ANCIENT, CONTINUOUS AND MEANINGFUL—WHY TRADITIONAL, LITURGICAL CHURCH PRACTICES DRAW ME
P. 6
CITIZENS OF HEAVEN: A REPORT ON ABUNDANT SPRINGS 2025 P. 10 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ALIGNED? P. 16
What do we mean when we ask about our value?
WHEN PEOPLE YOU care about doubt their worth or value, what do they need to hear?
At a ministerial meeting some years ago the presenter encouraged attendees to serve as long as they were able to, even in an unofficial capacity. He stressed how much value a person had to give to the church, society and their own family after they were retired.
During Q&A he was asked what he would say to someone who was no longer able to serve, but he wasn’t prepared to answer a question that was really about the intrinsic value of a human being. His talk was about our external, or extrinsic, value—the kind we “acquire” by what we do, what we have or what people think of us. It is value we measure by how influential or effective we are and that we employ whenever we act or speak. (That’s an amateur philosopher’s wording.)
Recognizing intrinsic value is essential in discussions about MAiD, abortion, poverty, addiction, housing, incarceration, social assistance and more.
Extrinsic value matters because we want our life and work to mean something. We want influence and respect, and to have the capacity to do things we consider important.
But this kind of value often conflicts with our intrinsic value—the worth we have just because we are human, made in God’s image. This value does not depend on our race, gender, abilities, actions, possessions, or what others think of us or do to us. Nothing can change it. Because of this, all people
deserve to be treated with dignity. Recognizing intrinsic value is essential in discussions about MAiD, abortion, poverty, addiction, housing, incarceration, social assistance and more. It sounds good, and it is good, but back to our friend. When they wonder if the work they’ve done will last or if the work they do now matters, the value they are usually asking about is their extrinsic value—their value as a contributor. But how do we answer when their work is ending or they’re looking at a near future in which they will be dependent on others? When extrinsic value is stripped away, is being an image-bearer enough? And if we, who declare that it is, say so to our friend, do our actions align with our declaration?
I won’t preach. We are not enough to love as we should. We can never be enough to mend the hearts of people in our lives, not even those closest to us. I will say this, though: I have never felt so privileged as when I cared for my parents, along with my family, while their earthly lives wound down. In my eyes their being an image-bearer was more than enough.
– Erica Fehr Managing Editor
Artist Profile
Art of imperfection
By Sherry Doerksen
Ancient, continuous, and meaningful— why traditional, liturgical church practices draw me
By Morgan Fehr
Embracing an identity connected to the past allowed faith to persist in the face of doubt.
Citizens of heaven: a report on Abundant Springs 2025
By Mo Friesen
High school students gathered on May long weekend to grow in their faith. Photo essay on pp. 13–15.
What does it mean to be aligned?
By Emery Plett
How does EMC discern which organizations we associate with?
Global impact Early Anabaptist strategy for security in missions
By Gerald Reimer
His light to my path Prepositions in faith By
Karla Hein
Further in and higher up God is infinitely happy: Do you mind?
By Layton Friesen
Inspiring faith Neighbouring as a spiritual practice
By Mo Friesen
Editor’s Note
Letters and Notices
Global Focus Local Focus News In Memory Shoulder Tapping
Volume 63 No. 4 July/August 2025
MANAGING EDITOR
ERICA FEHR
EDITOR
PUBLICATION AND PURPOSE
The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5. Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.
Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.
Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcome. Submissions should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca
CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
Print subscriptions are free of charge to all members and adherents of EMC churches in Canada. For those not associated with an EMC church we suggest a donation of $20.00/year.. To sign up for the email newsletter or submit an address change, email messenger@emconference.ca
ADVERTISING
The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries can be sent to messenger@emconference.ca
Letters and Notices
We give thanks to God for the continued strong support of EMC ministries, and we acknowledge the contributions of EMC churches and individuals who give so generously. – The Board of Trustees
*Income includes donations and transfers from other funds (e.g., estate funds).
Responding to the Mar/Apr 2025 issue
Faith, politics and Trump is a timely reminder for perspective. As Michael Zwaagstra says, asking opinions about Trump will provoke a heated debate. Asking “What do you think about Jesus Christ?” may be no different in the variety and intensity of response.
Ernie Koop’s declaration that “our society desperately needs … humble truth” is a call to Christian discipleship, to embrace “our citizenship in heaven.” Let us join together in telling the old/ new story of Jesus as King.
Evelyn’s response to loneliness, and her willingness to be alone with God is an inspiration.
Venus Cote’s story of God’s power in the present, prevailing against the reality of demon forces is the rejoicing of victory!
Hope and grace abound in this edition. Thank you for reporting on the MCC litigation resolution, indicating that their policies exceed legal standards, that people in charge remain people who need grace as well, and that they are aiming to improve.
Layton Friesen’s reflection on tough love, and God’s love, as an imitation of teaching—not whether I am speaking, but are the listeners learning? is a meaningful way to consider true love.
Mo Friesen’s perspective on interactive conversation with God as our prayer practice means that we can pray without ceasing, for real.
Thank you for an educational, inspirational, Anabaptist perspective (thanks for the historical review), biblically-based publication.
– Gordon Dyck Steinbach, Man.
Guidelines for letters
Letters (250 words or less) are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality, and taste. It can refuse publication.
Art of imperfection
Still unable to choose just one medium, Sherry Doerksen paints in many and no longer judges her performance except by the standard of whether it satisfies her love of beauty.
THROUGHOUT SCHOOL I heard, “no one is good at everything, and everyone is good at something.” So, I reasoned, there must be some latent talent inside me, just waiting to be discovered. I wasn’t remarkable in writing or math, and reading voraciously wasn’t much admired, so it must be art where my gift lay hidden. My first act of intentional “art” in my teens was a pencil drawing.
But picking up the pencil quickly humbled me. There was nothing “natural” about it for me, except reaching for the eraser, which I did time and time again, until I’d finally drawn something that I felt was worthy of calling complete, and that might scratch the surface of being “art.”
You may have noted that the artwork accompanying this article isn’t pencil. I finished exactly three drawings. Countless others remain incomplete, imperfect, and to me, impossible. I could not make the image on the paper match my idea; no amount of erasing could create the perfection I wished to obtain.
My next attempt at “art” was spurred on by a friend—she provided acrylic paint, canvas, and much more importantly, motivation. On a 9 x 12 canvas I attempted to reproduce a photo of a beloved pet dog. The mindset I’d built in sketching flowed into the new medium, except there
About the cover: I painted mountains and trees in watercolour as an exercise, I didn’t intend a deeper meaning but I can say that it’s an exercise in knowing when to stop, and keeping a balance between action (subject) and rest (negative space).
was no eraser, and I could not make the brush move the way I intended. I was clumsy with it and grew increasingly frustrated with my lack of proficiency. In the end, I gave up trying to make it look “correct,” fiddled with it a little longer to make it look intentionally impressionistic and— failing at that, too—walked away from the easel, defeated.
When I returned to it long after the paint had dried, I found the proportions odd, the positioning unfortunate and the paint strokes utterly failing to give the impression of fur, and yet, it was recognizably the dog I loved. More charm existed in the imperfections than in the photo I used as reference. All these years later, the charm persists. The imperfection remains, but more lasting is the affection I had for the subject.
Desiring to be perfect, I had nothing to offer that a photograph could not do better. But in the smudges of paint and the clumsy brushstrokes, existed a mark that only I could create.
Allow me to complete the loop.
Desiring to be perfect, we have nothing to offer God that Christ has not already done perfectly. And in fear of messing up the canvas of our lives, we can hesitate to make any mark at all. But God does not ask for our perfection, he asks for our attempts.
– Sherry Doerksen
Ancient, continuous, and meaningful why traditional, liturgical church practices draw me
Editors’ note: This is the second article of a series The Messenger is commissioning on “the appeal of ... .”
To learn more about the what and the why behind this series, see the “editors’ note” on p. 7 of the May/June 2025 issue.
By Morgan Fehr
COMMUNION
has consistently evoked a sense of anxiety for me. Communion Sundays served as a reminder of what a poor Christian I was, not holy enough, not committed enough, not humble enough, not good enough, and so on—and I would need at least another year of preparation to get there. One such Sunday, as I listened to the sermon and these familiar feelings started to emerge, my eyes were drawn away from the pastor to the cross on the pulpit. As I focused on the symbol of the cross, the pastor’s voice faded away, my anxieties faded away, and my fear of judgment faded away. Instead, I was reminded of God’s infinite love and grace that covered all my failings; and, instead of anxiety, I felt peace.
This was a small moment in my spiritual journey, but it is one of several experiences that drew me toward tradition and traditional liturgies.
To give some background, I struggled to form a connection to my own church for two reasons. One was the difficulty of forming good social connections. Those who seemed to thrive in church were socially competent; they made friends easily, were confident, and outgoing. Strong social connections seemed to be significant when tethering people to their church and even to their faith.
A second, and for me more significant, reason was the onset of considerable doubt in my teen and young adult years. I could not practically connect the world of scientific discovery with the
I do not think this struggle alone would have alienated me from church if I had felt it was a safe space to talk about doubt and fear openly and honestly.
God of the ancient past. One world seemed solid and factual, the other fantastical and unreal. This struggle was not aided by the palpable discomfort I felt the church had around science, or the fear that if I voiced my doubts, someone would try to convince me to believe instead of taking the difficulties seriously. If I can quote Peter Enns, who explains it well, “Making sense of this God creates challenges for me, and when I bring the universe into it... I have a hard time connecting the God of back there and then with my world here and now… No one should underestimate the force of this dilemma or the stress and pain it creates for people trying to believe.”
I do not think this struggle alone would have alienated me from church if I had felt it was a safe space to talk about doubt and fear openly and honestly but, at the time, I did not feel it was.
Traditional/liturgical style churches have an appeal to me because, even with limited exposure, facets of their worship, practices, and structure have helped me to both find a place of belonging and settle my intellectual struggles, and it did it in a way I wouldn’t have expected.
FORGIVE
me as I now go on a tangent, and if you don’t know anything about Star Wars, I apologize.
A couple of years ago, I played a video game, Jedi Fallen Order. Superficially, it’s just another Star Wars story, but it had an unusually profound impact on me. The plot is as follows: a young Jedi’s master is killed in a Jedi purge. As a child of ten or so, our protagonist goes into hiding alone until he is found out about a decade or so later by our
villain, who wants to kill him, and by an ex-Jedi who wants to save him. Now we embark on our hero’s journey.
The thing that made this story unique to me is that it isn’t just about how this lost and isolated young man fights an evil oppressor; it’s about whether he will and why he will. Who is he, who did he used to be ten years ago when tragedy struck, who is he now as an isolated and endangered refugee, and who is he going to be going forward?
His journey is spent largely in isolation; your adventures are solo adventures, you are guided by memories and recordings of dead masters, most of the planets you visit are deserted, and your visions are of a long-extinct species. Of course, we know what our hero will do—this is a fairly typical hero story after all.
What struck me as unique is how our hero makes his choices. His choices are made not by weighing good vs evil (though that factors in), or whether he’s the most capable (he’s not), but by learning who he is, an identity discovered through a personal and collective remembrance. He is both alone and not alone. He embraces that identity and does as those who came before him did.
I am probably being too romantic about a fairly generic Star Wars story, but I found that I wanted what our hero had, to know who I was and what I was a part of, to have an identity informed by a connection to ancestry and to the past.
ONEof the reasons I am drawn to traditional/liturgical practices is that the structure and practices they provide act as a source of connection to a “lineage of belief” or “chain of memory” (as Danielle Hervieu-Leger calls it). From their prayers,
What draws me is a tangible connection to the believers who came before us in a way that is resistant to the reality of constant change that is our modern world.
songs, dress, service structure, and even the style of building, all provide a sense of connection to their history.
It’s not the specifics of these choices in, say, a Catholic church that draw me, and I’m not sure I would agree with the theological reasoning behind their specifics. What draws me is a tangible connection to the believers who came before us in a way that is resistant to the reality of constant change that is our modern world. That connection helps ground a sense of belonging and identity that, to me, seems elusive.
PART
of the draw for me with this connection to the past goes beyond finding a place of belonging; it also provides a positive connection to the theological work in our two-thousand-year history.
As I struggled intellectually with belief in God, I came to equate that with personal failure. Thinking critically about God and the world was the equivalent of doubt, which was the opposite of faith, and so I had failed. But in learning and connecting to Christian history, you learn that believers have always worked through faith within the reality of their time. There is a long history of believers with differing opinions on theology and doctrine, scientific questions, moral
questions, and deliberate threats, and this has birthed deeper theological understanding.
Personally, when I was struggling with ideas around the fall, evolution, and why we believe the world is broken because of us, I found comfort in reading the theology of Irenaeus, who believed that though the world was good, it had never been perfect. It has been an encouragement to me to realize the church has a long history of working to understand faith and the world. Despite all the mistakes of our past, I feel that traditional church liturgies connect their participants to more of our Christian ancestry, and that awareness and connection can have a positive impact on the modern believer.
entering a church, I know instinctively that we are entering a space to dedicate our time to a holy God. When I see a depiction of Jesus suffering, I experience it as a reality in a different way than if I only hear it spoken of. When I visit a church that has a statue of a saint in the corner, a plaque commemorating dead soldiers, and another one to the boys and girls brigade from the fifties, I feel surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. Something about the tangible presence of these reminders informs my reality and the world of faith becomes more real to me.
When I have this kind of experience, I find that the work of drawing close to God, learning the things of God, and experiencing God, to a certain extent, is done for me. My mind and my thoughts (which are not always my friend) are quieter, my doubts are quieter, my anxieties are quieter, and God seems more present.
APART
from building a connection with the past, for me, there is value in the sensory experiences of worship that traditional churches pay attention to. While I am no expert on the theology behind all these choices, I cannot deny that they have been beneficial for me.
When I sit in a building that is clearly designed to turn my mind to the things of God, that’s where my mind goes. If people touch holy water before
The spiritual world is hard for me to grasp, but these physical reminders act like a bridge for the spiritual world to enter my mundane one.
The spiritual world is hard for me to grasp, but these physical reminders act like a bridge for the spiritual world to enter my mundane one. I am not advocating for grandeur or dedicating our wealth toward art or structures. For a simple example, there was quite a large cross dominating the chapel at Providence Seminary; it seemed out of proportion to the size of the chapel, and you could not ignore it. Yet every Tuesday, it was important for me to see it there, behind and above the speakers. I find it a bit of a loss to see that this year it has been pushed to the corner.
The sacraments (or ordinances in our tradition) are the best example of this connection point between the sacred and the mundane, and Jesus is never more real to me than on communion Sunday. Even now I can’t quite shake the feeling that I am not Christian enough to take it, but I do it anyway because the act of taking it has become a formative exercise of faith that draws me closer to God.
Morgan Fehr is part of the Kleefeld EMC church and is studying at Providence Theological Seminary. She works as a nurse at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.
a report on Abundant Springs, EMC’s biennial youth gathering, May 16–19, 2025, in Caronport, Sask.
By Mo Friesen
AS I REFLECT on Abundant Springs 2025, let me begin by taking you to the end. Our main speaker, Troy Lydiate (digital media director for Apologetics Canada, and hip hop artist) was wrapping up his fourth and final message to the nearly 750 students, leaders and support staff in attendance. He ended by reminding the group of their identity as followers of Jesus. Here is what was said:
Troy Lydiate (TL): When Jesus breathed his last, he said, it is finished. So, you know what you’re left with? Peace is your portion. Grace is your gift. Love is your language. Son or daughter is your identity. Heaven is your home. You are a citizen of heaven! Live like it. Live like it! …I need you to say it with me and I need you to stand on your feet in this
“
moment because we’re gonna declare something right now…ready?
Youth: I am a citizen of heaven.
TL: Now, okay, now you think that scared anyone?... Come on!
Youth (growing in volume): I am a citizen of heaven!
TL: Now, I saw some of y’all screaming a little bit louder during basketball and all those other games and when you got candy. This right here, this right here is your calling card from now on. And if you truly believe it then you gotta get off the little Mennonite humility for a second and start yelling like it’s dinner time and mom put the perogies out!
Youth (shouting): I AM A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN!
THIS MOMENT STILL shakes me: this group that I observed over the weekend in so many different situations now standing and shouting with confidence that they were citizens of heaven and choosing to live out that reality in the places they call home.
If you have ever been to Abundant Springs, the weekend schedule would have looked familiar. There were main sessions each evening that included singing together and hearing a challenging message inviting students and leaders to grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Saturday and Sunday morning included a wide variety of workshops that engaged students in the places where faith meets everyday life. There were tournaments and activities in the afternoons that were designed to be fun and to engage students in physical activity. There were lines for cafeteria style meals that while long, moved quickly to serve food to the large number of attendees. There were opportunities to meet new people in different ways and opportunity to spend time as a youth group processing the events of the day. But there were special moments that I will hold on to for the rest of my life.
“ I can’t wait to come back in two years! It was an amazing experience I will never forget! I have never been able to worship like this before! Praise our Lord!”
[A] key point that stuck with me was from the discipleship workshop where the leader said, “When you know the character of the inviter, you can trust the invitation.” And we know God’s character is so, so good, so when he invites us to follow him, we know it’s safe and so worth it.”
Prior to our first main session, Troy and I talked about our desire that students would engage with Jesus on the first night. In the weeks leading up to Abundant Springs, there had been people praying that students would encounter Jesus on the first night so that they could enjoy a weekend of being with God. Our pastors had met together and prayed for students to have a hunger to experience the power of God even before arriving. The conversation was echoed almost word for word by the leader of our worship team, Tehillah Worship, during the main session. Tehillah Worship is a collective of worship leaders based out of the First Assembly Church in Calgary.
It was clear that God was orchestrating and directing the events of the weekend. That worship time culminated in the whole group singing
“[What stuck out from the messages is] that I’m a citizen of heaven ... not lowering the standards of myself for others, spreading the word of God around my community, and that I’m deeply loved and cared for by God.”
together the doxology. It was a divine moment of heartfelt and Spirit-filled worship as the group declared praise to God.
At the end of the Saturday evening session, Troy invited youth leaders to come to the front of the auditorium and then invited students to gather around and pray for them. Then there was a switch, and the leaders were invited to pray with students. Watching leaders and students gathered in prayer and respond to the invitation of growing relationship with Jesus was beautiful. It was clear that for many this was a time of reconnecting and strengthening their love and commitment to Christ.
Throughout the weekend, the joy that students experienced as they rode adult-sized tricycles, played nine-square, and overwhelmed the main area with the infectious “church clap” dance, stood in stark defiance to the belief that this generation is broken and depressed. And I believe that those of us who had the privilege of spending the weekend with these students were filled with a new hope for the future.
It would be easy to celebrate that this weekend was a transforming event for students and leaders alike. But I don’t want that to be the take home of this article. What I want to celebrate is the transforming power of God. As a National Youth Committee, our desire was for students and leaders to have a genuine experience with God. We sought to plan an event that gave opportunity for this to happen, but stepping into the weekend required much faith that God was going to use our offerings and the offerings of the nearly 60 amazing support staff to create this encounter. And God did it.
We are so grateful for the many people that covered this event in prayer prior to it taking place and during the weekend, and who continue to pray for the ongoing impact of set apart time with God.
And so, we waited for the ripples to expand. As we sent the group out on Monday morning my prayer was that the people we would interact with as we came home would recognize that we had been with God, that they would be inspired to ask about our experience, and that we would with confidence share God’s beautiful redemption story. We didn’t have to wait long. One of our leaders sent a text a few days later that one of their students that didn’t attend heard the testimonies of the students that had attended and chose to put their faith in Jesus. What else will this experience with Jesus bring to our churches, our conference, our country and our world? How will God use each of us to bring transformation to the broken, hurting and hungry world?
Dallas Willard has a quote that says, “When we see Jesus as he is, we must turn away or else shamelessly adore him” (The Divine Conspiracy).
Let all of us who experienced the transcendent power of God shamelessly adore our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s choose to hope in God’s work in the next generation.
Say it with me… “I AM A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN!
Mo Friesen is EMC’s Director of Next Generation
“How he [speaker Troy Lydiate] could make the sessions interesting and talk about things he did and the stories and examples. I like how he knows how to talk in a way that we youth understand.”
“ I felt them [Tehillah Worship] leading me to Gods presence whether it was a hype song jumping around with my friends like “Praise,” or very emotional songs like “Battle Belongs,” or my new favourite song “Life in Colour”!!”
“
Gaga ball, spike ball, and nine square were great ways to talk to new people and make friends with similar interests.”
“ I feel closer to God and I wish it would’ve never ended.”
AL iGNED? What does it mean to be
By Emery Plett
How does EMC discern which organizations we associate with?
ONE OF THE tasks assigned to me when I began my job here at the EMC office was to examine our external partnerships such as Mennonite Disaster Service, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, MCC, and more. The assignment was to review which partnerships continue to be effective and beneficial, and which should be dropped or changed. The General Board formed a subcommittee to discuss and think about these questions. The committee agreed it would be better to start with a high-level view of the question rather than reviewing organizations individually.
A policy was drafted to reflect what is important to the EMC, how these priorities dictate what organizations we wish to associate with, and how close these associations should be (see chart on p. 19). This policy was approved in the fall of 2024, and our hope is that it will help in the discerning of EMC partnerships.
One big question asked in discussion around the development and presentation of the policy is, what does it mean to be aligned? What things do we hold as significant as we relate to organizations we work with? The list is not that long. Does the organization align with our faith perspectives? We are an evangelical Anabaptist organization. Do the organizations we partner with share our theological underpinnings, and if not, how much different from us can they be?
The
key operational philosophy of the BOM is church planting. And so, the missions organizations we partner with must have that same focus.
The answers to these questions are not always easy and require us to use our discernment. I will pick this thread up a little later.
Does the organization align with our operational philosophy ? We have agreements with numerous missions organizations who take care of our associate missionaries, but not every organization that has requested partnership has passed the Board of Missions test for compatibility. The key operational philosophy of the BOM is church planting. This is the heart of our missions efforts. And so, the missions organizations we partner with must have that same focus.
Does the organization align with our priorities? As a national entity, what is the role we play with local organizations, such as local private schools or local food banks? It is important that our energies not be split between too many organizations, so the priority of the national office is to connect with other global, national, and provincial organizations. Local EMC churches are encouraged to be active in their communities and support and work with local organizations.
Finally, what does the organization expect of us? Expectations vary but can include membership fees, promotion of their initiatives, and assigning board members. We continue to find it difficult to fill our own boards with volunteers, never mind seeking board members for other organizations. It is only for organizations that we are close to that we wish to make that effort.
Let’s look more closely at theological alignment. We are evangelical and Anabaptist. Layton Friesen did a great job of writing about the tension that arises as we live inside this unique faith perspective (The Messenger, Jan/Feb 2024). It is here that we, as the EMC, are at home and we happily live inside this tension even though it is the source of some challenging conversations, both at the conference level and in our churches, as we debate where on the spectrum we will land. In the end, as Friesen mentions, the two coming together are a beautiful jewel that keeps us from the weaknesses that both have on their own.
As we connect with different organizations, we need to hold that tension in place. Some organizations are clearly evangelical but don’t share our Anabaptist convictions, and others will be certain in their Anabaptist principles but weak on evangelicalism. We find discomfort in having our name on a website or masthead for those furthest from our position.
In some cases, these associations have been decades long, but over time the organization has changed, just as the EMC has changed. Most of our churches look quite different today compared to what they did 50 or 60 years ago. One
We
are evangelical and Anabaptist. It is here that we, as the EMC, are at home and we happily live inside this tension even though it is the source of some challenging conversations, both at the conference level and in our churches.
only needs to look at the drum kit now found on most church stages. But change may not be at the same pace or even in the same direction, so it is important to periodically check if our partners still align with us and ask ourselves if we wish to be connected with them.
Unlike marriage, we should be able to withdraw from an organization that no longer aligns with our priorities. This does not indicate they are bad or are doing a bad job. These organizations may be exemplary, but we are not on the same page. As a conference we have decided that it is important that we consider how deeply we can be in partnership in these cases—or if we are so misaligned that we cannot be in relationship at all.
What does this mean in the real world? It’s easy to talk about alignment, philosophy and faith without concrete examples. I will bring forward two organizations that we partner with to illustrate some of the challenges we face as we seek to discern answers to these questions.
The first is Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). Currently we would be described as an owner conference and appear on their website as such. There have been numerous conversations with a variety of thought about MCC and how it does its work. For many, many years it was seen as the pre-eminent humanitarian organization that we as Mennonites worked with to bring aid to those in need around the world: from our local MCC “Self-Help” stores, to blanket-making, to canning goods to send around the world. MCC also has feet on the ground and numerous EMC folk have worked with and for MCC in-country. MCC’s stated mission is to bring “relief, development and peace in the name of Christ.”
We have churches and members who are strong supporters of MCC. But we also have churches and members who have become troubled with the direction MCC has gone in the last number of years.
We have churches and EMC members who are strong supporters of MCC. But we also have churches and members who have become troubled with the direction MCC has gone in the last number of years. Concerns that MCC is not evangelical enough, too focussed on social justice issues and political activism and not strong enough on sharing the gospel. Of great concern is the apparent movement toward liberal theological positions. MCC is very Anabaptist but less evangelical. How do we respond?
On the other hand, we have an organization like the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC). Currently we are a member and pay membership
Some have raised concerns that the EFC does not hold to a peace position and may be more forceful in their political presence than we would be.
fees to be a part of the fellowship. This is an organization that represents Canadian evangelical denominations to government. It brings concerns about new laws, such as medical assistance in dying (MAiD), to members of parliament and makes churches aware of current legislation and issues that will impact them. The EFC has taken on intervenor status in cases that have gone before the Supreme Court.
Currently, EFC is lobbying government so that churches can continue to give out charity receipts for donations. Another focus area is in research on the state of faith in Canada. Some have raised concerns that the EFC does not hold to a peace position and may be more forceful in their political presence than we would be. They are strongly evangelical but not Anabaptist. How do we respond?
We are a movement of people advancing Christ’s kingdom culture as we live, reach, gather, and teach. As we partner with organizations, we extend our reach and ability to do this. Each organization is seeking to move the kingdom of heaven forward and many are doing good work, but we cannot partner with them all. We need to think carefully about where we put our resources and energies.
Emery Plett is EMC’s executive director.
The organization...
EMC external partnerships criteria
...is doctrinally and missionally aligned
• EMC may have public membership status, pay dues, have close affiliation, or promote the organization’s activities within the conference
• EMC may be involved in helping fill Board positions through appointments, vetting or facilitating connections to potential board members.
• The organization will be given opportunity to report at EMC events, either written or oral, and/or have promotional presentations or displays.
• EMC will not be involved in filling Board positions or making appointments
• The organization may be given opportunity to report in writing at EMC events.
...is a global, national, or provincial entity
...is a regional/ local entity
• EMC will not be involved in finding or vetting board members.
• The organization will not be given opportunity to report at EMC events.
• The organization will be encouraged to connect with local church bodies.
...not necessarily doctrinally aligned, but is an organization that does good work and that EMC wishes to partner with for a season
• EMC will not be identified on any promotional material as a supporting or partner organization nor seek membership or affiliation.
• EMC will not be involved in filling board positions or making appointments.
• The organization could be given opportunity to report at EMC events if deemed appropriate.
No affiliation
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Global impact • By
Gerald Reimer
Early Anabaptist strategy for security in missions
IN LIGHT OF Anabaptism’s 500-year anniversary, celebrated this past May in Zurich where the movement began, let’s consider one of the strategies that explain how our numbers came to reach over two million people in 80 countries worldwide, in spite of persecution.
Doctrinally, Anabaptism has always been outwardly focused and missional—though in practice the years of sending have been interspersed with long years of huddling.
Hans Kasdorf (1928–2011), a Mennonite Brethren missionary and educator, wrote in The Anabaptist Approach to Mission, in the early years of the Anabaptist movement “missionaries were sent in apostolic teams to carry out their task.
Since persecution was almost inevitable, the missionaries were usually sent in teams of three: a minister of the Word…the preacher and the teacher; a type of deacon…the servant to the needs of others; and a lay brother…to serve as liaison between the church and the missionaries.”
Dozens of such teams with their families were sent to serve throughout Europe and as far away as the Americas, Kasdorf says, “compelled by the Great Commission, convicted by a deep sense of calling, commissioned by a supporting church, committed to a high view of discipleship, and called to carry out the apostolic task.” Fragmentary records estimate that at least 40,000 new converts were baptized
Though it is not always possible, we try to make sure all our workers are part of teams, not alone. Living in close proximity to one another, staying in regular communication with each other, carpooling, and limiting travel in certain areas or after dark are a few of the practical steps they take to ensure the safety of each team member.
As EMC Director of Global Outreach, Gerald Reimer supports EMC missionaries all over the world.
during this early span of 60 years. Linford Stutzman, professor emeritus of culture and missions at Eastern Mennonite University, reminds us that the early Anabaptists sent out these workers in teams because the work was dangerous.
At a recent Board of Missions meeting, we were blessed to accept three new candidates: one young family, and two single women, each going to different parts of the world. All of them will join existing teams.
Though it is not always possible, we try to make sure all our workers are part of teams, not alone. Living in close proximity to one another, staying in regular communication with each other, carpooling, and limiting travel in certain areas or after dark are a few of the practical steps they take to ensure the safety of each team member.
Obeying a call from the Lord does not mean we should live recklessly or fail to take precautions. So, this is a good reminder that the sending church needs to include much prayer for protection and open hearts for those who hear the good news of salvation.
While evangelists, deacons and communication specialists were the makeup of the teams years ago, these gifts continue to show up in creative ways. In other words, God calls every believer to be his ambassador, no matter what you are skilled at, what your training is, what your hobbies are, or what your personality is like. The calling God has for you may not be danger free, but it will be done for the glory of God.
Let the little children come
By Teah Goossen
I GREW UP with Bible camp songs, VBS crafts, and youth group nights filled with laughter, learning, and late-night snacks. As a youth, I was accepted into a community that deeply valued “the next generation” of Jesus followers— and I’m grateful. Looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand guiding me through those fun, sometimes silly, yet deeply formative experiences. They weren’t just entertainment; they were sacred spaces where my faith took root.
Recently, I was reminded just how powerful children’s ministry can be during a visit to Peru, where I spent time with Allen and Mary Beth George. I arrived the day before the launch of Galaxia Express, a vibrant, intergalacticthemed vacation Bible school. For the next four days, their home in La Punta was transformed into a space adventure aboard the “Galaxy Express”—a journey through the cosmos to discover the wonders of God.
Each day was bursting with energy and joy: kids beamed as they sang songs with big actions and even bigger smiles, and as they listened wide-eyed to Bible stories and concepts brought to life through songs, skits, games, colouring, and crafts. The gospel was presented in a way that a child could understand.
In Peru, children’s ministry is still emerging. While the parents I met clearly loved their children deeply, the idea of inviting children into spiritual conversations in such a creative, interactive way seemed relatively new. Yet I saw the impact of ministering to children. You could see it on the kids’
Through interactive play, children are invited into the wonder of the gospel.
faces and hear it in their voices as they shouted “¡Clámale a Dios! ” (Call out to God), “¡Responde a Dios! ” (Respond to God), “¡Obedece a Dios! ” (Obey God) and “¡Alabar a Dios! ” (Worship God), asked questions, and soaked up truth. It was made even more clear on the Sunday service after VBS when the church grew due to some of the children bringing their parents and siblings— pulling them into the same joy and wonder they had discovered. What an honour to have joined and watched the Lord work through this VBS.
Children’s ministry goes beyond simply being a program—it is nurturing young hearts and sowing seeds of faith during their most impressionable years. Children aren’t just the church of tomorrow; they are a vital part of the church today. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do
“Spaceman” Allen George guides young explorers during Galaxy Express VBS.
not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).
Over the years, Allen and Mary Beth George have been actively involved in their community by leading Sunday school, hosting Tuesday game nights, running a Saturday morning chess club, and offering guitar and piano lessons during the week. They ask for prayers that these activities will create opportunities for both children and their families to grow in their relationship with Christ.
Teah Goossen is on a mission to live purposely for the kingdom. Teah has returned from slowly cruising across North America in her Honda Odyssey while gathering stories, painting pictures, and fellowshipping with nomadic folk.
Global Focus
Language differences no barrier to assisting Paraguayan church
By Ken Zacharias
THE BUENAS NUEVAS “Good News” church is located 18 kilometers west of the Brazilian border in Guavira Poty, a suburb of Minga Guazú East Paraguay.
The Buenas Nuevas congregation has approximately 50 people with a base group of five or six families, some single adults and a number of teens. Adults and teens who have made commitments to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord are involved in the different aspects and ministries of the church. There are also many children in the community who attend the church.
EMC missionaries Travis and Rosey Zacharias and Chris and Revita Kroeker, together with the local church, sent a request to EMC Project Builders for monetary help and a work team to help with the construction of a 1,085 square foot brick building to provide more adequate Sunday school rooms, kitchen area and bathrooms.
March 10–26, 2025, a five-person work team from Canada helped the
local church with this project. This was an excellent opportunity to work together with very capable national workers experienced with brick construction. Despite the language barrier, it was good to see the interaction that took place on the project site.
The work team from Canada consisted of Peter Siemens from High Level, Al Maronese from Winnipeg and Peter Morran, Nicanor Siemens and Ken and Val Zacharias from Kleefeld.
Rildo Alvez (Jose), one of the local brick layers and church lay leader, writes “I thank God for the opportunity to be a part of this very warm hearted and caring Christian family (Canadian church) that has come from so far away to help us and work so that the Christian community can grow in the Good News Church in Minga Guazú. I am grateful for the brothers who came to work with us on this church project. I feel happy and content to have worked with them. It was a great experience for me and one of the best things is that we could form new friendships
and meet more believers in this way. From the heart, I really appreciate it and may the Lord bless you. May you continue to be the good people that you are. Thank you.”
As the local church grows and matures, opportunities to serve also increase. Evangelism and discipleship are both taking place as the church is involved in the Che Roga (My Home) Bible Camp, located one hour west of Minga Guazú. In this last camp season, 60 children from the church neighbourhood attended the camp. Five of the church young people served at the camp as counsellors and support staff. The newly constructed building will assist the church as they follow up with these children and youth throughout the year when classroom space is needed.
Thank you for your support and continued prayers for the local church in Guavira Poty.
Ken Zacharias serves as coordinator for EMC Project Builders.
The Canadian work team poses with national workers. Jose (who assisted with the article) is centre, in a white t-shirt.
Work continued on the project after the work team’s departure. Here, the construction is nearly complete.
Forgiveness in Christ transcends tribal tensions in East Africa
By Gordon and Sharon Skopnik Serving Christ, East Africa
IN THE CONTEXT of poverty, tribal and denominational division, as well as trauma, the Serving Christ ministry led by Avant/EMC missionaries trains and educates East African leaders to plant churches and bring healing and help.
In one church planting training, African leader Pastor Linus teaches the session on forgiveness and reconciliation in the refugee camp. This is a very important topic for people in East Africa, who come from regions like South Sudan and Sudan with dozens of different tribes—tribes that have been fighting with each other for years, even decades.
There were participants from various tribes in attendance at this training, including Emilio, a young man from the Neur tribe, and Simon, an older man from the Dinka tribe. These are the two largest tribes in South Sudan, and they have been at war with each other for decades. One tribe will cause injury or death to the other tribe, who will then seek revenge, and the cycle continues.
During the lesson God touched Emilio and Simon’s hearts. Both men declared forgiveness for each other for the sins committed against their families and tribes. Then they stood before the class and hugged each other. This was unheard of, and only possible through the Holy Spirit of God, who transforms lives. Praise him!
Emilio and Simon embrace as they declare forgiveness for one another.
The church planting training is for all tribes, denominations and churches. Each of the leaders on the Serving Christ ministry team is from different tribes and denominations themselves. Because they were so impacted by the initial church planting training, they have committed to serve in unity, and are bringing this training to various regions across East Africa (including Congo, South Sudan, Uganda and Kenya).
Through a practical and holistic curriculum, participants learn biblical principles, steps to church planting, and a pathway to self sustainability, while addressing the critical need for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Those who graduate from the training program are strongly encouraged to participate in and pass on what they
have learned. In this way the graduates themselves become trainers, and in this process of training others, new churches are planted! We praise God that over the last year over 30 churches have been planted, many in refugee camps!
God is working and using this training to transform lives and make a difference in families, churches, and communities.
Gordon and Sharon Skopnik are EMC associate missionaries with Serving Christ. Through church planting training with a focus on peace and reconciliation, they seek to establish flourishing families and communities for South Sudanese refugees displaced due to violence in their home country.
Conscription threat looms, but God’s faithfulness stands stronger
By an EMC worker Southeast Asia
A YEAR AGO in April, fear was lurking in Achokia. As OGC’s Civil War raged into its fourth year, disturbing news was filtering up to the remote mountaintops of Achokia. Conscription letters were being issued across the country, pressing 18- to 31-year-olds into service to fight against their own countrymen.
The Achok translation team boldly stated that all they could do was pray. That was everything they wanted from us who were at a distance, too. They would faithfully remember that God was right there with them.
Meanwhile they were furiously planning to launch a first-ever visionbuilding trip across their entire language area. Days later, they hit the trails, two people on each small motorbike, venturing first to the most difficult to reach village. It was worth every bit of effort!
Theresa and Ellen, Ken and Victor, Richard, Noah and George—everyone took a turn sharing one aspect of their work, one motive, one purpose. From the basics of the ability to read and write their very own Achokian to their outlook of translating the New Testament in 15 years, the excitement was palpable, and encouragement poured back in return.
“In the midst of darkness, you have given us light and happiness.”
Days later, they hit the trails, two people on each small motorbike, venturing first to the most difficult to reach village. It was worth every bit of effort!
The Achok translation team made a special mention, too. They know they are not on their own in this translation task. So, they told their people about the church in Canada, loving believers who pray for them and support the translation effort. This stunned the Achok—they were amazed and motivated, committing to be faithful in prayer.
From one village to another, the team brought encouragement, literacy teaching, hymns in Achokian, ideas and enthusiasm. In turn, they were lavished with meals, prayers, and comments like, “Put all your effort into what you are doing. We’ll help you!” At least one brother, in the midst of region-wide struggles to survive, pressed money into the hands of the team.
Threats of conscription had not clearly passed. But God’s faithfulness filled their vision.
Thinking back on the entire trip and looking ahead into the unknown, Victor concluded: “We are not discouraged. We just want to know how God will cause us to face this. We will continue to translate, in the jungle as needed. We just don’t yet know where or how.”
Notes: Achok, Achokia and Achokian are pseudonyms for a people, their region and language in a remote mountaintop area of Southeast Asia. OGC, “Our God’s Country,” is a pseudonym for their country, and all personal names are pseudonyms, to protect the Achok translators.
Region 1 leaders refreshed, renewed during retreat
OVER THE LAST 30 years, Region 1 EMC churches (Burns Lake and Vanderhoof, B.C., and Grande Prairie, High Level, La Crete and Hillside, all in Alberta) have met every two years for a weekend leadership retreat. The distance between churches in our region has always been a challenge. Recently we have met somewhat centrally in the Best Western Plus in the beautiful “Gateway to the Rockies” town of Hinton, Alta.
Our get-(re)acquainted session Friday evening (May 2, 2025) involved some flying of paper airplanes—a skill many may have developed in their junior high school days? It was good to have some EMC staff guests: Emery and Bev Plett and Carl Heppner reported on their areas of work and Conference Pastor Andy Woodworth was our guest speaker.
Each session included singing, church reports, and inspirational/ teaching sessions. Sessions were held Saturday morning and evening and Sunday morning.
Saturday afternoon was set aside for visiting and relaxing. Some opted for the walking trails, some for a drive to Jasper (about 80 kms) to view the fire damage of last summer, and some may have had meddach schlope (afternoon nap).
Our speaker Andy Woodworth focused on John 10, the Good Shepherd, challenging us in being shepherds. He reminded us that, while we are shepherds, we are also sheep—who need to hear and recognize the Chief Shepherd’s voice in the midst of other competing voices. The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. Being in an information-explosion age, we can be saturated with too much information, with overstimulation causing fear, anxiety, paranoia, and dualistic thinking and fixating on minor secondary issues. The temptation can be to “rev up,” instead of slowing down and then feeling guilty when we get “weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). Yet the Good Shepherd came to bring “life… to the full” (John 10:10).
Andy Woodworth reminded us that, while we are shepherds, we are also sheep.
Andy took us into reflections on Jesus’ words to the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2), that “you have lost your first love;” that perhaps the real cost of busyness is the loss of spiritual vibrancy.
Martha Doerksen and her group ended each singing time with “Be still and know that I am God.”
Church reports are always an item of interest. Reports were sprinkled with statistics, positive happenings and struggles, giving occasions for mutual prayer support.
Sunday morning Russell Peters from LCCF led in communion. It was a refreshing, weekend of warm fellowship, renewed friendships, mutual encouragement and learning together.
– Peter Janzen
Region 1 leaders gathered May 2–4, 2025, at the Best Western Plus in Hinton, Alta.
Roseisle celebrates pastor’s ordination and more
Roseisle EMC
Roseisle, Manitoba
JUNE 15, 2025, was ordination Sunday here in Roseisle! Pastor Fernando Hiebert was ordained by Conference Pastor Andy Woodworth in front of a large congregation.
Pastor Woodworth’s message was about Jesus’ mission of redemption and restoration, and what part the church plays in the world. We are called to be people of truth and to seek and save the lost. He encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone and see people through the eyes of the Father.
Ordination is an opportunity for both the conference and the membership to confirm the work that Pastor Fernando is doing, and to confirm the call of God for him to be a minister of the church. Pastor Woodworth also acknowledged the work and support of the pastoral spouse.
It was a special moment to have three members of our church pray over Fernando and Jen, for the work they do in our church, and community, and for their family.
We have much to celebrate in Roseisle! Our congregation is growing by leaps and bounds. Sunday school attendance is at an all-time high, and we are looking forward to multiple baptisms and a membership transfer next week!
We are thankful for the work that God is doing in our midst, and we pray that we will continue to be a light in the darkness for those around us. Amen.
– Michelle Cenerini
Conference Pastor Andy Woodworth and Roseisle EMC church representatives pray over Jen and Fernando Hiebert (centre) during Fernando’s ordination on June 15, 2025.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
The Messenger wins three CCCA awards
FIRST PLACE: BIBLICAL THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
“Two kings, two kingdoms: A Christmas story” November/December 2024
Author: Alain Reimer
SECOND PLACE: COLUMN
“His light to my path” (regular column)
Author: Karla Hein
THIRD PLACE: FEATURE LAYOUT AND DESIGN, MAGAZINE
“ Together with the world” May/June 2024 issue
Designer: Rebecca Roman
100 years of Mennonite World Conference— 500 years of Anabaptism
IN MAY I had the privilege of travelling to Europe as an EMC representative to the Mennonite World Conference. This was for General Council meetings, for the celebration of 100 years of MWC, and for Zürich 500: commemorating half a millennium since the beginning of the Anabaptist movement.
These events had a distinctly ecumenical atmosphere, and delegates of other Christian denominations lamented over the violence done to Mennonites and the schism of the church that resulted from the Reformation. They expressed a desire for healed relationships and greater collaboration with Mennonites.
It was mentioned several times in these events that Mennonites are like the little toe in the body of Christ; we are such a tiny member of the greater
On May 29, 2025, attendees gather in Grossmünster Cathedral in Zurich, Switzerland, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism.
I mused that if Mennonites are a small toe [in the body of Christ], maybe the EMC is just one hair on that little toe!
body! Nevertheless, the little toe is valued. Anybody who has ever stubbed their small toe can attest to the impact a toe can have on the wellbeing of the whole body. I felt keenly aware of the smallness of our own EMC family within the larger Anabaptist communion. I mused that if Mennonites are a small toe, maybe the EMC is just one hair on that little toe!
It was great to get a perspective of God’s big family, and especially how Anabaptism has experienced growth and change. In the last 100 years,
Anabaptism has grown from 500,000 baptized members located almost entirely in Europe and North America to 2.1 million today, 83% of which are from Asia, Africa and Latin America. The diversity is beautiful. In MWC this diversity shows up everywhere, from MWC’s leadership and governance to the multi-ethnic and multi-language worship times.
Zürich 500 was especially exciting. Organizers were overwhelmed by the number of visitors who converged on the city where George Blaurock
re-baptized Felix Manz and others in 1525. This first “believers’ baptism” sparked the radical reformation that was soon followed by the persecution, martyrdom and scattering of many Mennonites. Manz himself was drowned in the River Limmat near his trial at Zürich’s Grössmunster Cathedral.
It was at Grössmunster where the main event of Zürich 500 occurred with songs, readings, ecumenical
Members vote during the MWC General Council meetings held May 26–28. 2025, in SchwäbischGmünd, Germany.
addresses and a symbolic footwashing. Prior to the event I stood outside the cathedral for almost two hours with a large crowd of others who were eager to enter and get a seat. During that time, we spontaneously broke out several times in songs and hymns, sung by memory in English, German
and Zulu. This was very moving for me! Unfortunately, I didn’t make it into the packed sanctuary, and I resorted to watching the livestream on my phone from my hostel bunk bed. You can view the whole service at https://www.anabaptism500.ch.
Other events in Zürich that day included exhibits, walking tours, workshops and choral performances from around the world. Some of those who travelled for Zürich 500, including several EMC folk that I bumped into, joined longer Anabaptism-themed tours in the region.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity I had to represent the EMC at these events. It was encouraging to be with brothers and sisters from around the globe. Christ’s church is alive and well, and we Anabaptists are a vibrant little part of it, “following Jesus, living out unity, and building peace.”
– Jen Kornelsen
The Limmat River in Zürich.
SBC celebrates its 2000th graduate!
“We worked for 90 years to get to Payton Falk.”
– Professor Layton Friesen
TO GRADUATE FROM Steinbach Bible College is already a high honour, but when it was announced that I was SBC’s 2000th graduate, it left me speechless. SBC has been training servant leaders for almost 90 years, and I have the honour of being the 2000th graduate that SBC is sending back out into the community to love Jesus, serve the church, and engage the world.
There were times I was not even sure if I would make it to graduation. But the community at SBC came around me, encouraged me and, at
times, dragged me along. The community at SBC is unparalleled. They say that “community is the context for learning.” This is not just something they say but they live it out as well. The faculty, the staff, and the students all live out this vision, and it makes SBC an incredible place to learn and grow. I am going to miss being at SBC, but I am excited to see how God is going to continue using them to grow the next generation of leaders.
–
Payton Falk, BA SBC’s 2000th graduate
Anthony Baker BA, Calvin Perry BA, Jeffery Krahn BA, Kyla Fast AA. Certificate grads (not shown) were: Reuben Ascough, Krystal Beardy, Jasmine Biedler, Nathan Krahn, Rachel Loewen, Ethan Martin, Leah Martin, Emily Pauls, Kara Penner, Kayla Reimer, Ariel Swan, Jadzea Thiessen, Adam Weber, Ethan Wiebe, Tianna Wiebe, Fauna Wilton.
Steinbach Bible College graduating class of 2025: (front) Ethan Thiessen BA, Jonathan Loewen BA, Shelby Wiewel BA, Zachary Friesen BA, Owen Friesen BA, Logan Friesen BA, Payton Falk BA, Andrew Buhler BA, (middle) Sheila Hildebrandt BA, Alayna Schrader BA, Torasia Elias AA, Calli Banman BA, Hannah Dyck AA, Jesse Rempel AA, Svitlana Kravchenko BA, Naomi Hochstedler BA, Angel Ganancial AA, Morgen Penner BA (class valedictorian), (back) Samuel Loewen BA, Kendra Wahl BA, Rylan Toews BA, Evan Penner BA,
Payton Falk, SBC’s 2000th graduate, receives his degree from President Dave Reimer on April 26, 2025.
GLEN KOOP
1940–2025
Glen Koop, age 84, of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, Man.
Glen was born to his parents, Jacob and Gertrude (Plett) Koop of Kleefeld, Man., at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man., on December 8, 1940. He was the sixth in a family of 18 siblings.
He attended public school until the middle of Grade 8, when he left to take a job at Schellenberg Store in Kleefeld.
Glen was ambitious and hardworking, and moved to Steinbach for work, then to Winnipeg. He ended up at Reimer Express Lines as parts manager for several years.
During this time, he attended the Aberdeen EMC young people’s meetings and was attracted to Betty Unger, a young woman from Landmark. They dated for several years. During this time Glen worked in Flin Flon in northern Manitoba, helping his brother Mel who was the pastor of a newly founded chapel.
Glen and Betty were married on August 9, 1963, in the Kleefeld church. They settled into an apartment in Winnipeg then, two years later, moved to a small house where they welcomed their first son, Russell Glen, in September 1965.
Since his youth, Glen had felt called to the ministry, and informed Betty of
this when he proposed marriage. He had completed his first year at Steinbach Bible Institute (now Steinbach Bible College) prior to their marriage, and they moved to Steinbach so he could complete his studies there.
Then began their pastoral ministry, beginning at Euclid Mission in North Winnipeg. This was followed by serving at Aberdeen EMC for four years while Glen completed studies at University of Winnipeg and Mennonite Brethren Bible College, graduating with a BA in May of 1972. During this time, their second son, Douglas Brian, was born in December 1968. In November 1971, final son Michael John joined the family.
In August of that year, they moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia, so that Glen could begin his studies at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. It was a challenging trip with three active youngsters in the back seat. Glen graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1975.
He began his teaching career at Steinbach Bible College in 1975, and was hired as pastor of the newly chartered Evangelical Fellowship Church, which was more than a full load. In total he was a professor at SBC for 19 years.
During his sabbatical, Glen and Betty moved to Lesotho in Southern Africa where Glen was pastor of an international, inter-denomination, inter-racial church. This was a most enriching experience!
Glen left teaching for full-time pastoral ministry in 1996, when he accepted a call to the La Crete EMC church in Northern Alberta. After more than seven years he retired but continued interim ministry, serving Ridgewood EMC, Good News Community Church, Birch River Fellowship Chapel and as well at EFC in Steinbach. Glen loved his Lord and sought to serve.
In 2022 Glen was diagnosed with dementia. But medicine had no answers as his family sadly watched him fade away.
We do rejoice that Glen is now with his Lord, whom he loved and served with his whole heart, soul and mind throughout his life. While he was also a human being with faults, we were so blessed to have him with us for 84 wonderful years.
Thank you to all who have supported and loved us over the years. May God bless you richly!
– The Family
Shoulder Tapping
Please send all position ads (150 words or less), including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconference.ca. Ads may be edited. Please advise us when it is no longer needed.
Additional EMC Openings
Often there are more churches looking for staff than are identified on this page. For information on additional openings, contact Conference Pastor Andy Woodworth (awoodworth@emconference.ca or phone 204-326-6401).
EMC Positions
Associate Pastor of Discipleship: Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church (Rosenort, Man.)
Rosenort EMC is seeking a passionate and servant-hearted associate pastor of discipleship to join our ministry team. This newly created role offers a unique opportunity to shape and strengthen discipleship within our church family, helping people grow in faith and live out the gospel in their daily lives, all within the context of a growing and vibrant rural community in Manitoba.
The associate pastor of discipleship will lead and oversee key ministries, including Sunday school, youth and young adult engagement, evangelism, pastoral care, and spiritual mentorship. This role calls for strong communication skills, a heart for teaching and mentoring, and the ability to foster spiritual growth across all generations within the church family.
For a full job description, go to our church website at www.rosenortemc.ca. Please send your resume, cover letter, and references to info@rosenortemc.ca.
Interim Pastor: High Level Christian Fellowship (High Level, Alta.)
High Level Christian Fellowship (HLCF), located in northern Alberta, is seeking an interim pastor to bring preaching, teaching and leadership for building community within our church family of approximately 100 people. The interim pastor will also assist in providing visionary guidance and supportive direction as we review how we carry out HLCF’s values, vision and mission. If this interests you or additional information regarding the job description is required, please contact James Connellan, board chairperson at elder@hlcf-emc.org
Senior Pastor: Community Bible Fellowship (Swan River, Man.)
Community Bible Fellowship (CBF) in Swan River, Man., is seeking a full-time senior pastor. Swan River is a community with a population of about 4,000 with smaller towns, communities, and reserves within the valley totalling around 8,000 people. The church’s ministries include: worship, discipleship, hospitality, missions, youth, and children’s discipleship.
We are seeking a Spirit-filled pastor with a servant heart to encourage and lead by example in all areas of ministry. Since, as a church, we value the contributions of each member, we want a leader who is able to train, equip and empower our members in ministry, and will preach biblical truth to develop spiritual formation and growth. A successful candidate will have a minimum
Director of Communications: EMC national office (Steinbach, Man.)
The EMC national office is seeking an individual with a passion for Christ and the church to fill the position of director of communications (DC), starting November 15, 2025.
The DC will lead the communications team to equip EMC churches, and extend the reach of the EMC’s ministry by coordinating the EMC’s various communications platforms, producing digital and print resources, and advancing the EMC’s digital presence..
In this position the DC will also assist the Board of Church Ministries in achieving its mandate, and serve as managing editor of The Messenger Qualifications include: a degree in theology, communications or marketing; leadership experience; related job experience.
This position may require some travel in Canada. It offers equitable pay and benefits with opportunity for professional development.
To apply please submit a resume and portfolio by going to ourwebsite http://www.emconference.ca/serve/ or directly to applications@emconference.ca. Applications will be accepted until September 15 or until a suitable candidate is found.
of two to three years of biblical studies (bachelor’s degree preferred) and would be willing to become credentialed with the Evangelical Mennonite Conference.
Please send your resume to: cbfchurchswanriver@gmail.com
Pastor: Morris (Man.) Fellowship Chapel Morris Fellowship Chapel is a Christfollowing, Bible-believing, family-friendly church of around 130 people in the small rural town of Morris, Manitoba. People of all ages are a part of Morris Fellowship, including children, young adults, adults and seniors. We are looking for a pastor to help with preaching, teaching, and building community in our church. This would include preaching on Sundays, teaching midweek Bible studies, personal visits and church community events. Contact Cliff Reimer, Pastoral Search Committee Chairman: cliff0955@gmail.com.
Other Positions
Pastor of Youth and Young Adult Ministries: Niverville (Man.) Community Fellowship
Niverville Community Fellowship, part of the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference, is seeking a pastor of youth and young adult ministries to join our ministry team as we seek to continue to action our mission of Making Disciples of Jesus as we Worship, Grow, and Serve in Love. The pastor of youth and young adult ministries will be a devoted follower of Jesus Christ with a commitment to Anabaptist faith and theology as expressed in the EMMC statement of faith and a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. The role of the pastor of youth and young ministries is to introduce and disciple
young people into a life lived for Christ by your example, teaching, and relationships founded in love. For more information or to apply please contact hr@nivcf.ca. Deadline for applications is October 31, 2025.
Lead Pastor: Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren
Church (Winnipeg, Man.)
Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church seeks a Spirit-filled lead pastor to provide biblical, theological, and spiritual leadership to our congregation. The lead pastor will champion the mission and vision of our church, be a servant leader, guiding staff and volunteers in implementing ministries and fostering a healthy, life-giving culture. Key responsibilities: provide spiritual leadership through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care; lead and mentor staff team; collaborate with church council; foster community outreach and missional engagement. Qualifications: Bible college or undergraduate degree in ministry (minimum), minimum five years of pastoral leadership experience, credentialed (or willing to become credentialed) with the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills, living a Christ-centered life. To apply, send your résumé to pastoralsearch@fgmb.ca. For more information, go to https://fgmb.ca/
Lead Pastor: Gospel Fellowship Church, (Steinbach, Man.)
Gospel Fellowship Church is seeking a fulltime lead pastor. We are a congregation with an average attendance of 75; our church is a part of the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference (EMMC). GFC is a faith
community in a broken world, sharing the hope of freedom in Christ. We are searching for an individual who passionately loves God and loves people, one who is able to provide vision and direction for our church, and willing to compassionately lead our congregation with sound biblical teaching.
For a full position description, please visit our website (www.gospelfellowshipchurch.ca) or contact us at applications@ gopselfellowshipchurch.ca
Principal: Morweena Christian School (Arborg, Man.)
Morweena Christian School is a K–12 school with approximately 200 students located near Arborg in the Interlake region of Manitoba. We are searching for a candidate to apply for the principal position. Job opening is for the 2025–26 school year. A Bachelor of Education is required as well as a minimum of five years of teaching experience. Preference is given for a master’s level of education. Please forward inquiries and resumes to James Plett, board chair, at boardchair@morweenaschool.ca
PASTOR EUGENE WIEBE and his wife Leona Hillside Christian Fellowship
His light to my path • By
Karla Hein
Prepositions in faith
DO YOU REMEMBER learning about “above,” “beyond,” “in,” “of,” and the other approximately 150 prepositions that belong in the English language? My kids are learning grammar, and I am once again acquiring an appreciation for prepositions. Not to diagram on pages of lifeless assignments, but to treasure in my heart through the pages of Scripture.
“Rejoice,” Paul writes in Philippians 4:4. That’s hard to do with the added directive in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Giving thanks is relatively easy on a peaceful Sunday when the day is fresh and I’m worshipping with God’s people. The preposition “in all circumstances” is an entirely different matter when the day is late and I’m feeling cranky. Then, the next set of prepositions rushes in with the solid ground to fix
my hope upon. “Rejoice in the Lord ”; and, “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus ” (Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18; emphasis added). These prepositional phrases relieve and delight my soul by reminding me of my Saviour. This is the deep-rooted joy that we witness both in the blind man restored and in the persecuted disciples who could not stop telling what the Lord had done for them (Luke 8:39; Acts 4:20).
What has he done for me? The persistent miracles of his sustaining word that we experience in every planet’s orbit and each human’s breath (Hebrews 1:3). Then, more specifically, he gives to his children the gift of salvation—salvation that is glorious enough to endure for ages to come (Ephesians 2:7).
I recently discovered a verse that I’ve never noticed before tucked away at
What has he done for me? The persistent miracles of his sustaining word that we experience in every planet’s orbit and each human’s breath. Then, more specifically, he gives to his children the gift of salvation.
Karla Hein (Westpointe, Grande Prairie) is the wife of one and mother of two.
the end of the Psalms. Psalm 149:4, “For the L ord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” This verse has another beautiful preposition. Taking delight in his people. The Lord who made the massive mountains and magnificent waterfalls. The Lord who has endless stars and the whole heavens declaring his glory (Psalm 19:1). He takes delight in me and you as his redeemed people. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).
And when I am discouraged, I’m reminded of faithful Abraham’s example. The promise was given, and while he waited, his faith grew strong and he “gave glory to God,” because he was “fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:20–21). I can do that! I can trust that the God who fulfilled his promises to Abraham and to the Israelites will also fulfill his promise to all who love his appearing.
Charles Spurgeon is credited with saying, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” Spurgeon also wrote, “The wave of temptation may even wash you higher up upon the Rock of ages, so that you cling to it with a firmer grip than you have ever done before,” and that is a very good thing to give thanks for! “Give thanks to the L ord, for he is good. His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1).
Further in and higher up • By
Layton Friesen
God is infinitely happy: Do you mind?
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED how happy God must be?
He lives in ecstasy and uninterrupted well-being because he is the fountain of Life itself. Everything that causes unhappiness has no part in God. He does not sin. He has no body to be sick or have mental illness. He is Power itself and so there is no problem his infinite mind has not already solved. He enjoys perfect love in the Trinity of his relational being. God is infinitely happy. This is why the Bible says, “Blessed be God….”
Perhaps you have a niggling concern as you read this. What about the scriptural witness to God’s grief, his wrath against injustice, his compassion for orphans, and ultimately his passion on the cross? Could this Divine Happiness feel my pain? Or is God wearing the ultimate set of noise-cancelling headphones?
I think we can say both that God is infinitely happy and that he feels our pain better than even we can. How is that possible? Try this analogy from psychology that might help.
One day your friend comes to you sobbing with the devastating news that her husband is cheating. Hearing this shocking news is hugely demanding on you as a friend. How will you respond? Can you truly enter her pain? What can you say?
Let’s make this more interesting: What if twenty years ago your spouse cheated, but instead of facing it, you had just bottled the rage and gone on with life? Suddenly, now all your unhealed rage comes whooshing back
God has no baggage. Nothing triggers him. He is always in the best imaginable space to hear our prayers and enter our pain.
as you listen to your friend. The question is: Will that whoosh of your own pain help you listen to her and truly be there for her ? No, it will not.
At one level perhaps the two of you could find consolation in both being in the same misery. But your ability to truly attend to her in a selfless way, to really enter her pain is hampered by how her story triggers your own pain. This is why training in psychotherapy demands that counsellors first do the hard work of dealing with their own past baggage. A therapist who is triggered listening to someone else’s story cannot be there for that person. Her own pain keeps her from listening.
This analogy helps us understand why an infinitely happy God is such good news to a world in pain. God has no baggage. Nothing triggers him. He is always in the best imaginable space to hear our prayers and enter our pain. He knows and feels our pain. As the
hymn says, “He took my sins and my sorrows / He made them his very own” (“My Savior’s Love” by Chas H. Gabriel). But it’s our pain he is feeling, not his own.
That’s why we call it love.
This is supremely true of Jesus on the cross. This is not God solving his own problems—he has none. This is God entering our suffering, taking on our sin and wretchedness. As the same hymn says, “He had no tears for his own griefs / But sweat drops of blood for mine.”
And God’s happiness, his infinite liveliness is so invincible and infectious that even drinking down our cursed venom to the point of death could not finally stifle the power of his joy. In the resurrection, the explosive, infinite happiness of God obliterates death by the sheer dynamism of divine love.
God knows our pain better than we do and yet feels nothing but joy when he thinks of our future with him.
Layton Friesen is academic dean at Steinbach Bible College. He lives in Winnipeg, Man.
Inspiring faith • Mo Friesen
Neighbouring as a spiritual practice
“JESUS REPLIED, ‘ “LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments’ ” (Matthew 22:37–40).
Inspiring practices of faith based on the first commandment are mainstream in our discipleship process, but inspiring practices of faith that focus on the second command can be a little tricky. Seeing the way we interact with our neighbours, community members and strangers as a spiritual practice can be difficult because we have many differing approaches to how we view those around us. I’d like to suggest a couple of practices we can use to help the next generation demonstrate their love for God
by choosing to love their neighbours.
Practice being friendly. At times, this is the most challenging work of my day. It’s easy to go to the grocery store, pick up my essentials, and go through the checkout line without looking at the cashier. Making brief eye contact (too long is awkward) can bring humanity to our interactions. We don’t need deep conversations to show someone they’re seen and valued. Practice smiling and showing genuine gratitude in your daily interactions. Humanizing our interactions with others contributes to the biblical principle of living at peace with everyone.
Know your neighbourhood.
In their book, The Art of Neighboring, Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon suggest that
RESO URCE COR NER
The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon
“This
book is a great resource to work through as a family, small group or even as a whole church.”
we start by creating a map of the homes immediately surrounding our home. List the names of the people that live in each home and list something you know about them. This can be a family practice. If you don’t know their names, find a creative way to introduce yourself: bring them some cookies, shovel their driveway, or host a block party. As you put names and faces to your neighbours you can begin to pray for them and take an interest them.
Serve your neighbours without expectation of reciprocation.
I have cleared the snow from my neighbour’s driveway for as long as we have lived in
Mo Friesen is EMC’s Director of Next Generation.
our current house. Every so often, my neighbour would bring over a loaf of bread as a thank you. It was such great bread. In the last few years, we have new neighbours, and I have had to work with myself to cheerfully serve them even though they don’t bring me the occasional loaf of bread. For me it’s about answering the question, “Would the neighbourhood miss me if I was gone?” It’s the same question we ask of our church but made personal by identifying our “neighbours” as the actual people living in our immediate proximity.
Lastly, as the younger generations see us taking genuine interest in the lives of those we meet, we give opportunity to them to grow into a worldview that allows them to see the world through the eyes of others and ultimately see their neighbours through the eyes of God.
