June 21stSeeking Placement While in a Pandemic
Celebrating God's Faithfulness in Elmira
“We sure didn’t go into this thinking we’d have a pandemic to deal with,” said Terry Martin, member of Zion Mennonite Fellowship, Elmira, ON. “We had to think differently and find new ways to make it happen.”
Zion Mennonite Fellowship was looking for a pastor when the pandemic hit. They filled out their congregational profile and submitted it to the MCEC office knowing that there were more placements needing pastors, than pastors who could fill them. MCEC continues to work with congregations and pastors during the pandemic in that important process of introduction and placement.
"I trusted that God was going to lead but, if I’m honest, there was a part of me that was anxious.” - Terry Martin
A former professor of theology, Donna Kerfoot was not really looking for a job in pastoral ministry but yet she found pondering that very role and call. “I saw a need and felt called to answer that need,” she said. She completed the ministerial leadership information form and met with Al Rempel, MCEC Regional Minister. “I felt at home in his questions and appreciated his guidance and direction,” she said. “God was faithful and took me through each step as it occurred.”
Zion Mennonite and Donna were fortunate enough to hold their first interview in person. “It was good to be able to meet Donna face-to-face,” said Terry. “It was more personal than if we had met on Zoom.”
However, a lockdown followed and a candidating weekend was set up online without in person social interaction. Terry reflected, “Al was helpful in giving us suggestions of what we might do in an online format. Meeting online seemed to make the time more intense because first impressions were based on a virtual screen. I trusted that God was going to lead but, if I’m honest, there was a part of me that was anxious.”
“It was challenging to actually engage with the congregation,” said Donna, “It was challenging to prepare that first sermon and not have the feedback of body language or responses. But I felt God nudging me to go in a certain direction and I believe the Holy Spirit spoke to people.”
Zion Mennonite called Donna as pastor and she began her ministry at the beginning of April. “I’m looking forward to actually meeting in person and being able to fellowship with people in a large group. I'm looking forward to those fellowship meals I keep hearing about!” she said. “I think that following the pandemic people may turn to faith and we need to be prepared. We need to stay open to God’s direction.”