EMMC Council Summary

On March 20, 2025 General Council members sat together at Spanish Lookout EMMC, Belize while some participated in the meeting via video, hearing reports, engaging in prayer, and discussion.

Darrell Dyck led the meeting, acknowledging that this would be the last time doing so as the moderator of EMMC. Darrell completes two four-years terms at the end of June. Thank you, Darrell, for your leadership and wisdom in providing guidance to General Board and General Council.

EMMC General Board meeting during The Gathering.

Two congregations have approached EMMC, requesting to become part of our family of churches. Both groups have presented their requests in writing, and conversations have been held between EMMC leadership and leadership from the respective groups.

An African church in London Ontario is looking for a larger body with whom to connect. Their theology and confession of faith aligns with EMMC. Their leader had familiarity with Mennonites when he was still in Africa. Finding a similar faith grouping in Canada was important to him. The group is willing to visit and interact with the Ontario churches to gain a better understanding of EMMC.

The congregation of Low German church in Southern Manitoba made the unanimous decision to ask for membership with EMMC. The Läwens Wuat Kjristliche Jesalschoft Inc. (Living Word Christian Fellowship Inc.) under the leadership of Diedrich Friesen has been meeting regularly in the Gnadenthal area and have access to a church building where they can meet. Many of these attendees are recent immigrants from Belize, Bolivia and Mexico.

Council affirmed Henry Redekopp, Executive Director and Kelly Lesser, Pastor of Care and Mission to continue the conversation with these groups and develop the relationships. The decision for final acceptance will be made at a later date.

Kelly Lesser, Pastor of Care and Mission leads the Ministerial Executive, which has representatives from each region. This group is working through the Confession of Faith, ensuring that it still states what we believe and correctly reflects our understanding of scripture. This group was also responsible to plan the March 21 Ministry Leader Day.

Increases in postal rates and the cost of paper and printing have impacted the bi-monthly Recorder. Plans are moving forward to transition the print magazine to digital only. Lil Goertzen, editor expects that the transition to digital will be completed by the end of 2025. More information will be communicated, allowing readers to make that switch.

Darrell Kehler, Director of Discipleship shared of a new initiative as a follow-up to the Leading with Vision workshops that have been conducted in many EMMC churches. Helping leaders stay on course with their vision and developing and implementing the ‘next steps’ is crucial in the growth and development of the church body.

Darrell plans to visit our LIEAB brothers and sisters in Bolivia in May.

Part of the afternoon discussions centered around EMMC Core Values and Future Goals.

Core Values

• Focus on scripture

• Confession of Faith

• Sharing the Gospel

• Partnership with other churches

• Accountability and encouragement

Future Goals

• Spread the Gospel

• Add more churches to the EMMC family

• Be multi-cultural

• Empower churches to plant new churches

• Encourage younger leaders

Henry Redekopp, Executive Director walked the group through the 2024/2025 Budget review with some ‘good news’ and some ‘bad news’. Donations were down last year with several factors to consider. Due to a variety of circumstances, some congregations reduced their contribution to EMMC. Staff travel costs were down, and the Canada Post mail strike in November and December impacted mail delivery. Many donations arrive via Canada Post. In-house spending was kept in line so that was ‘good news’.

The Nominations Committee presented the individuals who had accepted various roles on General Council, General Board and Mission Advisory Council (MAC). A number of individuals completed their terms of service and were thanked for their commitment and contributions.

Steinbach Bible College President Dave Reimer provided a report via video. He shared news of student enrolment, the recent Mission Exposure experience for students. The new campus in Steinbach is on track for occupancy in fall 2026.

Throughout the day, the Council took time to pray for specific requests and needs, and to give God thanks and praise for His leading and answered prayers.