Ann L. Schultz Concludes Ministry as MCEC’s Intentional Interim Executive Team Leader

“We have an invitation to see possibilities in a future church that we have not yet imagined,” says Ann L. Schultz as she prepares to leave her role at MCEC. “It is an opportunity to think broadly, deeply and creatively about the church of today and the church of the future.” Throughout the last two years, Ann embraced this challenge, encouraging us to approach our purpose with boldness and vision.

“Ann stepped into this role at a critical time and worked closely with staff and executive council to prepare MCEC to grow into the future"

Mennonite Church Eastern Canada expresses gratitude to Ann L. Schultz for her dedicated service as intentional interim executive team leader. From the outset, she expressed her love for people, her commitment to building strong teams, and her passion for advancing the mission, vision and values of the organization she serves. These principles have been evident throughout her leadership at MCEC.

Ann has played a pivotal role in shaping MCEC’s future. She worked with the executive staff team to develop MCEC’s strategic plan, Growing into the Future, which is guided by the identity statements and strategic directions approved by delegates in 2022.

She also participated in a board governance “boot camp” alongside members of the executive council and staff, strengthened connections with MCEC partners and working groups and contributed to important structural discussions within MC Canada. Her thoughtful and systematic approach to organizational change and her strategic leadership have left a lasting impact in advancing the purpose and identity of MCEC.

“Ann stepped into this role at a critical time and worked closely with staff and executive council to prepare MCEC to grow into the future, particularly through the new strategic plan and recent structural reorganization,” says Ben Cassels, MCEC moderator. “We have been blessed by her experience, warmth, skill, humour and wisdom. We are grateful to God for how she has so ably led and served the Church.”  

"Ann inspired us to serve with heart, integrity, and joy.”

Ann’s support of the MCEC staff team has been exceptional. She reflects on the journey with gratitude, recalling moments of spontaneity, celebration and laughter that brought the team closer together. She also acknowledges the depth of the sometimes challenging, yet always meaningful, conversations around the staff table, as the team ministers and supports the Church in their roles.

“The level of expertise and care within the MCEC staff team is truly remarkable,” she says. “It has been a privilege to work alongside them.”

Laurie Castello, operations and finance director, affirms Ann’s leadership: “Her compassionate and empathetic guidance strengthened the staff, guiding us with a vision rooted in care for the Church. She led with grace, celebrating both extraordinary milestones and the simple, everyday moments that give life meaning. She inspired us to serve with heart, integrity, and joy.”

With the appointment of Anthony Siegrist as executive minister, MCEC moves forward under new leadership, continuing to build on the values and strategic direction Ann helped to shape. Her challenge to build a dynamic future for the Church stays with us as we move forward energizing congregations, encouraging leaders and embodying God’s reconciling ministry for all creation.