong conviction of all 1M churches. Many 1M congregations have planted new churches in their countries of origin. One

estimate suggests that well over 100 new churches have been planted in this way.

Originally funding beyond the conference budget was needed for this ministry. A cadre of people known as Evangelism Partners largely funded this ministry for the first decade and offered intercessory support for it.

When the U.S. Conference began working with immigrant people, this new work was dubbed Mission USA When the Board of Church Ministries initiated a parallel ministry to do church planting and renewal and called it Mission USA, the immigrant ministry was assigned the name Integrated Ministries. At this convention it is proposed that the two parallel tracks merge under the name Mission USA After 16 years of ministry with immigrant people, I say thank you for the privilege of this stewardship. The hundreds of friends and co-workers in 1M churches have truly enriched our lives. My wife Nancy and I move forward with the finn belief that God will enable others to lead and enrich this ministry beyond what has already transpired.Loyal Funk, 1M director

Historical Commission

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ur world is Simultaneously one in which the past seems to be increasingly irrelevant and one in which the past increasingly dominates and determines the course of events.

We need to understand our past, draw from its resources and chart the course for the future based on a broad understanding of our own past as well as the past of those whom we seek to reach with the good news.

The Historical Commission is focused on fostering such awareness among Mennonite Brethren. We work as a binational body together with the archival centers in Hillsboro, Kan., Fresno, Calif, Abbotsford, BC and Wmnipeg, Man., to achieve this with very limited staff and financial resources. Following the resignation of staff member Paul Toews in the summer of 2003, the Commission was without staff until March 2004. Thanks to the efforts of commission members and other volunteers our work continued, including publication of the Profiles bulletin insert series. The commission is currently reviewing several manuscripts for publication including Part III of We Recommend, a compilation of General Conference recommendations from 1975 until its 2002 dissolution.

The International Committee of Mennonite Brethren has invited the commission to develop a pro10 • THE CHRISTIAN

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posal for a Mennonite Brethren history project to be completed for the 150th armiversary of the founding of the Mennonite Brethren Church to be celebrated in 2010. The product might take various forms (e.g., book, electroniC, video, brochure, etc.). If ICOMB and the Commission ratify this project, considerable time and energy will be devoted to it in the next several years.

The Historical Commission is currently reviewing its mandate and attempting to determine priorities for the coming years in the light of the many changes that have taken place in our U.S. and Canadian conferences. We are convinced that there is a serious need to awaken and nurture a greater awareness of our Staff Abe Dueck, Executive Secretary spiritual roots. As we welcome people Commission Members from many backPeter Klassen, chair Fresno, Calif. grounds into our Ken Reddig family, we have a new Winnipeg, Man. opportunity to focus Abe Friesen Fresno, Calif. on the opportunities Linda Huebert Hecht that our rich spiritual Waterloo, Onto heritage presents to Don Isaac Hillsboro, Kan . bring wholeness in a Bruce Guenther fragmented world.

Abbotsford, B.C.

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Peace Education Commission

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he mission of the Peace Education Commission is to promote biblical understandings and practices of peacemaking in our interpersonal relationships, families, churches, organizations, communities and world.

Annual activities include the promotion of Peace Sunday in our churches each February and helping to shape the January Commission Members "peace issue" of the Dalton Reimer, chair Christian Leader. The Fresno, Calif.

Don Isaac Hillsboro, Kan. Sam Resendez Del Ray, Calif.

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January 2004 peace issue focused on "Mending our contlicts," with particular

he national youth conference project team has already begun planning for a 2007 conference. The upcoming youth conference is a quadrennial gathering of Mennonite Brethren youth from across America, including different ethnic groups from every district of the U.S. Conference. With this conference comes a change in the leadership structure of the event. Each of the three M.B. educational institutions have prOvided a representative to form the project team: Wendell Loewen of Tabor College, Tim Neufeld of Fresno Pacific University and Rick Bartlett of M.B. Biblical SemiCommission Members nary. Each of the instiWendell Loewen tutions will sponsor Tabor College the event and will 400 S. Jefferson Hillsboro, KS 67063-1799 oversee a specific 620.947.3121 xt 1074 component critical to WendellL@tabor.edu the planning and Tim Neufeld facilitating of the conFresno Pacific University ference. The team has 1717 S. Chestnut Fresno, CA 93702 been formed with the Phone: 559-453·2093 guidance and affirmatimneuf@fresno.edu tion of the Executive Board of the U.S. Rick Bartlett MB Biblical Seminary Conference. Within 4824 E Buder Ave the next two years the Fresno, CA 93727 559.452.1779 committee will be rlck@ministryquest.com broadened to include

attention to conflicts in our churches.

The Peace Education Commission also encourages participation in other activities such as the Basic Institute in Conflict Management and Mediation offered by the Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies at Fresno Pacific University, the Mennonite Brethren sponsored university in Fresno, Cali£ Though not an official activity of the commission, the chair of the commission was recently (March, 2004) the key resource person at an inaugural workshop of the new Center for Peace Studies established by the India MB Church, thus providing at least an informal peacemaking link between the U.S. Conference and the India Conference.

National Youth Commission representatives from each of the districts in the U.S. Conference. The planning is only in its initial stages with the primary agenda revolving around the date, location and type of conference. Inquiries can be directed to commission members.

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, Board of

ommunications

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Responsibilities

ometimes people travel around the world and return to find the treasure they were seeking in their own backyard. After conducting a wide-ranging search to replace editor Carmen Andres, the road led us right back to associate editor, Connie Faber. On the Leader staff since 1994, Connie is now interim editor, providing muchappreciated continuity and maintaining a quality magazine under financial constraints. Our thanks and appreciation to Carmen, who last April completed four and one-half years as editor. She ably led the magazine through technological changes and fiscal challenges and brought a media-savvy and personal tone to the content.

• Facilitate communication among the churches and people of the U.S. Conference • Assist USC and churches in utilizing communications resources • Publish the Christian Leader

Getting into your heads We know what you're thinking-at least a little better than we did before. Last convention we gave a preliminary report from our 2002 readership survey. Since then we've conducted a focus group project where people from our three largest districts told us what kinds of information they need in conference communication. Here are a few of the insights we have drawn from these two research projects: * You appreciate a balance of the Leader's three emphases: news, feature stories and opinion. You read all three types of material in roughly equal proportions; * You trust the Leader-over 90 percent feel the magazine is fair and objective; * The Leader is increasing 'in its influence among you spiritually, in daily living and on contemporary issues; * You want information that highlights and strengthens our common beliefs as MB's, but allows for discussion and dissent; and * You want to learn from the way in which other churches are ministering.

Connie will consider these and other factors as she shapes the Leader for its next era. BOC has also shared the research results with the Board of Church Ministries and has encouraged the conference to use it to develop a comprehensive communication strategy.

Carrying on The restructuring proposal does not include a standing Board of Communications, but we are pleased that Connie plans to use the project team feature to establish an adviSOry board to partner with her in carrying on our work.

12 •

THE

CHRISTIAN

LEADER

Board Members Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, chair Kingsburg, Calif.

Harold Loewen, member and chair through 2003 Carpenter, S.D. Phil Neufeld, secretary Denver, Colo.

Peggy Goertzen Hillsboro, Kan.

Reggie Hunt Boone, N.C.

Dalton Reimer Fresno, Calif

Moises Tagle MiSSion, Tex.

CONVENTION

REPORTS

Board Members Lynn Jost, chair/SDC rep., Hillsboro, Kan. J Edward Epp, CDC rep., Henderson, Neb. Valerie Rempel, PDC rep.

Fresno, Calif.

Position vacant, LAMB rep.

Position vacant, NCC rep.

Ex-officio Members Roger Engbrecht, CDC minister Ron Braun, SDC minister Gary Wall, PDC minister

C

reated in 2000, the Board of Faith and Life has used three primary vehicles to accomplish its responsibilities.

We cooperated with the Canadian Board of Faith and Life in a study conference regarding baptism and church membership that was reported on in the Leader and Direction journal. We anticipate conversation about the topic in a business session at the summer convention.

Pamphlet series We are publishing a pamphlet series that gives a brie~ thoughtful summary of the Mennonite Brethren understanding of such issues as baptism, gambling, inviting children to the Lord's Supper, premarital sex, homosexuality, Anabaptism, peacemaking, divorce and remarriage and media choices. This material has been adapted from a similar series published by the Canadian BFL.

Responsibilities • Lead the church in thinking carefully about biblical truth • Identify important current issues that concern God's church and world • Foster conversation • Guide the family of churches to find unity

Pastors conference We are sponsoring a National Pastors Conference that precedes the national convention to gather our pastoral leaders for a time of renewal and re-creation. We will think together about the way in which our traditional theological influences-pietism, evangelicalism and Anabaptism--continue to shape our understanding.

Thinking together The work of faith and life is shared with district ministers and district BFLs. Though districts are responsible for the task of pastoral leadership credentials, we seek to coordinate the process. We also seek to give counsel regarding such difficult issues as sexual ethics among church leaders.

We are learning to work together internationally on confessional integrity. At the convention we invite conversation regarding a proposal for an international confession of faith.

The text of that proposal follows on page 14-15.

There are issues in our world today that are very significant and difficult. The violence in Iraq grieves all, especially those who follow the Lamb of Peace. We seek ways of communicating our unified witness to Christ's victory over violence.

God's call for justice demands that we find a way of giving witness to God's way in the face of racial discrimination, unequal accumulation and use of resources, skyrocketing medical costs and threats to wholesome family life. As a church we must determine how to talk together about the way the Gospel addresses these difficult problems.

JUNE

20 0 4

•

13

CONVENTION

REPORTS

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_ _ _ _ _....J

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE of Mennonite Brethren addressed the question ''What do Mennonite Brethren around the world believe?" in 1997. In 2001 ICOMB commissioned a seven-member confession of faith task force to write a summary of MB convictions. Task force members from Asia, Africa, Europe, South America and North America met and surveyed existing confessional materials and considered the primary questions that MBs face worldwide. The international team produced a two-part document.

Part one addresses the question "How does God work in the world?" with a narrative of God's creation, the fall and God's re-creation. The story of God's actions represents an Asian and African approach to theology. Part two answers "How do MBs respond to God's purpose?" by describing five core values regarding the church. The task force presented the first draft of their work to ICOMB in 2002 and were directed to circulate the revised draft to all 17 national boards of faith and life and to the conference periodicals.

The task force met in 2003 to consider suggestions from the national conferences. To further refine the confessional proposal, the task force invites MBs worldwide to submit their responses to task force members. The purpose of the common confession is to guide national conferences in formulating confessions specific to their own cultures and to define MB positions for national churches that have inquired about joining the MB church.

Part 1. How does God work in the world?

God, the sovereign Lord of all, created the heavens and the earth through his powerful word. God made humans, male and female, in the image of God to live in fellowship and to be stewards of creation.

Humans abused their freedom by rebelling against God in disobedience, which resulted in alienation 14 • THE CHRISTIAN

LEADER

and death. In the rebellion against God's rule, the evil powers of Satan, sin and death, claimed control of the world.

God, the Deliverer, acted to establish a covenant people, beginning with Israel. God purposed to form the covenant community to live in relationship with God, to experience God's blessing and to serve as a light to all nations.

Through the prophets, God communicated his law and purposes, expressing that God is forever faithful, just, righteous, with a father's tender mercies and a mother's compassion. God promised the hope of a new creation.

God the Father sent the Son, Jesus Christ, to the world, born of the virgin Mary. Jesus inaugurated the reign of God, proclaiming repentance from sin, announCing the release of the oppressed and good news to the poor and calling disciples to follow his way as a new community. Jesus responded to the violent evil powers by taking the cross in order to die for the sins of the world and to reconcile creation to God. Jesus gained victory over sin, death and Satan as God vindicated Jesus by raising him from the dead and exalting him to God's right hand where he intercedes for the saints and rules forever.

At Pentecost, God sent the Holy Spirit, who had acted in creation, in empowering the prophets and in inspiring the Scriptures. Through the Spirit, God established the church, the body of Christ, to proclaim God's reign and to give witness to the new creation. The Spirit is poured out on all that receive Christ, baptizing them and sealing them for redemption as God's children. All who believe and confess Jesus as Lord are born anew into Christ. Believers are baptized by water into the new covenant community in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. By grace they are saved through faith to

Task Force Members Arthur Duck, Brazil Menno Joel, India LynnJost, U.S. Heinrich Klassen, Gennany Pascal T. Kulungu, DR Congo

Takashi Manabe, Japan Alfred Neufeld, Paraguay live out God's peace and love in the face of opposing circumstances.

The church is God's new creation, an agent of transformation called to model God's design for humanity. The people of God call everyone to repentance and conversion, seek to promote righteousness, are faithful in suffering and share generously with those in need. They act as agents of reconciliation to reverse the alienation brought on by sin. In the Lord's Supper the church proclaims the Lord's death and celebrates the new covenant.

The new creation will be completed when Christ returns. All who belong to Christ will rise with a new body while Satan and those who have rejected Christ will face eternal condemnation. The new heaven and new earth will live under God's rule in everlasting peace and joy.

Scripture references: Gen. 1-3; 12:1-3; Exod.6: 68; Ps. 8; Isa. 49:6; Jer. 9:23-24; 31:31·34; Hos. 2:19·20; Matt. 4:17; 25:46; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 4:18-19; John 3:16; Acts 2; Rom 8: 1 Cor. 11:2332; 12:13; 15; 2 Cor. 5:17-6:2; Eph. 1:13-14; 2:810; 6:10-12; Col. 2:12·15; 1 TIles. 4:13·5:11; 2 Tun. 3:16-17; Heb.7:25; Rev. 21-22.

Part 2. How do Mennonite Brethren respond to God's purpose?

The Mennonite Brethren church is rooted in the Anabaptist movement of the 16th century Reformation, a movement that sought to recapture the faith and life of the New Testament church. The MB church was born in 1860 within the Mennonite renewal in Russia. World mission and migration have produced a church that circles the globe. As a worldwide MB fellowship we commit ourselves to be a people of God. People of the Bible The Bible is the authoritative Word of God and the infallible guide

CONVENTION for faith and life.

• Worldview. The Bible provides the framework for our understanding of the world.

• Interpretation. Our interpretation is Christ-centered. We read the Scriptures with a New Testament perspective. The person, teaching and life ofJesus Christ bring continuity and clarity to both the Old and New Testaments.

• Community of interpretation: Every believer is encouraged to seek to understand the Bible in order to discern God's will for obedience.

Since the Holy Spirit is present and active in all believers, we read and interpret the Bible and its demands for today's life in community.

Scripture references: Ps. 1; 19; 119; Matt. 5·7; Luke 24; 27; 44-49; Heb. 1: 1-2; Acts. 2:42; 15:1-29; 17:11; Col. 3:1-4; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; 1 Pet. 1:10-12.

People of a new way of life

By God's grace the Holy Spirit calls people to a new way of life through conversion, discipleship and ongoing renewal.

• Conversion. Christian conversion begins with new birth and always involves a deliberate personal commitment. As Christians we are called toturn • from a broken relationship with God to a personal relationship with the true God, • from bondage of sin and past mistakes to freedom, forgiveness and healing.

• Discipleship. In Christ salvation and ethics come together. As Christians we are called • to tum from individualism to interdependence with others in the church, • to prove ourselves faithful to the life and teachings ofJesus in everyday life.

• Renewal. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, testifying that we are God's children, offering continual renewal and cleansing in order to empower for a life of witness and service.

Scripture references: Isa. 43: 1; Mark 8:34-38; John 1:12-13; 3:5-8; 14:15·16,26; Rom. 8; 1 Cor. 4:2; Col. 3:1-4; Titus 3:3-7.

People of the covenant community In the church, the covenant com-

REPORTS

munity, believers commit themselves to worship together, to pray as Christ taught us, to fellowship and to care for one another.

• Believer's Baptism. People from all cultures, nations and languages who are willing to follow Jesus as obedient disciples confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and are baptized by water into the fellowship of the church. The Mennonite Brethren church baptizes by immersion.

• Lord's Supper. In the supper the church identifies with the life of Christ given for the redemption of humanity and proclaims the Lord's death and resurrection until he comes. This supper of remembrance expresses reconciliation, fellowship, peace and unity of all believers with Christ.

• Accountability. The church interprets God's will, discerning what is right and what is wrong. All believers hold each other accountable for a Christ-like walk of faith. The purpose of accountability is to heal and restore through repentance and not punish or condemn. The church excludes those who consistendy disregard discipline.

• Priesthood of all believers. The Spirit of God gives all believers gifts for service to build up the body of Christ. The church discerns the call of God and confirms servant leaders who equip people for ministry.

Scripture references: Matt. 16: 13·20; 18: 15-20; 28:18-20; Acts 2:37-47; Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 11:23-32; 12-14; Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 2:12-13; Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Pet. 2:9-10; 4:10-11.

People of reconciliation Jesus came announcing the Kingdom of God. The mission of Jesus was to reconcile humans with God, each other and the world. The church is called to participate in God's mission.

• Mission. Christ has commissioned the church to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all his commandments. Jesus teaches that disciples are to love God and neighbor by telling the good news and by doing acts of love and compassion. Since Jesus is the only way of salvation, the evangelistic imperative is given to all believers.

• Peace witness. Peace and reconciliation are at the heart of the Christian gospel. Jesus calls the community of faith to be peacemakers in all situations. We believe that peace with God includes a commitment to way of reconciliation modeled by the Prince of Peace. As Christians we are called to tum • from lifestyle choices that harm us, to choices that nurture wholeness, healing, joy and peace; • from hating enemies and ignoring neighbors to showing love and justice to all.

• Family. God blesses singleness, marriage and family. God calls all people to live a sexually pure life. Marriage is a lifelong covenant commitment of one man and one woman.

Godly parents instruct their children in the faith. The church nurtures family life and makes every effort to bring reconciliation to troubled relationships.

• State. God has given the state the responsibility to promote the wellbeing of all people. Followers of Christ respect and pray for government authorities but resist the temptation to give the state the devotion that is owed to God. The primary allegiance of all Christians is to Christ's kingdom and his global church. In each state and society Christians cooperate with others to defend the weak, reduce strife, care for the poor and promote justice, peace and truth.

Scripture references: Matt. 5-7; 22:34-40; 28:18-20; Luke 4:18-19; 10:25-37; Rom. 12:1713:10; 2 Cor. 5: 17-6:2; Eph. 2: 5; 21-6:4; 1 Tim 2:1-6; Jam. 2; 1 Pet. 2: 21-25.

People of hope The church belongs to the inbreaking kingdom of God. The citizens of the kingdom model an alternative community, challenging godless values of this world's cultures.

The people of God join in the struggle for justice, yet are prepared to suffer persecution knOwing that sin, guilt and death will not prevail. Confident in this hope, the church engages in mission until the Lord returns, empowered by the certainty that God will create a new heaven and a new earth.

Scripture references: Matt. 5: 10-12; 10:7; 13; 24-25; Mark 1:15; 13; Luke 17: 20-37; 21: 5-36; Titus 2:11-14; Rev. 21·22.

JUNE

2004

•

15

CONVENTION

1.' Board of

7-'7!ustees

REPORTS

' Board Members Dale Boese, chair Salem, Ore.

Responsibilities • Manage all legal and financial affairs in behalf of the confer· ence

16 •

THE

T

he U.S. Conference Board of Trustees reports these highlights from July 2002 through July 2004 .

• Completed divestiture documentation of Gen· eral Conference to U.S. Conference.

• Accepted resignation of Dale Regier as U.S. Conference treasurer effective August 2003.

• Appointed Don Dorman of Visalia, Calif, as interim U.S. Conference treasurer until Convention 2004.

• Adopted U.S. Conference honorarium policy as follows : "All honorariums received by U.S. Conference employees or volunteers for services during the course of employment or volunteering for the U.S. Conference shall be the property of the U.S. Conference. These honorariums shall not be consid· ered taxable income to the employee or the volunteer and shall be credited to the budget of the board responsible for reimbursing expenses corresponding to said event."

• Recommended to Board of Church Ministries that the current budget be under spent. In preparation for our Sep· tember 2003 BCM meeting, the treasurer informed the trustees that he was projecting an $85,772 budget deficit. BOT recommended to BCM that the current budget be under spent. BCM, at its September 25-27, 2003 meeting, adopted the trustees' recommendation and agreed on line item under spending to balance the 2003-2004 budget.

The board would like to thank the constituency for their faithful financial commitment to the U.S. Conference. Treasur· er Dorman is projecting that the 2003-2004 budget will be bal· anced.

CHRISTIAN

LEADER

Daryl Toews, vice chair, Lustre, Mont.

Terry Hunt, secretary North Wilkesboro, NC

Robert Dick Topeka, Kan .

Angel Flores Grulla, Tex.

Staff Don Donnan, interim treasurer Donna Sullivan, bookkeeper

CONVENTION

REPORTS

Board Members LorettaJost, chair Aurora, Neb. Bill Loewen, vice chair Wichita, Kan. Steve Schroeder, secretary Bellingham, Wash.

Skip Suess Ferndale, Wash.

Nancy Laverty Jones, Okla.

James Fox Lenoir, N.C. Rod Anderson Papillion, Neb. Joe Johns Weatherford, Okla.

Steve Reimer Shafter, Ca!i£

Exoffido Clint Seibel Tabor College Tim Neufeld Fresno Pacific University James Westgate MB Biblical Seminary Ron Braun, SDC interim minister Roger Engbrecht CDC minister Gary Wall PDC minister

M

ission USA places priority on the vision of Mennonite Brethren to emphasize evangelism in the context of church planting, church renewal and leadership development. We are celebrating the completion of our partnership with The River in Phoenix in May. Our partnership with The Heart in Broken Arrow, Okla. will continue for one more year. Other projects we have been involved with include a renewal project in North Carolina, exploring a potential church plant in the Central District and several internships. Looking to the future, we have begun the process of transitioning Integrated Ministries to Mission USA and this spring Don Morris was appointed the new MUSA executive director. We support the vision and call to ministry expressed by Morris and look forward to his leadership.

Responsibilities • Encourage, facilitate and coordinate renewal and reproduction in existing churches • Plant new churches • Develop leaders for existing and new MB churches

Shift in implementation The past two years have also been a time of transition and refocusing for Mission USA. While our vision will not change, we antiCipate shift in the way it may be implemented. MUSA is one entity among many others that prioritize evangelism and church planting, renewal and leadership training. District church planting boards now take the lead in new projects.

Our mission organizations and institutions have added and enlarged programs that engage young people in miniStry opportunities. Where districts, institutions and organizations currently have programs and staff in place to promote mission, we will encourage and assist, as we are able and invited.

Increased emphasis Areas of increased emphasis for MUSA will be church renewal and ethnic ministries. When church planting was prioritized in MUSA's early years, we anticipated that increased efforts in church health and growth would follow. As part of renewal, we will encourage existing churches to plant churches. We will also be open to leading and partnering in church planting as God gives opportunity and resources.

In the process of making changes, we want to dedicate ourselves anew to God's purposes. As the U.S. Conference experiences change, Mission USA will also change. Together we have asked God to give us wisdom and direction. As we meet in Draper, we ask that you join the conference in decision making that will forward the purpose of God. We also ask you to celebrate with us what God has done and continues to do through your involvement in Mission USA.

J U N E 2 004

•

17

CONVENTION

REPORTS

Board Members Ken Neufeld, chair Fresno, Calif.

Lynn Schneider, vice chair

M

Responsibilities • Encourage and assist Christians in faithful stewardship of their God given resources to benefit themselves, their families and the ministry of the church

Huron, S.D.

E. James Eons, secretary

B Foundation and MB Loan Fund exist to help individuals and ministries deploy their financial gifts in service to others.

MB Loan fund 2003 was the inaugural year for MB Loan Fund. Through MBLF, we are able to share our resources and make loans available to churches and ministries in our conference family.

Our investment accounts (formerly known as Trust Deposits or Ministry Investment Funds) are now fully registered as securities in 12 states. We welcome your investment in a Demand Certificate (1.50 percent variable), Advantage Certificate (2.25 percent variable) or a three year Term Certificate (2.75 percent variable).

These certificates provide the funding for our $31 million loan program. We are grateful to over 500 investors that share their resources for the benefit of others. Each investor has other investment alternatives, but they choose MBLF so they might help our churches and conference lninistries.

Often, these loans are to churches that are unable to find capital elsewhere. But other times, they are to strong, healthy ministries that have their choice of a variety of lending institutions. These ministries choose MBLF because it gives them an opportunity to use their gifts to serve others in the MB family.

MB Foundation At MB Foundation, we have the unique opportunity of working with MBs from every walk of life that are interested in benefiting a wide variety of ministries. The common thread that holds them all together is their interest in using the gifts they have received to serve others. At the end of 2003, we had 144 life income arrangements ($8,965,467), 120 endowments ($17,835,961) and 229 other donors utilizing our services to give gifts to others.

MB Foundation and MB Loan Fund work with investors, borrowers, ministries and donors "so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:Ub).

18 • THE CHRISTIAN

LEADER

Fresno, Calif.

Robert Dick,asst. secretary Topeka, Kan. Reginald Boothe Wichita, Kan. Dan Ray Fresno, Calif.

Marvin Reimer Buhler, Kan.

Staff Jone. Wiebe President/CEO Jack Braun Planned Giving Advisor Susan Fast Staff Account Kim Kroeker Bookkeeper Ross Merritt Planned Giving Advisor Joel SooHoo Treasurer Susan Vogt Bookkeeper

CONVENTION

REPORTS

.~

Kindred Prod

Staff: Marilyn Hudson, manager Elenore Doerksen Shelly Loewen

Board • Former General Confernce agency now owned and operated by Canadian Confernce • u.S. Conferences has preferred customer status

C

hanged ownership but a mandate that remains the same. These are the parameters that we have been working within since divestiture two years ago. We value our connections in the U.S. and are working to make these connections stronger and more relevant.

Responsibility • Resourcing people for Christ like living and ministry

Dil Bibel Five years of planning, translating and refining resulted in the complete Bible in Low German published in 2003. Kindred worked in conjunction with the United Bible Society on this translation project. Today some 2,500 people in Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Belize and Germany have a copy of the Bible in their mother tongue. It is' estimated that there are over 350,000 Low German speaking people in these countries.

Bible study series Other new resources released in the last two years include the Luminaire Studies book on John tided God Among Us by Ray Bystrom, and A Gospel for a New People: Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Herb Kopp. Luminaire Studies are a layperson's commentary designed for the discerning reader and student of Scripture. The studies are usable for personal or group study.

Eight new units in the Word Wise adult-through-the-Bible study series were published. We have been gifted with many talented pastors and lay writers. Collaboration is being done with representatives from the U.S. and Canada to access adult Bible study needs in our churches and how we meet them.

DiSCipleship has guided much of our decision making and activity. To that end we have produced the brochure Description of a Growing Disciple which lists six qualities that should be increasingly evident in a maturing Christian's life. Another brochure lists some study materials related to each quality.

Being with jesus, a devotional book based on these six qualities, will be released in early summer.

We continue to expand the products we have to offer, often supplementing what we publish with quality resources from other publishers. Restructuring has changed somewhat how we do things but Kindred Productions remains committed to help you with all your resource needs. We are only a phone call or e-mail message away. Let us know how we can partner with you in meeting your resources needs.

JU N E 2 0 0 4

•

19

CONVENTION REPORTS

Board of Directors Cal Bergen, chair Winnipeg, Man.

Bill Loewen, vice chair Wichita, Kan.

I

n 2005, MB Biblical Seminary will celebrate 50 years of Mennonite Brethren theological education. Reflecting on the gifted men and women who have passed through our campuses, we can say that as a denomination we have taken seriously the equipping of servants for the church and that God has blessed our efforts.

Enrollment 2003-04 MBBS-Fresno 189 Students • 55 Mennonite Brethren MBBS-ACTS 64 students • 42 Mennonite Brethren MBBS-Winnipeg 17 Students • 5 Mennonite Brethren

Winnipeg, Man.

Mark Isaac Newton, Kan.

Kae Neufeld Edmonton, Alta.

Chuck Buller VISalia, Calif.

JackFalk Victoria, BC

The challenges we face

Steve Goossen

Each era provides a new context in which we must redefine our role, methods, language and relationships. In April, the seminary celebrated the beginning of a new era with the inauguration of Jim Holm as the seventh president.

The MBBS board has defined three priorities for the current presidential term. The first is to develop a fresh vision and strategy for a new era. What kinds of graduates do our constituents want? What kind of seminary facilitates the training of those graduates? How do we help our alumni minister effectively?

The second priority is setting the seminary on a path toward financial vitality. In 2002, both the Canadian and U.S. Conferences decided to no longer guarantee an annual subSidy. Churches still support the ministry of MBBS, but without the guarantee we all have to work more intentionally at the relationship.

The third priority is the implementation of a governance structure that takes into account the new ownership arrangement between Canada and the U.S., three campus locations and a constituency that stretches across two countries.

Neil Janzen

An encouraging present Over the past few years, we have seen over 80 percent of our graduates placed in the career for which they prepared.

This is a sign that our degree programs are relevant to the needs of students and the churches, agencies and workplaces in which they seek to serve.

More than 20 different denominational groups are represented in our student body. In the last few years, the EpiSCOpalians and the Presbyterians in central California asked us to train their pastoral leaders. Their students take our classes in addition to special training that they offer.

The calling of new pastors for our MB churches has arisen as a critical need. Two years ago the Lilly Foundation supplied a grant to help the seminary nurture churches that nurture future leaders. We are beginning to see the fruits of this in our Hearing the Call and Ministry Quest programs.

20 • THE CHRISTIAN

Bill Fast

LEADER

Dinuba, CaJ.i{ Winnipeg, Man.

Leland Kleinsasser Huron, SO

Dawn Penner Kitchener, Ont.

Ron Penner Abbotsford, BC

Faculty and Administration Jim Holm, President James N. Pankratz, Academic Dean, Assoc. Professor of Mission and World Religions Linda Bowman, Chief Financial Offi· cer Doug Berg, Associate Professor of Leadership Studies; Associate Dean (MBBS-ACTS) Mark Baker, Assistant Professor of Mission and Theology Ray Bystrom, Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministries Delores Friesen, Associate Professor of Pastoral Counseling Tim Geddert, Associate Professor of New Testament Pierre Gilbert, Associate Professor of Old Testament, MBBS - Winnipeg; Bruce Guenther, Associate Professor of Church History, MBBS - ACTS Jon Isaak, Assistant Professor of New Testament Nzash Lumeya, Associate Professor of Mission and Old Testament Kevin Reimer, Assistant Professor of Marriage, Family and Child Counseling Valerie Rempel, Assistant Professor of History and Theology; Associate Dean (Fresno Campus) Ron Toews, Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies, MBBS - ACTS James E. Westgate, Associate Professor of Practical Studies

CONVENTION REPORTS

MHM51nternati Board Members Dennis Fast, chair Reedley, Calli

Ike Bergen, vice chair Abbotsford, B.C.

Delores Friesen, secretary Fresno, Calif.

Paul Bottom Grant, Neb.

David Dyck Edmonton, Alta.,

Joan Godard Saskatoon, Sask.

Randy Long Reedley, CaIi£

Jean-Marc Miller Montreal, Queb.

Russell Schmidt Lawton, Okla.

Rudy Siemens St. Catharines, Ont.

Senior Staff Harold Ens General Director

Tim Bergdahl Dir. of Long Term Ministries

Randy Friesen Dir. of Short Term Ministries

Ron Penner Dir. for Personnel Services

U.S. Admin. Staff Darren Duerksen Jason Egli Nzash Lumeya SajiOommen Shelly Spencer MikeThtzy

I

t is a privilege to serve on the board of MBMS International. As we come to the end of the first full biennium since the completion of the General Conference divestiture, we believe global mission continues to be part of the essential fabric of North American Mennonite Brethren ministry. The continued support we experience across the denomination attests to this.

As you read this report I trust you will sense a strong anticipation about the future and a hope for growing effectiveness in global mission as we work together. Please look closely at our new mission statement and vision statement. I believe you will catch our desire to remain connected and get a picture of our plans to strengthen the connection between agency and local church.

Within MBMS International, the missionaries-both long and short term-are our most valuable assets. Our desire is to continue to promote an atmosphere, in partnership with our churches, that sends, equips and supports these men and women in their participation in the mandate of Christ, "to make disciples and plant churches globally." -Dennis Fast

Responsibilities • To work with Mennonite Brethren churches to make disciples and plant churches

General Director's Report This July I'm coming to the end of my 12 plus years of service as general director for MBMS International. In the decades of the 60's, 70's and 80's, I had served in other mission roles as an MK teacher in Colombia and Congo, longterm missionary in Panama and regional program director for Latin America and Iberia. Through each of these decades, I have often had reason to rejoice as God turned major challenges into wonderful opportunities for mission.

MBMS International's mission Our mission since the beginning has been to form new communities of disciples in the cross-cultural context. We have revised our mission statement to more clearly reflect that priority: In response to Christ's Great Commission, MBMS International works with MB churches to make disciples and plant churches globally.

MBMS International's vision Our theme for 2004-2005 describes the way we approach our task in global mission-"Making a Difference Together."

One of the great strengths of our denominational mission agency is our sense of family. Through most of our history, MBMSI has served as a catalyst to bring together our local,

JUNE

20 0 4

•

21

CONVENTION national and global Mennonite Brethren families in mission. That was our strength when we were formed in 1900-to implement the common mission vision of a handful of churches in Canada and U.S.-a vision to plant MB churches in India. Those early efforts led to over a century of ministry in that country that today has our largest member of the global family-a conference of 800-plus congregations in which some 400,000 men, women and children attend worship.

Recommendation We are asking our conferences to affirm a new MBMS International mission statement. The text of that statement follows this report.

Funding for relational mission MBMS International is building greater financial sustainabilityby • evaluating and optimizing the size and roles of its administrative staff; • affirming relational mission so that mission efforts are a product o~ and supported by, local congregations; • affirming all forms of financial support, whether to the agency's general fund or to specific missionaries and projects; and

REPORTS

• improving its reputation for excellence, thoroughness, flexibility and integrity.

Recommendation We are asking our conferences to affirm the approach to funding outlined in the proposal following this report. The proposed funding model addresses the general fund, designated giving, administrative costs and missionary, staff and ministry project support. It also calls for the development of missionary support teams and provides for a transitional period between the current model and the proposed model.

Continuing dialogue We look forward to a wonderful time of interaction with the delegates present at the convention in Draper. The full text of the two recommendations in this report will be sent to each of our churches bye-mail for preconvention review. They will also be available as handouts, along with a full financial report at the convention See theJuly itself. We invite anyone who may have Witness questions, suggestions or is just wantfor our annual ing more information to contact their MBMS International area office by call- global ministries report! ing 1-888-866-6267. - Harold Ens

ll,c,mm,,,tlafi,,,: mBmSJ ,,,,,di,,, ", "tali,,,al missi,,, OVER 100 YEARS AGO, A GROUP OF DELEGATES FROM Mennonite Brethren churches met together in Buhler, Kan. The desire to send out missionaries to the unreached Telegu people of India was burning in their hearts. Their vision was to have their own agency to facilitate such sending and thus MBMS International was born to be a catalyst for the growth of that vision. In the decades that followed, the vision to begin mission work in China, in Congo and in Colombia emerged from within the constituency.

The mission board was asked to facilitate that vision in each case.

The board of MBMS International is grateful for the support of the local churches through prayer, financial giving and the sending of their members as missionaries over the past century.

Today the India MB Conference has over 100,000 baptized members in over 800 congregations. The Colombia Conference has joined with us in cross-cultural mission by sending three couples to serve on MBMSI teams outside of their own country. Others among the 18 established MB conferences have begun to send missionaries as well. The International Committee of Mennonite Brethren has emerged as a platform for global fellowship and partnership within our family of faith ..

We desire to renew our commitment to serve the churches through relational mission. We want to be a catalyst for greater direct involvement. Therefore we recommend to the convention the adoption of the funding model described below. We believe it

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will serve our churches, our missionaries and our partners well in the coming decade as we seek to revitalize the relationships that are at the core of our denominational mission efforts. During this transition, some aspects will be implemented immediately, while others will become fully operative over a three to five year period.

ONE: Maintaining a general fund As we transition out of the present "Core - CorePlus" model toward a unified budget, we will need to maintain a "general fund" that is available to provide flexibility and back up support.

Local MB churches are encouraged to leave at least 25 percent of their contributions to MBMSI undesignated.

Rationale: Having a general fund will allow our board and staff to move quickly in response to new opportunities, to back up the support of missionaries who may be temporarily lacking in designated support, to conduct needed research and to help cover basic administrative costs. In addition to undesignated gifts from churches and individuals, this fund will also receive some income from endowment earnings and from administrative fees.

TWO: Increased involvement through designated giving Each local church is encouraged to increase their mission giving and direct involvement beyond tl\eir undesignated giving in at least three of the follOwing areas: • Relate more directly with one or more long-term MBMSI missionaries by giving a significant amount of deSignated financial

CONVENTION support, along with regular prayer and communication.

• Develop greater connection with the ministries of our overseas partners by giving significant designated support for one or more partner ministry project(s) as described in our annual MBMS International Giving Guide.

• Send out a group of people from your church for ShortTerm ministry through MBMS International and in connection with long-tenn ministries. The funding of such teams can be raised through additional designated giving.

• Enlarge connections with the global MB family by supporting ICOMB and its ministries through MBMS International.

Rationale: Mission vision and giving can grow as churches become more relationally connected with the people and ministries they are funding. If a church chooses to still give all of its mission dollars undesignated, MBMSI will use those funds to support missionaries and projects that have an urgent need and will seek to be a catalyst for growing relationships between the church and the ministries being supported.

THREE: Single category of MBMSI funded missionaries All missionaries serving through MBMSI and supported through our budget will be placed on our compensation plan and funded primarily through designated giving. All approved ministry projects of our partners and missionaries will also be placed in our unified budget and funded primarily through designated giving. Salaried MBMSI staff will be asked to develop designated funding relationships that cover 25 percent or more of their support package.

Rationale: Since all missionaries serving with MBMSI should fit within the strategic mission vision of our churches and since all missionaries will develop a relational funding base, the two-class system of Mission Associates and Core workers has become confusing and is no longer helpful. New missionaries going out in joint appointment with another agency would be fully MBMSI supported and seconded to the other agency during the period of overseas service only. Asking administrative staff to seek some designated funding for their own support as well as to assist in developing funding sources for projects will enhance the relationship model for the entire program.

REPORTS

Rationale: Strong MST's should assure that those applicants called by God and supported by their membership church should be able to enter missionary service. MTI will be expanded to cover not only cross-cultural orientation and agency poliCies but also to provide training in building a relational funding base. Having adequate funding in place prior to departure will help to assure an effective first term.

FIVE: Adequate provisions for transitions Current missionaries and ministry projects that are now funded mostly from the general fund will be transitioned to full designated funding over a three to five year period. Current Mission Associates whose compensation is currently handled by a different agency will also be given at least to the end of their current term to make the transition. Current MKs who are funded primarily through employment overseas will be considered "vocational missionaries." Any funding for them from North America would be considered designated project giving.

Rationale: Current personnel and program support that has been provided by the general fund will need to be transitioned to the relational model over a period of time in order to avoid loss of effectiveness. For missionaries, this transition would normally cover two "MINA" periods during which the needed funding relationships can be built.

SIX: Administrative fee on designated gifts Fifteen percent of designated gifts for long-term missionary support and 7.5 percent of designated gifts for ministry projects will be assigned to the general fund.

Rationale: These assessments are a reasonable administrative fee to help cover the costs of our overall agency operations.

FOUR: Training and missionary sup-

port teams MBMSI area directors will work with each missionary applicant and their home church to develop a Missionary Support Team prior to final approval as missionary candidates. Approved candidates will complete a one to three month Missionary Training Institute during which they are fully prepared to develop support and serve as MBMSI missionaries in this model. Cash for the first three months of support needs and pledges equal to full support for the first term must be in place prior to departure for overseas service.

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CONVENTION

IN RESPONSE TO CHRIST'S GREAT COMMISSION, MBMS International works with Mennonite Brethren churches to make disciples and plant churches globally. The future that MBMS International will work toward in the next three to five years is that the agency be: A catalyst for churches MBMS International serves Canadian and U.S. Mennonite Brethren churches so that they can be active participants in longterm and short-term mission. We do this by • Helping congregations discern their unique role in global mission, in relation to their overall vision, and providing resources that help congregations fulfill their vision and goals for global mission.

• Encouraging relational mission that places churches and missionaries in the center of global mission work. We partner with churches and missionaries to develop ministry strategies, financial support, prayer networks and call people into both longterm and short-term service.

• Vision: Congregations calling their members into longterm mission service (of church planting through evangelism, social ministries and leadership development). Target: Help 20 percent of Canadian and U.S. MB churches send a member into long-term mission service.

• Vision: Congregations financially supporting long-term missionaries. Target: Help 50 percent of Canadian and U.S. MB churches develop a support relationship with at least one longterm missionary.

• Vision: Congregations involved in short-term ministry that disciples its participants and furthers spreading the Gospel globally. Target: Help 50 percent of Canadian and U.S. MB churches send at least one short-term team, preferably to a region that fits with the church's long-term mission involvement.

A catalyst for partners MBMS International is committed to greater integration with the vision of MB Conferences, agencies and schools. We will nurture our mutual understanding of partnership in mission through study and dialogue with our partner conferences around the world. We will also facilitate, empower, and encourage the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren for greater involvement in church-to-church supportive relationships.

An empowering agent for missionaries MBMS International works with the missionaries it sends so that they are empowered for effective ministry and able to build dynamic relationships with North American congregations. Decisions are made through collaboration and consensus, listening to God and to each other, both in the agency's administration and on the mission field.

As long-term mission candidates are discerned and prepared for service, a plan for pastoral care will be developed with the sending congregation(s).

Financially sustainable 24

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LEA 0 E R

REPORTS

MBMS International is building greater financial sustainability by • evaluating and optimizing the size and roles of its administrative staff; • affirming relational mission (see above) so that mission efforts are a product o~ and supported by, local congregations; • affirming all forms of financial support, whether to the agency's general budget or to specific missionaries and projects; and • improving its reputation for excellence, thoroughness, flexibility and integrity.

Committed to long-term mission MBMS International is committed to developing new longterm mission opportunities as God's leading is discerned. This includes a commitment to: • New long-term teams in either new or current regions of involvement. Target: 1\vo new long-term mission teams in the next three to five years.

• Witness to people groups that do not have an indigenous church. Target: One new team in the next three to five years.

• Standards and practices for our international mission teams that reflect mutual (or interdependent) relationships.

• Long-term church planting efforts that, wherever possible, integrate short-term missionaries into their ministry.

• Self-sustaining, multiplying churches and conferences. Target: Incorporation of an exit strategy into the plans and strategies of all long-term mission works.

• Team-based ministry that provides holistic witness (encompassing evangelism, discipleship and social ministry) wherever feasible.

Committed to short-term mission MBMS International helps MB and individuals serve in shortterm mission, both in agency-planned programs and congregation-focused programs. This short-term ministry: • compliments long-term mission work, particularly work to which the congregation is already committed • disciples participants to be greater kingdom builders and particularly nurtures participants to greater involvement in longterm global mission.

MBMS International is also committed to helping partner conferences develop sustained short-term mission programs. Target: Assist two more ICOMB partner conferences in establishing short-term youth mission programs over the next three to five years.

Committed to organizational health MBMS International is committed to pursuing a deep sense of God in our midst. The fruits of this will be a united passion and mutual loyalty among missionaries, board and staff. It is characterized by prayer, worship, expressions of grace to each other, mutual accountability and concern for the well-being of others and the body as a whole. These are the standards by which missionaries, board, staff and constituents may measure themselves and each other. (October 2003)

WHAT READERS SAY

Jim Holm interview The Passion review In the interview with Jim Holm (April I was very disappointed to read the 2004) he answered a negative analysis of Mel Gibquestion about the son's The Passion of the ,., .. ,_., ..... _........... . time he takes to Christ by Burton Buller in refresh himself by the April issue of the Christtalking about the ian Leader. Along with the course he teaches on mainstream media, it seems spiritual formation.

Buller has jumped on the Jim says, "I have a bandwagon of negativity. whole course I teach I have read enough of on spiritual formathe complaints and greatly tion. I want to continapplaud Gibson for this film ue to teach that which has touched my heart. course ... while I am Buller blames Hollywood president because I and its dollars for the gruewant to emphasize someness. Gibson himself, those things to stunot Hollywood, funded the dents." entire film led by the Holy Spirit. The bruMay I suggest that Jim open that tality, which is difficult for us to fathom, course to audit status, with a 90 percent did happen. It was not Hollywood's idea attendance requirement and the additionbut fact. Gibson brought this horrible incial requirement that audit students write all dent to life so that we today could really the papers and hand them in. Those feel and experience Christ's suffering. For papers would give you insights into what many, I'm sure this was the first time they some of us do, don't or should believe. To were truly able to focus on the height, have lay people taking that course would depth and breadth of Christ's love. Gibson connect the seminary through a very tangi- wove pOignant and touching flashbacks ble vehicle with its constituency. into the story of the passion very beautifulMay God richly bless Jim and Shirley ly. In the midst of his suffering, Christ's in this journey. memory of these moments was very effecPaul Flaming tive; it made me love Jesus all the more.

Reedley, Calif.

Gibson chose to portray only part of the story for our consideration. He may eventually offer us a prequel or a sequel.

The Christian Leader welcomes brief letters To this end, let's focus on encouraging on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren and bUilding up those filmmakers who Church. Letters to the editor should be brief draw both believers and nonbelievers clos- 300 words or less - and on one subject. er to Christ.

Letters must be signed and include the writer's city and state. Letters will be edited Kris Guensche for clarity, appropriateness and length. Letters Olathe, Kan. will be published, as space allows, unless Evangelizing at the Passion movie marked "Not for publication. " Send letters to After the The Passion of the Christ Christian Leader, PO. Box 220, Hillsboro, KS came out, a fellow pastor said to me quite 67063 (e-mail: editor@usmb,org). ''''''

"

bluntly, 'Mt:er 9/11 the church saw increased attendance. Now the numbers are back down again. NoW; we are given a $25 million evangelistic film that nonChristians are paying to go see. What are we going to do about it?" His question kept me up that night.

Early the next morning I purchased over the Internet 600 copies of More than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell and 500 copies of He Did Thisjust for You by Max Lucado. Armed with over 1000 books, I went to the movie theater in GlasgoW; Mont., and handed out books to everyone who had seen the film. Word got out and soon I had people from our church passing out books at the end of each of the three daily showings. We then went to another town where the film was showing and handed out more books until we only had two left!

People were very responsive and most appreciated what we were trying to do.

Not only was it encouraging to know that we might be planting seeds, it was great to see members of our church roll up their sleeves and get involved with evangelism and outreach. I paid for the books but as word got out, over 75 percent of the cost was covered by donations.

We may never know the impact of the film or the books, but as a pastor I was impacted by the willingness of my church to be salt and light in a world filled with darkness. No matter what the critics say, The Passion of the Christ has encouraged a small town Mennonite Brethren church to get more active in saving the lost and to move out of our comfort zone to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Frank Lenihan Lustre, Mont.

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BODyLIFE

Mireles: An effective but reluctant leader ----_._--_._----_..._-------_._-------- - - -----_..- ....

~ Prayer and cooperation mark Mireles' tenure as U.S. chair

"I

---

have never really wanted to be the head of anything," says Rolando Mireles of Rio Grande City, Tex., "because I know there's a big responsibility behind it."

In spite of his reluctance, next month Mireles will preside over the biennial national convention. Since 2002 Mireles has chaired the U.S. Conference and by virtue of that position has chaired the Board of Church Ministries, the lead conference board. In these positions, Mireles has played a key role in patiently encouraging a spirit of cooperation among boards and board members. His leadership has also been instrumental in helping the conference move forward following the difficult decision by delegates in 2002 to downsize conference ministries. Under Mireles' watch, conference staff vacancies have been filled, funding for conference ministries has increased and a plan to restructure the conference has been developed.

While Mireles did not look for this responsibility, his clear desire to serve God and the church shines through.

Mireles has some 30 years of service to the Mennonite Brethren church, including local, national and international ministry. In his home church of Grulla MB Church, La Grulla, Tex., Mireles currently serves as moderator, chair of the deacons and Sunday school teacher. On the district level, he served as moderator for the LAMB district for 20 years. On the national level, in addition to his current work as USC chair, he has served on the Youth Commission helping to organize the national youth convention and as the LAMB representative on the Board of Church Ministries. He currently represents

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the U.S. Conference on the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren and serves as treasurer of that fellowship.

As for his life outside of church work, Mireles is in his 33rd year of teaching. He teaches 6th graders because, he says, the middle school years are the ones that often "make it or break it for kids." His wife Lucila teaches 6th grade across the hall from him. They have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Their oldest son is now serving with MBMS International in Guadalajara, Mexico; the others serve in local ways.

Mireles modestly says he "just kind of slipped in" to his current role as USC chair. He is the first U.S. Conference chair to come from the Latin America MB Conference and is only the second lay leader in recent years to serve as chair. He has found that being a LAMB member and a layperson is an advantage because, he says, "I don't know everything." That is, he doesn't necessarily know the detailed history of a certain issue before BCM. ''You can be a little more objective and make a decision based on now instead of making a decision based on yesterday," he says.

LEADER

At the same time, he says, serving at the national level is intimidating because the decisions impact many people and because no decision can please everyone.

Mireles says he has learned to approach decisions holistically. ''You have to look at the total picture-what's best for five districts instead of what's best for one." He says he has learned to be very careful when weighing decisions, "but at the same time, (to) have a spirit of going forward and doing what's best."

As an example, he points to difficult budget decisions BCM faced in recent

Hom LII ,.

years. He frankly says the process was "painful," but that the key to moving forward was to consider the conference as a whole. He says that when he and BCM put budget cuts in that perspective, he noticed a true spirit of cooperation.

Since he took office in 2002, prayer has played a key role in BCM meetings and has added to the spirit of cooperation.

Mireles initiated hourly breaks for prayer, with different board members leading the prayer. "I really believe that stopping for prayer helped us talk less and decide qUicker," he says.

Mireles speaks highly of the people in leadership of the U.S. Conference, saying he has been amazed by their gifts and their sensitivity to speak or be silent at just the right times. "I think it's the people around the table that God had at those particular places to allow us to just do what God wants us to do," he says.

As U.S. MBs approach the first national convention since divestiture of the General Conference, Mireles says the focus should be on "trying to figure out the best way to run our conference." He points to the restructuring proposal that will be brought before the delegation, and says it is a careful attempt to stay within the funds available without shortchanging vision or miniStry. Mireles says that just as individuals need to cooperate to move forward, districts need to learn to cooperate as well. Hiring Chuck Buller as executive director has been "one of the biggest blessings we've had," says Mireles because Buller's efforts will help shape conference vision and will communicate that vision so districts and churches can cooperate to support it.

But for Mireles restructuring is only one step in moving forward. Restoring ministries that have recently experienced funding cuts is another important step and a desire of BCM, he says. Personally, Mireles would like to see the U.S. Conference increase the number of churches it helps to plant and to enhance its involvement with cross-cultural congregations.

He is encouraged by the selection of a new Mission USA director. Don Morris of Weatherford, Okla., will fill that position beginning Sept. 1. Mireles says, "I think that the feeling of wanting to start new works and get out the message to the

unsaved is very much alive." He points to new churches in Utah and Arizona as models of what the U.S. Conference should be doing. At the same time, he emphasizes that such outreach efforts will only be successful when they're done with full support-"where everybody is working together."

Mireles also envisions greater involvement with Integrated Ministries. He is "amazed" when he hears what congregations like the Slavic churches in the northwestern U.S. are doing. He would like to see these congregations become more involved on the conference level. At the same time, he says that the process will require patience and perseverance. "Hopefully, one day we'll find a way that we can all work together, because it's not easy to work with different groups."

Undoubtedly, Mireles' passion for church planting and cross-cultural work comes from his own family history. His grandfather was one of the early converts as a result of MB outreach into south Texas. Mireles is now a third generation Mennonite Brethren as a result of that effort; his children and grandchildren are the 4th and 5th generations. "We'll never stop praising God for those farmers that gave towards the work," he says. "They'll probably never realize how far their dollars are going, even after all these years."

That legacy is part of Mireles' motivation to keep serving personally, too. He says, "God has been so good for us as a family and with our kids that not even (by) serving him all of my life can I ever repay God for what he's done with our kids."

Mireles' term as chair will expire at the convention in July. If the restructuring proposal is approved, the nature of the pOSition will likely change, but there will still be a need for a chair of the leadership board. Just as he didn't seek this leadership position two years ago, Mireles isn't actively seeking the position now, neither is he closed to the idea. "I just don't want to be in the way," he says. He says he would like to ensure that the LAMB district is represented at the conference level, but is open to God's leading and the delegation's decisions.

"I just want to enjoy serving the Lord, whether I'm U.S. Conference chair or not," he says.

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JUN E

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HODyLll1

"It's everything we thought it would be••• and more!"

Schools graduate 550 - - - ._- ---_ ._--- --- ----------

~Schmidt awarded honorary title

G

raduation ceremonies last month at three Mennonite Brethren institutions awarded . degrees to more than 550 students.

MB Biblical Seminary graduated 39 students. Nine MBBS graduates received the master of divinity degree, 27 received the master of arts degree and three received a diploma in Christian studies.

Students graduated from the Fresno, Calif, campus May 2 and April 17 from MBBSACTS in Langley, B.C. Seventeen graduates are preparing for or are already involved in North American pastoral ministry, seven in missions, one will become a chaplain and 10 will work in marriage and family counseling. 1\ventyone of the graduates are MB. At the Fresno graduation ceremonies, Henry Schmidt, who concluded his to-year term as seminary president in 2003, gave the address. Schmidt was also awarded the tide of President Emeritus by the MBBS Board in recognition of his 35 years of service to the seminary, the MB denomination and the many churches of all denominations represented by the student body.

The MBBS-ACTS graduation was a part of the graduation ceremony of the larger ACTS seminary consortium. . At Fresno Pacific University's 59th 28

• THE CHRISTIAN

commencement May 8, 392 graduates received their degrees. The traditional undergraduate program involved about 186 students, the Fresno Pacific Graduate School and Center for Degree Completion commencement honored 118 graduate school and 88 CDC students. FPU, located in Fresno, Calif., is owned by the Pacific District Conference.

The commencement address, "Tools for the Trade," was given by Larry Martens and centered on Jesus' washing of his disciples' feet. Graduates were given a towel along with their diploma. "Jesus chose the towel and basin, the tools of the servant, to define his work and to define the work of his followers," he said. Martens is chairelect of the FPU board of trustees.

The 94th Tabor College commencement ceremony May 22 honored 125 students who received undergraduate degrees: 90 from the Hillsboro campus and 35 from Tabor College Wichita. Seven graduate degrees were also awarded.

Tabor College, located in Hillsboro, Kan., is owned by the Central District, Latin America District, Southern District and North Carolina District Conferences.

Brent Warkentin, pastor of Buhler (Kan.) MB Church, gave the commencement address, "Stepping into the Water," taken from Joshua 3.

LEADER

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Today's top-notch opportunities require a top-notch education. That takes money and smart planning - a great deal of both.

MMA has opportunities to make the most of every college-bound dollar, with a variety of tools you can use to save for education expenses. Your MMA counselor will study your options and help you build a program that's right for you. Whatever your children's ages, start planning now. Paying for higher education isn't something you can "cram" for.

Visit with your MMA counselor today. Or contact us at (800) 348-7468 or www.mma-online.org.

Stewardship Solutions

Bom 1.111

Displaced families given seeds, tools

E

arly last month, Mennonite Central Committee distributed 6,326 packages including two hoes and sorghum, peanuts and cow pea seeds to Ugandan families at two camps for displaced people.

"I now have hope for my children and for our lives," said widow Aero Margaret after receiving a MCC , package.

Uganda has been tom by violence for the past 18 years, with the rebel Lord's Resistance Army launching deadly attacks on villagers and kidnapping children.

The United Nations estimates more than 1.5 million people have been displaced by the violence and insecurity; about 80 percent of those live in camps. As families leave their farms and move to camps, hunger and the lack of security are their main concerns.

The MCC distribution, worth $120,000 and funded by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and MCC donations, targeted all residents of the two camps. Most have access to their own land, have been provided with government land or will be given nearby plots to cultivate.

A year ago, a group of LRA rebels came through the door of Aero Margaret's hut and killed her husband. She fled with her six children and now lives in Amuria Camp. She has land nearby but has remained in the camp because it is safer and because she had no food at home.

In the struggle to survive, she says, it only makes sense to forgive those who took her husband's life. "I have no reason to think about revenge because there would be no point-it won't bring him back." And with the seeds and hoes provided by MCC, she can begin to plant the land she once shared with her husband, rebuilding her family's livelihood there and taking up again the agricultural tradition that has long sustained people from her region.-MCC news service

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CHRISTIAN

LEADER

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IN BRIEF NEWS FROM THE MENNONITE BRETHREN WORLD

Missionaries serve God's creation, people

. _

_._ ____ .,_ _ _ _ _ _ _..__ ._0. _,__ _ ,_, ._.__ ,_ ~

__._. ._. __ ._ _ _ ___. __ _.__.. _ __ . _________._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .~

~ Jungle paradise home to scientific field station, mission work MBMS INTERNATIONAL missionaries Mark and Karen McReynolds are scientists and educators who have found a unique way to use their professional training and their love for God's kingdom. In 2000, Mark and Karen McReynolds, along with their three children, left the Santa Cruz, Calif, area to move to the wilderness jungle in Belize where they are serving as directors at Jaguar Creek.

Jaguar Creek is a Belizean nongovernmental organization and environmental field station, mission and retreat cen-

ter. Owned by Target Earth International, Jaguar Creek is a faith based global organization committed to the work of serving the earth and the poor in areas where people live on less than a dollar a day.

Jaguar Creek, located deep in a jungle paradise, is available as a retreat and conference center as well as for school field trips. Along with a study abroad semester for college students there are programs for researchers and volunteer opportunities for churches and groups. MBMSI's Youth Mis-

sion International's ACTION program sent a team there in 2002 and will go again this summer to serve at the facility and teach vacation Bible school to local children.

In addition to hosting groups and visitors, the staff at Jaguar Creek runs the Armenia Development Center, a 2,500 square-foot building dedicated to serving the village of Armenia through medical and educational programs. Financial support from Jaguar Creek also helps King's Children's Home in nearby Belmopan, an inde-

pendent ministry to orphans and victims of abuse.

Along with responsibilities at the center, the McReynolds attend a church where they often lead praise music and sing in the Belmopan community choir. Mark, a graduate of MB Biblical Seminary and a licensed MB pastor, also teaches a course at a local Bible college most semesters and on occasion preaches or teaches.

The McReynolds view all that they do as part of social ministries and hope that people see Christ in their service.-MBMSI

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MORE NEWS

Vietnamese Mennonites protest arrest of leaders FORTY VIETNAMESE MENNONITE

~ Mathies to retire from MCC Ron Mathies, executive director for Mennonite Central Committee, has announced his decision to retire In the summer of 2004. A search committee has been selected to secure his replacement. The slx-member committee Includes representatives from various MCC govemance bodies In Canada and the U.S. that reflect the denominations of MCC's supporting constituency. "We are counting on people's support and prayers as we work at this task," says Donella Clemens of Souderton, Penn., and chair of the search committee. A new job description will be finalized this month and the search committee hopes to bring a recommendation to the executive committee In January 2005. Mathies, a Mennonite Brethren from Kltchener, Ont., began his tenure as executive director In June 1996.-MCC

MCC canner breaks records For the first time since the Mennonite Central Committee portable canner went on the road In 1946, the annual total has broken the half-mlilion cans mark. The October 2003 to April 2004 canning season yielded 504,174 cans of turkey, beef, pork and broth, an Increase of 47,268 over last season's total. The canner and canning crew travel to communities across the U.S. and Canada. Local volunteers donate meat-most of which Is now purchased rather than raised by volunteers themselves-and help the MCC crew cut, cook, stir and can It. Already some of this year's meat Is on Its way to Bosnia, Haiti, North Korea and Ukraine.

Meat Is also distributed In the U.S. and Canada. A much-valued source of protein for families Impacted by war, disaster and poverty, each can feeds five to 10 people.-MCC

32 • THE CHRISTIAN T'CAT\lO'D

Church leaders have appealed the govern· ment to release four men arrested March 2. A "letter of protest," signed during a gathering for encouragement and training at the end of March, protested "the entrap· ment, arrest, interrogation and vicious beating and imprisonment" of the church leaders and the refusal of local authorities to provide any information about the lead· ers sinc~ then. The leaders also protested the destruction by local authorities of a church meeting place and instances of security forces terrorizing Mennonite church leaders among the ethnic minori· ties in the Kon Thm area.

In Binh Phuoc province, property belonging to Mennonite believers is being seized to develop rubber plantations, forc· ing many from their homes and leaving them with no means of livelihood.

"We strongly protest these actions of the security police and local authorities against us. We request that you exercise your responsibilities to stop these actions

against our church," the church leaders' letter concludes.

A companion "letter of request" asks that the Vietnamese government "assume responsibility for resolving the issue of freedom of religion and belief for the Men· nonite community among the ethnic minorities in Vietnam whose rights have been seriously violated."

The letter claims that the security police are falsely accusing Mennonites of being reactionaries and supporting a sepa· ratist movement. "We here officially reject this false propaganda," they write, " and at the same time call on every Mennonite believer to firmly hold to the faith and unite ... to build the church on the founda· tion of the Lord Jesus Christ."

In response to the documented reports of abuse, Mennonite World Con· ference has sent a letter of concern to Viet· namese authorities about the treatment of ethnic minorities and the arrest of church leaders and requested a meeting to discuss these matters.-MWC

MCC relief kits assist Iraqis RELIEF KITS DONATED BY Menno· nite Central Committee supporters are providing much needed aid to those dis· placed from the battle·stricken Iraqi city of Fallujah, the focal point of recent clashes between U.S. and Iraqi combat· ants.

"Fallujah residents have sought shel· ter in Baghdad, away from the conflict areas," says Alia Khalife of CARE, the agency distributing the kits in Iraq. "They often come to mosques for help."

At the request of Muslim leaders,

families living near the mosques have taken displaced people into their homes and the kits-including towels, hygiene products and first·aid items- supple· ment what they can offer. As of mid·April, CARE and Premiere Urgence, another MCC partner in Iraq, had distributed more than 3,600 relief kits to four mosques and other sites where displaced people had gathered. CARE staff are mono itoring the situation and providing addi· tional kits to the mosques as needed.MGG

CHURCH NEWS

CHURCH

NEWS FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

Women's events highlight spring activities IN MANY MENNONITE

brating Our God Given Creativity," women in the congregation brought and talked about items they make or that are part of a hobby.

"Raining Words of Encouragement" was the theme addressed by speakers at the spring potluck planned by Bible Fellowship Church of Rapid City, S.D. '~pril SpringFling Shopping-Thing" at First MB Church in Wichita, Kan., included dessert, a fashion show by a local clothing store and shopping. A "shabby chic" fashion show was part of the "From Rags to Riches" spring brunch held at Reedley (Calif) MBChurch.

"Put Your Best Foot Forward" was the focus of a spring luncheon on the "green" at Dinuba (Calif) MB Church.

According to the invitation, "Ladies of all. shoe sizes" were welcome. Husbands and sons served a catered meal at the

Faith Bible Church, Cordell, Okla., mother/daughter banquet. Lori Kliewer from Pine Acres Church, Weatherford, Okla., was the featured speaker.

The theme of "Spring Fling" at Enid (Okla.) MB Church was the fruit of the Spirit. "Girls ages 13 to 99" were invited to bring either a fruit salad or fruit dessert for lunch. Crafts and door prizes were also included. A ladies spring tea at Belleview Community Church in Littleton, Colo., featured a local humorist, storyteller and singer and a drawing for two hours of free house cleaning.

A number of women's events took place away from the church grounds. A five-stop afternoon garden tour with refreshments was hosted by the women of North Fresno (Calif.)

MB Church. Men were invited to join the tour to see unique backyards of church members.

Baptism/Membership

Toler and Janice Toler were baptized March 28.

Mountain Lake. Minn. {Community Bible)-Gretchen Wall, Dalton Wall, Jeremy Wall, Avery Herrig and Alan Herrig were baptized and welcomed into membership March 28. Brad Evers, Brandy Evers, Elmer Friesen, Matilda Friesen, Gary Friesen and Shawna Hulzebos were also received as members upon the confession of their faith .

Dinuba. Calif.-Sara Camp.

Matthew Franks. Elizabeth Isaak, Danielle Islas, Jeff Jantzen, Jessica Liles and Sietra Smith were baptized and welcomed into membership April 11.

Kayla Ogden, Kaitlin Kemp, Mareena Harrison and Kristi Garner were baptized and received as members April 18. Kay Schoeppel and James Garner joined by testimony.

Brethren congregations, spring and early summer are times when special events for women take place. The activities are an encouragement to those already involved in the ministries of the church and are an extension of friendship to those in the community. The Leader offers the following potpourri of recent events as information and inspiration to readers who may be planning future women's events.

Creativity was the theme of two spring events held at Shafter (Calif) MBChurch. Elda Martens of Fairview (Okla.) MB Church gave a presentation that included dozens of her quilts and their stories. Martens, a professional quilter and instructor in quilt techniques, has traveled throughout Canada and the U.S. and has several videos which relate the story of her quilts. Using the theme "Cele-

Tulsa. Okla. {The Heart)-Jeremy Dunn. Hailey Hopkins, Noel Pierson, Amanda Ryan, Sienna

Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglen)Marc Clanton, TIm Russell and TImmy Russell were baptized the weekend of April 17-18.

Fairview, Okla.-Tommy Regier, Chacey Schoeppel, Carissa Neufeld,

Hillsboro. Kan. (Ebenfeld)- Rosalie Suderman, Rusty Moss, Stephanie Moss, Amanda Faber, Lauren Just, Josh Enns, Victor Rogers, Amelia Brown, Daniel Enns, Kelsey Unruh and Natalie Wiens were baptized and welcomed into membership May 2. Joe Suderman, Sarah Esau and Dave and Cheri Marsh were

The Lincoln Hills Bible Church of Sioux Falls, S.D., held a ladies night out miniature golf party.

The women of Pine Acres Church in Weatherford, Okla., held a garden party in a member's backyard. The party was planned as an outreach event and also recognized the ministry of their pastor's wife Janna Morris. This summer the coupIe will be moving to Edmond, Okla., where Don Morris will be setting up his office as the new executive director of Mission USA, the church planting and renewal ministry of the U.S. Conference.

"Ladies Leaving Legacies" was the theme of Corn (Okla.)

MB Church's one-day women's retreat held at a lakeside residence. Shuttle service from the church and valet parking for those who drove on their own was offered.Nadine Friesen

received into membership by testimony.

Fellowship Fresno, Calif. {North Fresno)-The annual church picnic held May 16 included a kite flying and kite making contest. All kites had to be handmade and awards were given for the smallest, largest, most unusual and most spiritual flying kites. The purpose of the contest was to encourage families and individuals to work together and

JUN E 200 4

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33

to unleash their creative abilities.

Visalia. Calif. (Neighborhood)--A luncheon April 18 gave opportunity for newcomers to get acquainted with members of the pastoral staff. hear an introduction to the church and ask any questions related to the church's ministry.

Discovery 101 is another way newcomers are introduced to Neighborhood. The four-hour class, most recently held May 3, covers the purpose, vision, opportunities and biblical stance of the church.

Bakersfield. Calif. (Laurelglen)-Participants in the Summer Book Club, a summer small group ministry, read and discuss books that encourage spiritual growth. Group leaders and hosts are equipped for their roles and given the freedom to decide when and where their group meets.

Ministry Bakersfield. Calif. (Heritage Bible)-Fireworks are being sold to raise money for camp registration costs.

Each family works two shifts per child they are sending to camp.

Enid. Okla.-The church gives camp scholarships to all youth who participate in camp workdays.

Workdays are offered for each of the three Southern District Conference camps.

Lawton. Okla. (Faith Bible Church)-The church held a garage sale to raise support for their pastoral couple, Russell and Elizabeth Schmidt, who will be returning in July to Thailand as MBMS International missionaries.

Teaching/Nurture Yale. S.D. (Bethel)--Midweek activities concluded with an ice cream social sponsored by the Board of Christian Education. Teachers and other volunteers who served throughout the year were thanked for their work.

Dinuba. Calif.-A marriage workshop, held May 1, concluded with a homework "assignment"-a din-

ner date that evening. The workshop focused on effective communication, sharing the load and renewed commitment. One lucky couple won the workshop door prize: the use of a convertible for the evening date.

Workers Meno. Okla. (New Hopedale)--Larry Brashear has resigned as pastor, effective June 30. He and his wife plan to move to Kentucky to minister with God's Appalachian Partnership.

Deaths EWERT. FRANK F., Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Aug. 30,1911, to William F. and Margaret Ewert, in Escondido, Calif., and died March 30, 2004, at the age of 92. On Nov. 8, 1936, he married Katie Enns, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Bob and wife Florence of Visalia, Calif., two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

T HAILAND RUSSIA

MEXI O I NDIA

Announcement The Central California Mennonite Residential Services Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Guajardo to serve as the new executive director of CCMRS. She has recently held the position of regional coordinator of the Blind Babies Foundation for five counties in the Central Valley. She has served in different capacities with Exceptional Parents Unlimited (Fresno) and Small Wonders Educational Center, Santa Ana. She is currently working on a masters degree in Special Education: Administration at San Francisco State University. The mission of CCMRS is Christ-centered partnering with persons who hilVe developmental disabilities through holistic supported living services.

C H R 1ST I A N

NICKEL, ELON, Dinuba, Calif., a member of Dinuba MB Church, died April 8, 2004. He is survived by his wife Dorothy and two daughters, Carol Heier and Geri Warkentin.

THOMAS. DERALD DEAN -DOC," Inman, Kan., attendee of Zoar MB Church of Inman and member of First Baptist Church, of Holton, Kan., was born Oct. 16, 1938, in Burr Oak, Kan., to Earl and Ruby Boinott Thomas, and died March 7, 2004, at the age of 65. On Aug. 23, 1959, he was married to Charleen Herndon, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Gayleen and husband Kelly Thiessen of Inman and Nadean and husband Richard Glenn of Goddard, Kan.; one brother, Glenn and wife Patty of Lebanon, Kan.; three sisters, Darlene Bradley of Springfield, Mo., Doris and husband Murlin Smith of Jewell, Kan. and Margaret and husband Jim Pierce of Hastings, Neb.; one brother-in-law, Neal and wife Karen Herndon of Lebanon, Kan. and three grandchildren.

SCHMIDT. EDNA, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Aug.11, 1911, to George and Mary Warkentin, and died March 28, 2004, at the age of 92.

On Feb. 14, 1932, she was married to John H. Schmidt, who predeceased her. She is survived by one daughter, Margie and husband Roy Dick of Fresno; two sons, Wesley and wife Janice of Fresno and Harold and wife Sandy of Santa Maria, Calif., nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

lP)MI

CoLOMBIA

THE

11, 1925, in Visalia, Calif., to John H. and Sarah Schmidt Ensz, and died April 21, 2004, at the age of 78. On April 5, 1952, she was married to Paul Suderman, who survives. She is also survived by two sons, Greg and wife Beth of Elkhart, Ind., Barry and wife Elaine of Tulsa, Okla.; two daughters, Dena and husband Ron Braun of N. Newton, Kan., Ronda and husband Nick King of Mexico City, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

HOFER. PAULINE J., Yale S.D., a member of Bethesada Church, Huron, S.D., was born Nov. 4, 1919, near Carpenter, S.D., to Paul I. and Annie Hofer Tschetter, and died April 23, SUDERMAN. ELDA R., Hillsboro, 2004, at the age of 84. On Aug. 17, Kan., member of Ebenfeld MB 1941, she married Alvin Hofer, who Church of Hillsboro, was born Feb. predeceased her. She is survived by four daughters, Janet and husband Hjalmer Tschetter of Doland, S.D., DIsciple Maldng Intemational Paulette and husband Dave loin DMI on a 2-3 week person-to-person Gross of Yale, S.D., Wanette international mission experience. and husband Randall Tschetter of 2004 CAMPAIGN PROJECTIONS Freeman, S.D. and Rosette and husband CoNGO J UN 1-21 $3600 Nathan of PeRU JUN 2-21 $2600 Huron; four BRAzIL JULY 14-AUG 2 $2600 brothers, EcUAOOR AUG 18-5EP 6 $2600 Clarence and 5EP 2-20 U KRAINE $2800

CLEARINGHOUSE

34 •

wife Goldie of Huron, Jerome of Carvour; S.D., Delore and wife Louise of Apache Junction, Ariz. and Calvin and wife Peggy of Manteca, Calif.; seven sisters, Irene Polidori of Huron, Ann and husband Dewain Bothwell of Orange, Calif., Fances and husband Chester Tschetter of Huron, Delores and husband Lester Meyer of Cavour; Carol and husband Del Wurz of Miller, S.D. and Kathy and husband Carol Ritenour of Iroquois, S.D.; 14 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

LEA 0 E R

5EP 9-27 5EP 22 -Ocr 11 5EP 29-Ocr 18 Nov 3-22 Nov 10- 29

Traver with a Purpose

$2900 $2800 $2400 $2600 $2900

Au PRlCES ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS. PLEAS E CALL FOR THE US EQUIVALENT. CAMPAIGNS MAY BE ADDED. RESCHEDULED OR CANCELLED BASED ON PARnOPANT RESPONSE. C HURCHES ARE ENCOURAGEO TO SPONSOR MEMBERS ON THESE SHORT- TERM DM I MISSIONS .

We are looking for ordinary people who want to help churches overseas bring others into James Nikkel, OMI D jr~cto r God's family.

1-fow about 1/ou? a ministry of .li e!

MBMS International ~bilcipb~#a1""'"

To LEARN MORE CALL OMI AT (604 )859-6267 EMAIL dmi@dminternational.org OR VISIT www.dminternational.org

Raising Capital to

Build Churches

Investor participation through MB Loan Fund is needed to fund loans for churches and other M.B. organizations.

Your partnership in the ministry of MB Loan Fund helps to seek the lost, make disciples, and train the leaders of tomorrow. Dollars and cents are transformed into changed lives -

one~, one ckwwh awl

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To receive an Offering Circular and Application, please fill out this coupon and send it to MB Loan Fund.

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EDITORIAL

Remodeling our house In this issue we suggest that delegates coming to Salt Lake City next month bring along their tools since we will be remodeling some of our ministries. Remodeling is currently a popular theme for 1V shows and one of the most popular is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. This show takes viewers behind the scene as five designers and a crew of 300 spend seven days overhauling the house of a well-deserving family. A hefty network budget supplemented by contributions from a major company helps accomplish in a few days what most remodeling projects take months or years to complete. Each 60-minute episode showcases the complications that arise as the crew struggles to meet the deadline and the family's delight with the result.

What does a top-rated 1V show have to do with revamping MB ministries? It helps us understand the roles various experts play in the process of successfully remodeling a house-and a ministry.

One group of experts is the one that formulates the detailed remodeling plan. Just as Makeover: Home renovations begin with the design team, recommendations coming to 2004 delegates were crafted by our own design teams-the MBMSI board of directors and staff and the Board of Church Ministries together with the U.S. Conference executive director. These men and women know a lot about the ministries they serve. They are our experts on what works and what doesn't when it comes to doing cross-cultural ministry and governing a denomination.

So as we remodel our ministries, we should trust the judgment of these experts. We need to remember that when it comes to running a mission agency, Harold Ens and the people at MBMSI know more than the rest of us do. That in the process of developing a reorganized governing structure for the U.S. Conference, Chuck Buller and BCM task force members have evaluated the needs of our conference and studied governing models. That current research and trends support the conclusion that we MBs need to change our approach because people today are motivated to give and to serve in a different way than in the past.

The second group of experts is the work crew. In the case of Makeover: Home, it takes 100 crew members, 200 construction workers and the cooperation of an entire neighborhood to turn the designers' drawings into a home. When it comes to revamping MB ministries, those of us who belong to the nearly 200 congregations that comprise the U.S. Conference are the crew workers.

We supply the manpower and funds that bring to life the dreams and visions of our ministries.

In the course of remodeling a Makeover home, it is often crew members that spot the weaknesses and challenges inherent in a plan and give feedback as to how the project is coming 36

• THE CHRISTIAN

LEADER

together. We need to give similar responses about the recommendations. If relationship based funding doesn't make sense in your church's context, MBMSI needs to hear from you. If you believe the implications of losing a specific national conference board are Significant, BCM needs to know that. And saying, "I don't like this" doesn't help as much as do specific suggestions about how a recommendation can be strengthened.

The design team is responsible for listening to and acting on the feedback of the crew workers. If the atmosphere on a work site doesn't foster this give and take, it may look like the project is successfully completed when in fact unreported weaknesses may be jeopardizing the structure. So while we need to recognize that our ministry boards and staff understand the complex issues behind the recommendations, ministry leaders need to listen to and respect the voice of the local church because MB congregations provide crucial human and financial resources.

So remodeling a ministry requires that we recognize the expertise the design team and on-site workers bring to the project. We who are denominational ministry leaders best understand the various ways to approach the complex issues behind the recommendations. We who are local church members understand best how the local church is responding to plans to revamp denominational ministries.

Unfortunately, many of us "on-site experts" may not be paying much attention to the remodeling going on around us. Some of us are not convinced it is important to change our local and cross-cultural ministry strategies because from our perspective things seem to be working well. Some of us may be uninterested in the proposed changes because we don't see that conference ministries impact the work of our local congregation. Some of us are ignoring the recommendations because we are focused on other more important issues.

But when we remember why MBMSI and the U.S. Conference exist in the frrst place, I hope we will take the proposals to remodel them more sincerely. 1Y Pennington, host of Makeover: Home, takes his projects very seriously. "This isn't a game," Pennington told 1V Guide. "We're changing people's lives here."

We are remodeling the structures and strategies that house MB ministries because we know that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a life of discipleship and fellowship with the family of God are of eternal consequence. We are revamping our ministries because we want to more effectively share Christ, strengthen believers and witness to the peace and harmony that comes when we live in shalom with one another and our Creator. Let us labor together to build denominational ministries that best accomplish this.-CF