Supporting Your Pastors

We support congregations in building strong pastor–congregation relationships through thoughtful evaluations, clear processes and shared discernment. We guide churches and pastors through MCEC credentialling, ordination requests and requirements for maintaining good standing. Resources for continuing education and sabbatical assistance help equip pastors for ongoing growth and well‑being. Our goal is to help ministry leaders thrive so they can serve faithfully and effectively.

• Pastor-Congregation Relationships
  
  A Pastor Congregation Relations Committee (PCRC) supports the health of the relationship between the pastor(s) and the congregation. The committee helps nurture communication, offers care and, when needed, mediates conversations between pastors and congregants, church council or board members and other pastoral staff. PCRCs can be an important tool for strengthening trust, navigating challenges and fostering a positive ministry environment. To learn more or explore whether a PCRC is right for your congregation, contact your Regional Minister or Leadership Minister.
  
  
• Evaluations
  
  Appropriate and proactive pastoral evaluations help nurture a healthy relationship between the pastor and the congregation and support the ongoing growth of pastoral ministry. These evaluation tools are designed to encourage reflection, strengthen communication, and promote the flourishing of both the pastor and the congregation as a whole. Engaging in regular evaluation creates space for appreciation, discernment, and shared vision. Begin the conversation with your Regional Minister or Leadership Minister, who will guide you through the process and provide the resources you need.
  
  
• Credentialing in MCEC
  Three types of credentials are granted within Mennonite Church: Licensing Toward Ordination, Ordination and Licensing for Specific Ministry. A minister who is ordained in the Mennonite Church can have their credential transferred. The receiving regional church will request the transfer of their ordination credential.
  
  
• Continuing Education for Pastors/Assistance with Sabbaticals
  • 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.
    
    
  • 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. 
      
      
• Requirements for Credentialed Pastors
  • 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 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. A credential is considered in good standing when Healthy Boundaries Training is up to date.