September 28thLeah Reesor-Keller Resigns as MCEC Executive Minister
Deep Appreciation Expressed for Service and Leadership
MCEC's Executive Council regretfully announces the resignation of Leah Reesor-Keller, Executive Minister.
“We are grateful for Leah's service and leadership over the last two years,” says Arli Klassen, chair of the Executive Council. In spite of the pandemic, Leah strengthened relationships across the MCEC diverse family of faith, listening and connecting with leaders from many different communities in MCEC, as well as with Mennonite church leaders across Canada. As the world tilts and changes with church playing a different role in Canadian society, Leah led MCEC in a Courageous Imagination strategic visioning process, encouraging reflection about who God is calling MCEC to be as a movement instead of as an institution. “As MCEC's Executive Council, we remain committed to the identity, purpose, values, vision and priorities that were heartily approved at the Annual Church Gathering earlier this year in April,” says Arli.
Leah led MCEC in a Courageous Imagination strategic visioning process, encouraging reflection about who God is calling MCEC to be as a movement instead of as an institution.
“It has been an honour to serve in this role through many joyful and challenging experiences over the past two years,” writes Leah Reesor-Keller in her recent letter to the MCEC family of faith. “Though I am finishing my leg of the race and passing along the baton of leadership, I continue to believe deeply in the Church and in the gifted and passionate leaders on MCEC’s Executive Council and staff. I have confidence that the Spirit is up to something among us, moving in visible and invisible ways.” Read Leah’s full letter.
“We offer to Leah our deep appreciation for her leadership over the last two years and our best wishes for wherever she will share her considerable gifts and talents."
John Reimer, MCEC operations director, will become the acting executive minister as MCEC seeks an intentional interim executive minister. “We have confidence in John’s steady presence as we move through this leadership transition,” says Arli. Over the next year or so, the intentional interim executive minister will continue to work with MCEC’s strategic planning process. The Executive Council invites recommendations and interest; please contact Arli Klassen at moderator@mcec.ca.
Leah will conclude her ministry on October 14, 2022. MCEC will hold a farewell event for Leah in October.
“We offer to Leah our deep appreciation for her leadership over the last two years and our best wishes for wherever she will share her considerable gifts and talents. We respect Leah’s decision to resign, although this is not the timing we envisioned she would be leaving MCEC,” says Arli. “We ask for your prayers and your support, for the MCEC Executive Council and for staff, as we navigate our way forward through these leadership transitions in the coming months.”