Board of Faith and Life: Pamphlets and Pastors>

Reuben Pauls

The two major foci for the Board of Faith and Life are its pamphlet series and church leadership issues.

Pamphlet Series

New pamphlets nearing completion include:
* Response to AIDS
* Response to Suicide
* Response to Media
* Who are the Mennonite Brethren?

Our churches, as well as other denominations, continue to call for copies of the existing pamphlets:
* Christians and War
* Christians and Lotteries
* Homosexuality: A Compassionate Yet Firm Response
* Anabaptism--Basic Beliefs
* Materialism
* When Marriages Fail
* Why Not Just Live Together?
* Retirement

Church Leadership Issues

There have been many pastoral changes in the last year, but there are not many experienced pastors available to fill vacancies, especially for established churches. Presently there are 22 senior pastoral vacancies, and there are about eight "near retirement" pastors who circulate as interim pastors. We need to develop a job description for churches desiring an interim pastor.

The ReFocusing Networks strategy is gaining momentum. Presently 32 pastors have taken the Refocusing Leaders course, and another 36 are part of a Network (Phase 1). Phase 2 (Refocusing Churches) Networks are beginning in Manitoba and B.C. The Ministry Assessment Questionnaire is being offered to all churches who wish to participate.

In addition, the Board of Faith and Life is attempting to deal with issues which keep emerging around Baptism, Membership, Renewal (Holy Spirit manifestations), Restoration to Ministry, Leadership and Pastoral Transitions.

Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 36, No. 20 Home Page