Six Exciting Pastor Learning Circles for 2026
For MCEC Credentialed Pastors | Space is Limited | Register Below
We need each other. It can be tempting in pastoral ministry to go it alone.
Join a circle of fellow Mennonite pastors and follow this call together.
1. Leading Interculturally
with Rene Baergen
and Ruth Boehm
This learning circle will consider the invitation and the challenge of leading interculturally. We will meet once a month on an evening, via Zoom. One in-person meeting will be scheduled if possible.
Each circle time will begin with a personal check in and reflection on a passage of scripture. The conversation will take shape around a key question arising from the intersection of text and lived experience. Though each session will approach from a different angle, we’ll work at a basic dynamic throughout:
- Where have you seen God at work in the multicultural setting you minister in?
- What has been the invitation and the challenge?
- And what will you do about it?
Each circle time will conclude with a time of prayer for each other.
Ruth Boehm, Pastor at Faith Mennonite Church, and Rene Baergen, Pastor at First Mennonite Church, work at fostering intercultural community in Leamington and Kitchener.
2. Néhémie ou l'art de diriger ; Cercle de Pasteurs francophones
avec Nancy Frey
De nos jours, le plus souvent le pasteur est non seulement un berger, mais également un administrateur. Le livre de Néhémie nous présente un administrateur par excellence. L'étude de ce livre nous offre beaucoup de leçons sur le leadership chrétien - exemples à suivre et exemples à ne pas suivre. Je vous propose une étude du livre biblique avec pour support le livre de Cyril J. Barber, Néhémie ou l'art de diriger. Il n'est pas nécessaire d'acheter le livre de Barber; la lecture du livre de Néhémie suffira. Le cercle pastoral sera un partage où chacun sera libre de s'exprimer.
Je m’appelle Nancy Frey; actuellement, je suis pasteur de l’église Mennonite de Listowel, à Listowel, Ontario où je sers depuis septembre 2019. Avant cela, j’étais missionnaire avec mon mari, Bruce Yoder, d’abord au Bénin et ensuite au Burkina Faso. Nous avons servi le Mennonite Mission Network de 1999 au 2019. Je suis mère de deux jeunes adultes et leurs époux.
3. Pastors in Transition
with Melissa Miller
In between-ness. Whether you're stepping into an interim or intentional interim role, finding yourself between charges, discerning a return to ministry, or exploring a new pastoral opportunity, this circle is for you. Pastoral transition can be both sacred and unsettling—full of possibility, ambiguity and listening for the Spirit’s direction, which may or may not be forthcoming. This group will offer space for honest reflection, mutual support, and spiritual grounding for those in seasons of change. Together, we’ll explore paths of discernment, identity, call, gifts, loss and joy. Sessions will include prayer, discussion, and practices that center and sustain us. Meeting time and frequency will be shaped by participants’ availability and needs.
Melissa Miller is a Mennonite pastor in the first year of retirement, a season she is approaching with gratitude and curiosity. She has been privileged to serve the beloved community in a variety of settings – as a counselor, author, pastor and family member. In seasons of transitions, she finds grace and direction with steadfast conversation partners. Current pursuits include kitchen creations, nature walks, on-line word games, receiving Indigenous wisdom, and tending her many relations.
4. Pastors on a Pilgrimage
with Matthew Bailey-Dick
Pilgrimage has to do with searching, embarking on a quest, delving into a journey of growth or discovery, or literally walking along a path as a means of embodying a spiritual practice. This Pastors’ Learning Circle will include several opportunities to “walk the talk” of pilgrimage by experiencing guided hikes on the Bruce Trail.
Perhaps you want to reflect on specific areas of growth in your pastoral vocation. Perhaps you are ready for creative exploration of a theological conundrum or a new spiritual practice. Perhaps you are ready to be uplifted and bewildered by the words of St. Teresa of Ávila: “God writes straight with crooked lines.” Perhaps you want to hike your way into that old truth that “we make the road by walking”. Or perhaps you “just” want to get outside into the majestic out-of-doors with a small band of colleagues.
First we will meet on Zoom in September, then we will coordinate approximately 3 hikes on various sections of the Bruce Trail (e.g. Niagara, Caledon, and Beaver Valley). We will conclude by meeting on Zoom in the spring.
Assumption of Risk: Hiking involves hazards (e.g. uneven terrain, remote areas, and weather changes) and participants assume all such risks. By joining any of these hikes, participants agree to discharge both MCEC and the leader from all claims, damages, or lawsuits.
In the circle you will be:
- supported prayerfully in your ministry
- strengthened in your call to ministry
- inspired through sharing ideas about ministry
- encouraged by God with hope, resilience, and openness to possibilities
Matthew Bailey-Dick (he/him) is a pastor at Wellesley Mennonite Church. In prior years, Matthew worked as an educator, hospice volunteer, funeral officiant, and pastor in several other Mennonite churches. In relation to the theme of this Learning Circle, he has studied embodied learning and “trail-based pedagogy” and he is enthused to share his love of the Bruce Trail with others. He wonders about the relationship between individual pilgrimage and collective pilgrimage.
5. Revitalizing Your Congregation
with Chris Hutton
In many churches today, people wonder why do we do what we do, and is it getting us to where we want to be? Are there traditions and practices that still bring us life, and are there traditions and practices that could use some updating? How do we discern these things in such a way as to bring new life to our churches? This group will involve sharing stories, ideas, struggles, triumphs, and more; along with the consideration of questions like “What is most important?“ “What is our church here to do?” and “How do we leverage what God has blessed us with?”
Chris Hutton is the Lead Pastor at North Leamington United Mennonite Church (affectionately known as the North Church). In 24 years of ministry, he has served students on university campuses, experienced multiple denominations, planted a church, and drank a lot of coffee. But he is most passionate about seeing people experience transformed lives through their faith in Christ.
6. Youth Ministry Collective
with Stephen Kennedy and Carrie Lehn
Youth leaders, you’re not alone! Join our Learning Circle Youth Ministry Collective – a casual, monthly Zoom time where we share ideas, encouragement, and caffeine.
First Wednesday of every month.
9:30am (Zoom)
You’ll find support and ideas from other Youth Pastors, discuss Youth Ministry topics each month, and grow as a Collective of Youth Workers.
Grab your coffee and hop online – let’s build each other up as we pour into the next generation.
Stephen Kennedy is a coffee-addicted, music-loving, amateur cook who currently pastors at Avon Church in Stratford, Ont. He has been serving in Youth Ministry for over 14 years, completed a Masters at Conrad Grebel, was a regular writer of youth culture for Youth Specialties, has enjoyed coaching new Youth-Pastors all across Ontario, but most of all, loves the gift that students bring to God's family. Working with students is a joy. Stephen loves to find creative ways to serve students, loves strategic planning, and believes that God's favorite way to speak to us is through storytelling.
Carrie is originally from Leamington, Ontario, and has been doing youth ministry for the past 12 years, most of that at Ottawa Mennonite Church. She recently graduated with her Master’s from St. Stephen’s University. Carrie is passionate about youth ministry and walking alongside teens as they explore what it means to be a person of faith today. She embraces the challenge of creating a ministry that’s relevant, makes space for doubt and big questions, and reflects a deep commitment to an inclusive church. When she’s not doing church things, she’s likely kayaking, playing volleyball, or spending time with her wife, Sarah.
In the circle you will be:
- supported prayerfully in your ministry
- strengthened in your call to ministry
- inspired through sharing ideas about ministry
- encouraged by God with hope, resilience, and openness to possibilities
Each Learning Circle
- Meets online at least 4 times for a one year commitment
- Is limited to 6-8 participants
- Is facilitated by committed fellow Mennonite pastors
- Focuses on a topic relevant to your ministry