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The Board of Communications workshop was mainly devoted to questions from the floor. Many of the comments were responses to issues the Board had raised in its written report (such as the possible relocation of the Mennonitische Rundschau as a paper for Aussiedler in Germany). Some useful suggestions were made. Delegates also raised questions on such things as budget items, the Herald letters to the editors policy and the Herald policy on articles that deal with controversial topics such as sexual abuse. Tough questions were asked, but much affirmation was expressed for the work of the Board.
Christian Education Ministries Board chair Lorraine Dick along with several board members and executive director David Wiebe spent their entire first workshop session profiling the new curricula they are promoting such as Life Steps for Kids. They also profiled their youth ministry plan which implements ideas from Son Life ministries and the idea of Coaching Clusters, a youth ministry worker support network. Martha Wall, of the Institut biblique Laval, gave an overview of the tremendous progress of her French-language Sunday school curriculum, the most recent effort called, Mystere et Boule (Mystery and Gumballs). The new curriculum replaces dull translations of English language curriculum from the 1960s and 70s. Dick also announced the decision to hold another youth convention in 1998. It will not be called Banff '98, however, because the Board is looking for a less expensive location. There was virtually no time allotted for questions from the floor.
The Board of Evangelism gave high profile to their church planting work in Atlantic Canada, having workers from each church location share a recent ministry highlight. Executive director Ewald Unruh specified that the words "up to three churches" should be included in the Board's recommendation to plant new churches in Eastern Canada. He then noted the work of inter-cultural ministries, shared some concern for a "low-growth mode" in Quebec church planting and mentioned the powerful ministries of Youth Mission International. YMI director Randy Friesen was not available to report because of health concerns (he has since fully recuperated). Unruh also noted that REACH, a program for early retirees to serve in new churches across Canada, was on hold because directors George and Carol Braun had resigned. Response that followed the reports greatly affirmed the Board's work, with one delegate offering prayer particularly for the Atlantic Canada workers. Encouragement was given for the Board to pursue partnerships between the Maritime churches and established churches across Canada.
The Board of Faith and Life was challenged to deal with question such as world hunger and justice at their session. Other questions that were dealt with included accountability to Conference standards by churches who acted independently of the Conference; whether BFL was pro-active or merely reactive; the level of involvement by Mennonite Brethren on the board of MCCC and whether the BFL had a position on "manifestations" as are exhibited at the Toronto Blessing. Suggestions made were for clearer direction on the relationship of baptism to membership and participation in the communion observance; to involve more women in the writing of its pamphlet series; and to publish a roster of speakers and resource persons for local church Bible conferences.
In the second session of the Board of Management workshop, Conference Treasurer Jake Neufeld, along with staff members from B.C., reviewed the various programs which the management board oversees, including services provided by the Stewardship department such as providing wills and various investment opportunities. Questions from the delegates included questions about the future of the Concord College buildings (to be transferred from the Conference to Concord College in 1997 assuming Concord has paid off its line of credit) and a question of whether a poor church should be obligated to pay the conference levy. (The conference would like to see at least a token contribution as a gesture of good faith.)
Herald staff, Harold Jantz
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