Dr. Anthony Siegrist Appointed MCEC Executive Minister

The MCEC Executive Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Siegrist to the position of Executive Minister. 

“I've long been committed to the life of the church, believing that Christian communities are called to participate in the reconciling work that God is doing in the world,” says Anthony. “I look forward to contributing to the life and vitality of this group of churches as they seek to embody Christ's presence in the world. Helping church communities respond well to this moment in time is exciting.” 

Anthony brings a unique blend of ministry experience, professional expertise and academic background to this role. MCEC Moderator, Ben Cassels notes, “Anthony is deeply committed to the Church and has a proven track record of being a leader of leaders across diverse constituencies. His combination of theological training and practical ministry experience positions him well to address the needs of a changing, intercultural church.” 

"My hope is that MCEC becomes known as a network of churches that both treasures its past and creates space for new, holy experiments in following Jesus.” 

Anthony is currently the Ontario Director of A Rocha, a nationwide creation-care focused organization that builds partnerships with congregations. In this role he re-focused the organization and its programs to new realities, establishing trust with stakeholders, navigating budgetary challenges and leading a staff team in fulfilling their core mandate while launching new initiatives. For seven years, he was lead minister at Ottawa Mennonite Church and served on the MCEC Executive Council. Earlier in his career, he was a professor of theology at Prairie College and worked as an environmental educator and wilderness guide. 

Anthony, author of Speaking of God, has also co-authored and co-edited several works and published extensively on theology, creation care, and residential schools. He holds a BA from Prairie College, an MA in Religion from Eastern Mennonite University, a ThD from Wycliffe College/University of Toronto, and an MSc in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Ottawa. He has also taught as an adjunct at Conrad Grebel University College in Peace and Environment. 

"I've long been committed to the life of the church, believing that Christian communities are called to participate in the reconciling work that God is doing in the world.”

The search committee was inspired by Anthony’s vision of MCEC as a community that holds, welcomes and nurtures the diversity of our 108 congregations – celebrating their unique callings, passions, challenges and journeys of discipleship. “MCEC, like many churches, is at an important point in reshaping itself to sustain its mission into the future,” he says. “The possibilities involved in exploring new ways of embodying our Anabaptist vision is exciting, and my hope is that MCEC becomes known as a network of churches that both treasures its past and creates space for new, holy experiments in following Jesus.” 

Anthony begins his role on February 1, 2025, working alongside Ann L. Schultz, the current Intentional Interim Executive Team Leader, to ensure a smooth transition. We invite your prayers as MCEC moves forward in this important leadership transition, reaffirming our commitment to energize congregations, encourage leaders and embody God’s reconciling ministry for all creation.