Governance & Structure

We are committed to strong governance, transparency and accountability. Our structures and policies ensure that we operate with integrity, steward resources responsibly and remain focused on our shared mission.

Transformed. Inspired. Called.

106 congregations • 12,500 members

Executive Council

The Executive Council is an elected board of representatives from MCEC congregations. Council members are nominated and elected by delegates representing member congregations at the Annual Church Gathering, ensuring accountability to the churches that make up MCEC. As a governance board, they provide strategic oversight and ensure we remain aligned with our mission and values. Members may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms and bring a diverse range of experience and perspectives to their leadership.

James Barber
Council Member

Hagerman Mennonite Church

Bruce Burgetz
Finance Council Rep

Toronto United Mennonite Church

Ben Cassels
Moderator

Steinmann Mennonite Church

Felipe Gonzalía
Secretary

First Mennonite Church

Annika Krause
Council Member

Mennonite Fellowship of Montreal

Machichi Francois Ramazani
Council Member

Goshen Mennonite Church

Michael Reid
Council Member

Hamilton Mennonite Church

Ly Vang
Council Member

First Hmong Mennonite Church
 


Executive Staff Team

Full Staff

Anthony Siegrist
Executive Minister

Laurie Castello
Operations & Finance Director

Fanosie Legesse
Intercultural Minister

Marilyn Rudy-Froese
Leadership Minister

Lisa Williams
Communications Director

Governance Structure & Documents

MCEC is governed by its 106 member congregations, who together form the delegate body — the heart of our collective decision-making and discernment. 

The Executive Council provides oversight and leadership, helping to shape our shared vision and identity as a regional church.

This vision flows through to commissions, committees and working groups, who carry it out in practical ways — nurturing congregations, supporting leaders and guiding our ministries.

  • The Leadership Commission supports the calling and credentialing of pastoral leaders.
  • The Mission Commission supports the welcome and assessment of potential new MCEC congregations.
  • The Audit and Finance Committee oversees the annual audit process, as well as overseeing the fiscal, legal and risk management activities of MCEC.
  • The Investment Committee is responsible for directing and monitoring the investment of funds not required for regular operating expenses at MCEC.
  • The Gift Discernment Committee is responsible for discerning, inviting and calling volunteers for all MCEC councils, commissions and committees.
  • Working groups are constituent-based groups who serve the MCEC constituency by promoting awareness and education on specific issues and topics. 

It’s a structure built on collaboration, discernment and shared responsibility.

 

MCEC Bylaws 

Membership in MCEC is rooted in a covenant relationship that unites congregations into a spiritual body and finds its unity in Christ.

 

Download Bylaws EN

Download Bylaws FR


Meetings

The Executive Council meets regularly to review ministry priorities, finances and organizational health. Member congregations gather through delegates at the Annual Church Gathering, where they discern together, elect leadership and make decisions that shape the life and direction of MCEC.

  • Executive Council Meeting frequency: Bi-monthly (5 or 6 times/year)
  • MCEC Annual General Meeting: April 24, 2027

 


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For governance-related inquires or concerns:

mcec@mcec.ca / 201-50 Kent Ave., Kitchener, ON  N2G 3R1
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