Types of Membership in MCEC

MCEC offers multiple pathways for congregations to join in our shared mission. Whether planting a new ministry, exploring connection, entering provisional membership or becoming a full member, each step reflects a growing relationship rooted in discernment, community and mutual support. To begin a conversation, contact Fanosie Legesse, Intercultural Minister, or Marilyn Rudy-Froese, Leadership Minister.

• Full Member Congregations
  • Full Membership in MCEC is open to congregations that are in general agreement with the Confession of Faith, the Shared Understanding of Church Leadership, MCEC’s purpose and its governing principles. Provisional Member congregations may request consideration through a formal letter, which is assessed by the Mission Commission and forwarded to the Executive Minister as appropriate. Membership is granted through the approval of Executive Council and the delegate body, and Full Member congregations participate in and value the diversity of the MCEC community. They have pastors credentialed by MCEC, hold charitable status, demonstrate financial capacity for worship and mission and commit to supporting the shared ministry of MCEC through both participation and financial giving.
    
    
• Provisional Member Congregations
  • Provisional Membership is a period of mutual discernment that begins with conversations between MCEC staff and congregational leaders to explore Anabaptist identity, congregational vision and readiness for relationship. Provisional congregations demonstrate general agreement with the Confession of Faith, the Shared Understanding of Church Leadership, MCEC’s purpose and governing principles, and show evidence of stable leadership, clear accountability structures, regular worship and the capacity to sustain mission and ministry. Throughout this stage, MCEC provides support through regional connections, pastoral coaching, credentialling pathways, learning opportunities and, when available, modest financial assistance. Provisional Membership generally lasts up to five years, after which congregations may become Full Members, Affiliate Faith Communities or conclude their formal relationship with MCEC.
    
    
• Affiliated Faith Communities
  • Affiliated Faith Communities are groups that wish to maintain a meaningful connection with MCEC without becoming independent congregations or Full Members. While this relationship does not grant membership privileges—such as voting rights or MCEC credentialling for leaders—it provides a supportive link to our regional church. Affiliated communities maintain an ongoing relationship with a Full Member congregation or an MCEC staff person, fostering connection and shared learning. Communities seeking this status submit a letter of application to the Mission Commission for consideration.
    
    
• New Faith Communities
  • MCEC walks alongside leaders of new faith communities by offering encouragement, prayer and ministry guidance as they begin their journey. We invite emerging leaders to participate in workshops, gatherings and learning opportunities that provide support and connection. Our team helps new faith communities build networks both regionally and within the wider Mennonite family, fostering relationships that strengthen ministry and mission. As these communities grow, we also invite them to consider becoming Affiliated Faith Communities within MCEC.