Leadership Policies

• Guiding Ministerial Leadership in Mennonite Church Canada
  The GMLC applies to all leaders, whether serving in pastoral or credentialed roles or positions of congregational leadership. This policy emphasizes that these leadership roles carry significant trust and authority, often inherent to the position, and require a high level of accountability to the congregation, to fellow leaders, and the policies of the church. The GMLC replaces the Ministerial Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure (MSMPP – 2016), the Addendum (2022) and portions of the A Shared Understanding of Church Leadership: Polity Manual for Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. In the event that a conflict should arise between what is written between these two documents the GMLC shall be the policy for Mennonite Church Canada.
  
  
• A Shared Understanding of Ministerial Leadership: Polity Manual for Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA.
  This provides a common understanding of how the church approaches leadership. It is an effort to build lasting relationships of respect and integrity between congregations, area conferences, and their credentialed leaders. It is subject to Guiding Ministerial Leadership in Mennonite Church Canada (GMLC) in that nationwide church context. In the event that a conflict should arise between what is written between these two documents the GMLC shall be the policy for Mennonite Church Canada.
  
  
• Ministers Manual
  A compilation of liturgical resources for ministers to use in: baptisms, communion services, marriages, commissioning of leaders, funerals, child dedications, healing services, and other events in the life of the church. Integrated with the materials are essays on the background and theology of such events, from an Anabaptist perspective.

• Guiding Ministerial Leadership in Mennonite Church Canada
  The GMLC applies to all leaders, whether serving in pastoral or credentialed roles or positions of congregational leadership. This policy emphasizes that these leadership roles carry significant trust and authority, often inherent to the position, and require a high level of accountability to the congregation, to fellow leaders, and the policies of the church. The GMLC replaces the Ministerial Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure (MSMPP – 2016), the Addendum (2022) and portions of the A Shared Understanding of Church Leadership: Polity Manual for Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. In the event that a conflict should arise between what is written between these two documents the GMLC shall be the policy for Mennonite Church Canada.
  
  
• Annual Registration Process for Pastors
  Credentialed leaders, including those who are not in active ministry and those who are retired, are invited to renew their ordination and vocational commitments to ethical conduct and practice. As a community of credentialed leaders, we affirm our shared ethical commitments as outlined in the GMLC Ministerial Code of Conduct and Ethical Practice (section VI) and hold ourselves and one another to them. Credential categories include: Active, Active without Charge, Retired with License to Marry, Inactive with License to Marry and Retired. MCEC will contact you each spring with the registration link. Credential is in good standing when registration is complete.
  
  
• Healthy Boundaries Training
  This training provides a recurring, once-every-three-years opportunity for pastors to reflect on their identity, role and responsibilities through the lens of professional boundaries. It is not a response to concerns or disciplinary issues, but a proactive space for thoughtful engagement and self-awareness. Participation is mandatory to maintain credentials. For questions, please contact Marilyn Rudy-Froese, Leadership Minister. A credential is considered in good standing when Healthy Boundaries Training is up to date.

1. Annual Accountability Plan for Credentialed Ministers Serving within the Mennonite Church
2. Annual Accountability Plan Worksheet 
3. Transitioning into Ministry program with MC Canada (contact Marilyn Rudy-Froese, MCEC Leadership Minister)
4. Mentoring Program for Beginning Pastors
   
5. Tool for Evaluating Mentoring Relationships at the Two-Year Point
   
6. MCEC Guideline for Constructive Accountability Regarding Pastoral Performance

1. Expectations for Pastors Who Have Experienced Significant Conflict in Ministry 
2. Agreeing and Disagreeing in Love
3. Faithful Servant, Faithful Employer 

• Statement Regarding MCEC Credentialing and Persons Who Identify As LGBTQ

Staff Payroll and Benefits

1. Pastor Salary Guidelines - published by MC Canada 
   These guidelines are intended to provide some uniformity across the denomination while allowing for adjustments based on the local cost of living.
2. Clergy Residence Deduction
3. Nationwide Benefits Plan
4. Pension Plan

Pastoral Assistance/Formation Funds

1. MCEC Leadership Formation Fund - Policy & Applications
   MCEC supports persons in ministry as well as those considering ministry. This fund assists current pastors, aspiring leaders and lay leaders in MCEC in obtaining
   theological education and training for congregational ministry and/or chaplaincy by reducing the personal cost of preparation for ministry and encouraging pastors and
   pastoral candidates to attend preferred schools. This fund also assists licensed and ordained pastors of full-status congregations in MCEC and their congregations to pursue opportunities for spiritual renewal and refreshment.
   
   
2. Company of 1000 Study Reserve Fund - MC Canada
   

   The Company of 1000 fund assists both pastors currently serving in Mennonite Church Canada congregations as well as potential pastors and students who are exploring an opportunity to test their calling within a congregational setting. Deadline for applications to Company of 1000 are May 15 and October 15.

   • READ the guidelines
   • APPLY to the Company of 1000 fund:
     • Tuition scholarship application form
     • Forgivable loan application form
   • GIVE to the Company of 1000 through: Company of 1000 (immediate needs) or Company of 1000 Endowment. 
   
   

1. Guiding Ministerial Leadership in Mennonite Church Canada
   The GMLC replaces the Ministerial Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure (MSMPP – 2016), the Addendum (2022) and portions of the A Shared Understanding of Church Leadership: Polity Manual for Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. In the event that a conflict should arise between what is written between these two documents the GMLC shall be the policy for Mennonite Church Canada.

2. Reporting Church Leadership Misconduct in MC Canada
   Mennonite Church Canada is committed to supporting congregations as they strive to create spaces that are safe for everyone. If you have been a victim of misconduct by a member of the clergy or other church leader, your story deserves to be heard and you will be treated with dignity, respect, and without judgment.

   
   

A pastor must hold a credential in order to obtain a license to marry. Please contact Marilyn Rudy-Froese, Leadership Minister.