Core values statement, anti-dancing resolution approved

The business sessions, again held in the MBCI gymnasium with delegates seated at round tables, were cordial but with some spirited comments and questions from the floor. Many of the comments were not so much about the particular business at hand, but about the process itself. The conundrum of doing business with 400 people was evident as some delegates said the business was rushed; others said it was bogged down.

Executive Board

In true Canadian tradition, delegates participated in a constitutional discussion, as the Executive proposed several revisions to the constitution of the Canadian MB Conference.

But the Executive's first recommendation, to adopt a mission statement and five core values, met with the most vigorous debate of the business sessions.

Many of the comments from the floor suggested wording changes to some of the core values for clarification.

Some, such as Sieg Wall of Jubilee Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, expressed frustration that the churches were not consulted more before these core values were presented to be voted on. "Am I out of order in asking for revisions? I submitted a handwritten amendment . . . if I am out of order, then what's the point?"

Moderator Abe Konrad and assistant moderator Roland Marsch eventually agreed to hear suggested amendments from the floor, and read aloud some written submissions.

Al Doerksen, of Fort Garry MB Church in Winnipeg proposed that the mission statement, as a stand-alone document (as is the case with many corporations), was lacking. "There is no corporate action mentioned, no expression of the conference as a larger body," he said. Doerksen suggested that the recommendation, which included both the mission statement and the core values in a single recommendation, be split so delegates could vote on the mission statement and the core values separately.

Other delegates were concerned that the mission statement doesn't seem to include the larger purpose of fulfilling the Great Commission. In its current format, "the mission statement could be completed within our church", said Mark Burch of Arnold (B.C.) Community Church. Another delegate suggested that the element of prayer was missing from the statement.

Konrad clarified that the mission statement is not a new confession of faith, nor is it meant to replace mission statements of individual churches.

Several were supportive of the statement. John Janzen of Steinbach, Man. suggested that the mission statement and core values be made into posters to be displayed in the churches.

The mission statement and core values were approved, but with the understanding that it is an issue in process. This means the Executive Board will accept proposed revisions to the mission and core values, and then produce a final draft.

The second recommendation regarding constitution revisions passed as well, but again not without some comments from the floor. Several delegates commented on a section which would allow the Conference to withdraw membership from any church which "cannot reconcile its own doctrinal convictions with resolutions of the Conference" (revised article III, section 4). John Epp, of Winnipeg, expressed concern that the wording appears to elevate conference resolutions to the level of doctrine. Wally Unger, of Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., added that there have been numerous resolutions in the past which, in retrospect, may not have been consistent with biblical doctrine.

The contentious revised section was deleted, and the following vote approved the new constitution with near unanimity.

Faith and Life

In the presentation by the Board of Faith and Life, chair David Ewert highlighted the pamphlets which the Board publishes on doctrinal and ethical issues such as Anabaptism, homosexuality and lotteries. He also mentioned pamphlets in development on issues such as Christian retirement, spousal and child abuse, living together before marriage, suicide and "Who are the Mennonite Brethren".

Ewert also confirmed on behalf of the Board that baptism should immediately lead to local church membership as is stated in the MB Confession of Faith. The Board is also developing guidelines for churches employing pastors from non-MB backgrounds, so that it is clear they understand and accept our Confession of Faith.

In the Board's single recommendation (the only recommendation not submitted for printing in the Convention handbook), David Ewert read the proposed resolution "regarding activities at church-sponsored events" (see sidebar). The only discussion from the floor regarding the surprise resolution was a recommendation to tighten up the wording by removing the word "might", from "These might include activities as dances . . . ". No one else stepped up to the microphones to comment.

By voice vote, the delegation approved the recommendation by a wide margin, but not without a small chorus of "nays". Printed copies of the resolution were not distributed until after the vote.

Evangelism

Executive director Ewald Unruh highlighted new projects including the appointment of six pastors in Atlantic Canada. Several of the new pastors gave brief testimonies of their work. Bob Cowan, senior pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Lower Sackville, N.S., and Dwight Habermehl, associate pastor, gave a humourous account of their partnership at the church. Listing their opposite character traits, Cowan said, "We have every reason to hate each other, but we love each other".

Abe and Helen Block shared that there have been eight new believers within 10 months during their ministry at Restigouche Valley Church in Campbellton, N.B.

Unruh also acknowledged the completion of George and Carol Braun's two-year term as voluntary coordinators of REACH Canada, a program for retirees to promote church planting.

Unruh reiterated the goals of the evangelism board, to encourage evangelism, provide resourcing and coordinate church planting.

The Board's single recommendation that the Conference approve the planting of up to three new churches in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, was approved unanimously.

Management

Vice-chair Glyn Allen gave a brief report on behalf of the Board of Management, announcing the appointment of Randy Schellenberg as new board chair, replacing Peter Falk.

Christian Press manager Ron Wood has been given a positive review and was reappointed for a four-year term.

The Board also announced that Concord College was under review to determine its viability and "to demonstrate that it is substantially achieving its mission until 2002". The study, to be undertaken by Richard Kriegbaum, president of Fresno (Calif.) Pacific University, and Paul Loewen of Winnipeg, is to be completed by the end of 1996.

The stewardship division's deposits increased to $37.9 million in 1996, and the a mount it has loaned out to churches and pastors increased to almost $31.7 million. Stewardship director Alf Huebert was unable to attend the conference as he was recovering from a heart operation.

The budget presented for the next two years calls for a 4.2% increase in funding from the 1994/96 budgeted amount, and a 9.6% increase from last biennium's actual. The conference ministry support fund norm for 1996/97 is $87; for 1997/98, $88. The Conference finished the 1994-96 biennium with a small deficit of $29,682.

Christian Education

Board chair Lorraine Dick reviewed the curricula that the Board is promoting, including First Steps for Kids. The Board is emphasizing "purpose-driven" ministries. The idea behind this approach is that a healthy ministry begins with a Target (developing disciples of Christ), followed by a Plan, developing Programs, finding Workers and finally, choosing Curriculum.

David Wiebe, executive director for Christian education ministries, highlighted the Target point by listing the six characteristics of a discipled person: 1. In love with Jesus. 2. Skilled in spiritual self-care. 3. Active in winning the lost. 4. Committed to life in a local church. 5. Able to critique our culture. 6. Journey-conscious.

Wiebe summed up his approach to youth ministries in the slogan, "Kids Can Do It". Wiebe endorsed the example of youth pastor Blayne Greiner, who pushes his youth group to fully participate in all aspects of hands-on ministry.

In regard to adult ministry, Wiebe said we should be asking, "Are we finishing well?"

Many delegates said they appreciated these values, but a phrase in the description of the sixth point generated some heated discussion during the question period. Several delegates objected to the phrase, "It's not over till the fat lady sings". Wiebe explained the origin of the phrase in reference to opera performances, but some delegates remained miffed.

In other business, Board chair Lorraine Dick announced that Wiebe's ministry had been positively reviewed. The subsequent recommendation, that David Wiebe be reappointed for a four-year term, passed with near unanimity. David and his wife, Val, were prayed over by members of the board and executive.

Communication

The Conference's newest board, initiated at the last convention, gave the final report. Board chair John Reimer gave an overview of the various programs under the Communications board, MB Herald, Mennonitische Rundschau, Le Lien, Chinese Herald and the Centre for MB Studies. Reimer said that since the Herald had developed a World Wide Web page on the internet there have been thousands of "hits" or inquiries recorded. He quoted the June issue of the magazine The Net which carried a brief review of the site: "Well worth the read, Mennonite or not."

Reimer also addressed some of the concerns mentioned to the Board. In answer to the concern that the Herald is not objective enough, Reimer countered that it is virtually impossible to be totally objective, even if you report "just the facts". Omission or inclusion of certain details is already a judgement call, he said.

The two recommendations of the Board, that the subscriptions for MB Herald and Mennonitische Rundschau be paid for by the Conference, were voted on as one recommendation and passed without objection.

The New Executive:

Moderator - Ike Bergen

Assistant Moderator - Allan Labun

Secretary - Elizabeth Esau

The Board and Faith and Life Resolution:

There has been a great deal of debate and discussion within the churches of our conference and within our church paper about the social dance which took place at the Banff national youth rally last winter. In the light of that discussion and in response to requests that have come to the Board of Faith and Life, we recommend the following:

a) that we express our regret that such an activity took place at a conference-sponsored event;

b) that we direct our conference agencies, boards and local church leaders to avoid activities at church-sponsored events which are likely to cause offence because they transgress moral or ethical boundaries which churches and families have sought to maintain, and on which we as conference or churches have expressed a position. These include activities as dances, the use of alcoholic beverages or the showing of videos or films which violate biblical standards.

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