MCEC Receives Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Grant to Strengthen Youth and Young Adult Ministry
MCEC Receives Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Grant to Strengthen Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a multi-year grant from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation to launch a new initiative to strengthen ministry with youth and young adults.
The grant will fund a half-time Regional Minister providing leadership, training, resources and support for congregations as they nurture faith and discipleship among youth and young adults across MCEC.
“We are deeply thankful to the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation for their partnership and investment in young people and their communities of faith,” says Anthony Siegrist, Executive Minister of MCEC.
The grant will fund a half-time Regional Minister providing leadership, training, resources and support for congregations as they nurture faith and discipleship among youth and young adults across MCEC.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for MCEC,” says Anthony. “Through our conversations with congregations, youth, young adults and ministry leaders, we have heard a clear call for greater support and stronger connections. This grant enables us to take an important step in responding to that need.”
“By equipping ministry leaders, strengthening relationships across congregations and fostering intergenerational mentoring, we hope to help congregations create spaces where youth and young adults can flourish in faith and leadership.”
The initiative reflects priorities identified through MCEC’s Youth Engagement in the Church research project, input received at Mennonite Church Canada’s Gathering 2025, MCEC Annual Church Gathering and the ongoing MCEC Renew Our Vision process.
“By equipping ministry leaders, strengthening relationships across congregations and fostering intergenerational mentoring, we hope to help congregations create spaces where youth and young adults can flourish in faith and leadership,” says Anthony. “We are excited about helping young people from diverse cultural backgrounds build meaningful connections and grow as disciples and leaders within the church.”
Anthony expresses gratitude to the many people who contributed their ideas, encouragement, prayers and support as this vision took shape. MCEC's engagement with the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation was a collaborative process from the very beginning.
He concludes, “We look forward to seeing how God will use this opportunity to strengthen the church and equip young leaders.”
Additional information regarding the search process for the Regional Minister will be shared in the coming weeks.