February 12thMCEC Leadership Transition and Reorganization: Executive Council's Vision for the Future
As the leadership of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) transitions this month from Ann L Schultz as Intentional Interim Executive Team Leader to Anthony Siegrist as the permanent Executive Minister, the Executive Council wants to take this opportunity to update MCEC’s 108 congregations and constituency on the structural reorganization that came into effect on January 1 2025.
We understand that the reorganization has been a significant adjustment for some and may have felt sudden. In the summer of 2024, the Executive Council gave an ambitious mandate to Ann. This mandate was to envision and implement a reorganization that paid attention to the changing context of MCEC, our new financial realities, our changing demographics and needs, and to creatively think through a new way of carrying out the core work of MCEC before a new Executive Minister moved into the role in 2025.
Responding to requests from delegates at the 2024 ACG to address budgetary concerns and growing deficits, the Executive Council endorsed a plan to reconfigure the work of MCEC. Sadly, while the reorganization resulted in the loss of staff positions, it provides for more attention to leadership, engagement and intercultural ministry through three senior minister positions, and focuses the role of the three Regional Ministers to provide more support to congregations and regional ministerial clusters. This new structure is in keeping with the strategic plan, “Growing into the Future,” and provides for renewed vigor in energizing congregations, encouraging leaders and embodying God’s reconciling ministry.
The Executive Council appreciates Ann’s leadership in guiding and completing this significant reorganization. This was an enormous task and Ann undertook it so capably with grace, compassion and care. Ben Cassels, moderator, says “We are deeply appreciative of the care with which Ann carried out the momentous task of clarifying our strategic vision, planning a new internal structure and leading MCEC through this significant change. It positions MCEC well for the future.”
Please join us in giving thanks to Ann, welcoming Anthony and praying for MCEC as we continue the work of being Church together as 108 Spirit-led congregations.
Sincerely,
- Ben Cassels, Steinmann Mennonite Church, moderator
- Eliot Burns, Waterloo North Mennonite Church, assistant moderator
- James Barber, Hagerman Mennonite Church
- Bruce Burgetz, Toronto United Mennonite Church
- Felipe Gonzalia, First Mennonite Church
- Michael Reid, Hamilton Mennonite Church
- Kaye Rempel, Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church
- Richard Steinmann, Steinmann Mennonite Church
- Hyejung Jessie Yum, Danforth Mennonite Church