MBBS board grapples with future

Fresno, CA

President Henry Schmidt presented five critical issues facing MBBS: the cohesiveness of the MB denomination; the key appointment of an academic dean; recruitment/enrollment; financial stability and; coordinating theological education with other institutions.

First, in addressing denominational cohesiveness, Schmidt said MBBS "has embarked on a decentralized, church-based model of seminary education." The British Columbia Centre began last year, and negotiations continue with Winnipeg, Kansas and Los Angeles as possible additional sites.

"The vision is clearly for one jointly sponsored MB seminary in a number of decentralized locations in Canada and the US," Schmidt said.

However, current uncertainty about the shape and role of the North American Conference of MB Churches also impacts the role of the seminary, he said.

Second, the academic dean appointment is a high priority, Schmidt said. "Internally, the academic dean shapes the direction of a seminary through theological reflection and critical thinking, strategic planning, faculty development, curriculum development and delivery systems.

Externally, the academic dean shapes the image of an institution in terms of its academic credibility, theological direction and trust in the constituency."

The office continues to be filled on an interim basis by Ron Penner following the departure of Howard Loewen in 1995.

Third, recruitment and enrollment are a major concern even though more students (259) were on campus in the just-completed spring semester than any time in MBBS history. Many of those were audit students.

The peak enrollment at the seminary as measured by full-time equivalent (number of credit students divided by 12 units) came in 1980, with 141 total students and 124 FTE. Currently, MBBS has 141 students enrolled for credit, but because many are part-time, the FTE stands at 89.

The board reviewed statistics which showed that many Mennonite Brethren are choosing to study at other seminaries closer to their home, particularly in Canada. The hope is that decentralized MBBS programs, better "calling out" of leaders by local churches, and more financial aid will reverse the trend.

Fourth, financial stability is a concern because of the cost of decentralized programs, as well as the increasing number of MB and other institutions appealing directly to donors and churches. Schmidt said Harry Olfert, Canadian development director, and Don Wohlgemuth, US director, continue to work at expanding the donor base.

Fifth, the issue of coordinating theological education among Mennonite Brethren concerned the board. While it was once clear that graduate education among MBs would likely take place at MBBS, now conversations are ongoing about possible graduate programs in ministry at a proposed Mennonite University in Winnipeg, at Fresno Pacific College and at Tabor College. A new mission training centre in B.C. has also been proposed.

Much of the board's discussion Apr. 27-29 revolved around the new centre proposal and how it will be coordinated with other MB institutions, Schmidt said.

Schmidt said he is optimistic about how the board and MBBS administration will tackle these issues. "This is a very strong board, a good board," he said. "They are exceptional people. I don't think there has ever been a board more representative of the constituency."

Some of these substantive issues have been handled better in the past year, the president said, because the board has been expanded and divided into four committees: student life, property/finance, donor development and academic. Most of the time at this spring's meeting was spent in committees, with the larger board coming together to continue discussions or ratify committee action.

Other highlights from the meeting: