Welcome New Pastors
We are glad to accompany you as you begin (or continue) your pastoral ministry within the MCEC community of congregations. This page gathers the most essential information, contacts, next steps and resources to help you get oriented during your first weeks and months. Who is this page for? Newly credentialed pastors - Pastors transitioning into MCEC - Pastors beginning ministry in a new congregation
On this page you will find:
- About MCEC
- Credentialing Overview
- Policies & Guiding Documents
- Exploring or Transitioning in Pastoral Ministry
- Suggested First 90 Days
- Key Contacts
- Additional Resources: Financial Assistance; Spiritual Formation & Continuing Education; Anabaptist Identity & Commitments
- New Pastors FAQ
About MCEC
Mennonite Church Eastern Canada is a diverse community of 106 congregations and 12,500 members and active participants across Eastern Canada. A Regional Church of Mennonite Church Canada, we are transformed by the love of God, inspired by the hope we find in Jesus and called to action by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Our Identity, Purpose & Priorities
Affirmed by constituents in 2022, these identity, purpose, values and priorities shape our shared ministry and guide our community’s direction from 2022–2027. Translated into twenty languages, they also begin to reflect the richness of our intercultural church and the beloved-ness of all people created in God's image.
Learn more about MCEC's identity, purpose and priorities - Structure & Governance
MCEC is a covenant‑based community that brings member congregations together as one spiritual body centered in Christ. An elected Executive Council, drawn from these congregations, provides oversight and direction for the mission and ministry of MCEC. Day‑to‑day work is carried out by a dedicated staff team who serve and support congregations, leaders, and ministries across the church. MCEC is part of a covenanted partnership with Mennonite Church Canada, together with four other regional churches across the country, working collaboratively to support shared ministry, mission, and leadership.Learn more about how MCEC is structured
Credentialing Overview
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.
- Licensing Toward Ordination - This credential is typically issued for a two‑year period to help individuals explore and discern both the inner and outer call to ministry, including their pastoral gifts and readiness for long‑term service. It often serves as a beginning point for those connected with Provisional Membership Congregations, providing space for leadership development and spiritual growth within the MCEC community.
- Ordination - Ordination is a shared act of the congregation, regional church and denomination, recognizing and appointing an individual to ongoing pastoral and spiritual leadership within the life of the church. This credential is typically connected with Full Membership Congregations, where the person’s gifts and leadership have been affirmed and nurtured over time.
- Licensing for Specific Ministry - This credential supports individuals serving in ministry roles that are time‑specific, location‑specific or tied to a particular leadership assignment within the church. It is intended for those who do not sense a call to ordained ministry but are recognized for their gifts and affirmed for meaningful leadership in congregational or specialized ministry settings.
Beginning the Process:
A call to ministry involves both an inner sense of God’s leading and the affirmation of the wider church community. Discernment is the shared work of individuals, congregations and denominational leaders, seeking clarity about a person’s gifts, character and readiness for pastoral leadership. To begin the process for a ministry assignment or credential consideration, contact the Leadership Minister to talk about next steps of discernment.
For complete details, process steps and policies, visit Credentialing in MCEC
Policies & Guiding Documents
Pastors are expected to be familiar with key policies and documents guiding ministry within MCEC and MC Canada.
Exploring or Transitioning in Pastoral Ministry
Whether you’re new to MCEC, beginning your ministry journey, or discerning a call to pastoral leadership, we would love to walk with you in conversation. It is advisable to begin the process at least six to ten months in advance of the time when a new pastoral position is desired.
Suggested First 90 Days
A helpful orientation guide for new pastors entering a congregation.
Month 1 - Orientation
- Meet with Regional Minister
- Review local bylaws and church history
- Identify PCRC
- Review all MCEC policies
Month 2 - Connections
- Join a pastor peer cluster
- Begin mentoring (if part of TiM)
- Connect with MC Canada resources
Month 3 - Foundations
- Establish a congregational rhythm
- Set ministry goals with PCRC
- Begin professional development plan
Additional Resources for New Pastors
- Financial Assistance & Forms
(Salary guidelines, pastoral assistance forms, benefits) - Spiritual Formation & Continuing Education
(TiM, CommonWord, AMBS, leadership networks, devotional resources) - Anabaptist Identity & Shared Convictions
(Confession of faith, Shared Convictions)
New Pastors Quick FAQ
A call to ministry involves both an inner sense of God’s leading and the affirmation of the wider church community. Discernment is the shared work of individuals, congregations and denominational leaders, seeking clarity. To begin the credentialing process for a ministry assignment or credential consideration, please contact Marilyn Rudy-Froese, Leadership Minister. aboa person’s gifts, character and readiness for pastoral leadership.
Laura Zacharias is the Payroll & Benefits Coordator at Mennonite Church Canada. She administers the pension and benefits plans for the pastors and church staff in our local congregations. You can reach here at
We maintain an up-to-date listing of congregational openings. Find it here.
MC Canada publishes salary guidelines each year. You will find them at CommonWord, our nationwide Bookstore and Resource Centre.
Ministries
Team
Fanosie Legesse
Intercultural Minister
Toll Free: 855-476-2500
Extension: 711
Marilyn Rudy-Froese
Leadership Minister
Marilyn, along with Fanosie, leads the Congregational Ministries Team. She nurtures congregational leaders and pastors, walking alongside congregations through seasons of growth, transition and renewal.
Phone: 226-476-2500
Toll Free: 855-476-2500
Extension: 704
Anthony Siegrist
Executive Minister
Anthony provides thoughtful leadership and guidance. With a heart for our shared mission, he nurtures alignment of our vision and values, fostering growth and strengthening the impact of our collective ministry.
Phone: 226-476-2500
Toll Free: 855-476-2500
Extension: 706
Yoel Masyawong
Regional Minister
Yoel is a member of the Congregational Ministries Team, supporting pastors and congregational leaders across MCEC in church leadership, resourcing, intercultural competency and church planting.
Phone: 226-476-2500
Toll Free: 855-476-2500
Extension: 716
Jean Claude Nkundwa
Regional Minister
Jean Claude is a member of the Congregational Ministries Team, supporting pastors and congregational leaders across MCEC in church leadership, resourcing, intercultural competency and church planting.
Phone: 226-476-2500
Toll Free: 855-476-2500
Extension: 719
Cathrin van Sintern-Dick
Regional Minister
Cathrin is a member of the Congregational Ministries Team, supporting pastors and congregational leaders across MCEC in church leadership, resourcing, intercultural competency and church planting.
Toll Free: 855-476-2500
Extension: 718
Contact Cathrin