The Executive Board of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC) announced today that Willy Reimer will be leaving his position as Executive Director effective November 25, 2016.
After much discussion and prayer, the Board came to consensus that a leadership change was required for the opportunities and challenges facing the conference at this time. This difficult decision followed a thorough and thoughtful process in board sessions which included mapping out the strengths and challenges in our conference. The process included the use of an external facilitator who helped the board synthesize the diverse perspectives from previous conversations held with Executive Board members, staff, conference leaders and churches.
Board of Faith and Life chair David Miller says, “The BFL, in accordance with CCMBC governance principles, has walked with the Executive Board throughout the process. The Executive Board has sought to serve in an approach rooted in love and discernment as expressed in Philippians 1:9–11.”
“Willy is a passionate man of God who excelled at articulating the vision and mission of the denomination,” says Bruce Enns, acting moderator. “We hope that Willy will continue to use his gifts to serve the Kingdom in some capacity.”
In his years as Executive Director, Willy led the conference in the establishment of a new vision around the mission of “multiplying Christ-centred churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ.” In addition, he led the process of renewing an alignment of conference ministries and strengthened the partnerships between the national and provincial conferences to serve all our MB churches, which include the ministries of L2L and C2C.
The board has begun an evaluative process to review governance challenges that the board must own, as well as leadership needs within the denomination. Our desire as a board is to continue to align conference ministries to address the missional realities that local churches find themselves in as they serve in their communities and the world.
Ron Toews has accepted the Executive Board’s invitation to serve as interim executive director.
Please join the board in holding Willy and Gwen in prayer as they trust God for directing their future ministry.
The Board, together with our staff, remains committed to our mission of multiplying Christ-centred churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ. Your continued prayers toward that end are deeply appreciated.
For more information contact mbboard@mbchurches.ca
CCMBC Executive Board
Bruce Enns (Sask.), Acting Moderator
Marilyn Hiebert (B.C.), Secretary
Michael Dick (B.C.), Member-at-Large
David McLean (B.C.), Member-at-Large
Howie Wall (Sask.), Member-at-Large
Karen Grace Pankratz (Man.), Member-at-Large
Don Petker (B.C.), Moderator
Matt Dyck (Alta.), Moderator
Tony Martens (Sask.), Moderator
Ruth Schellenberg (Man.), Moderator
Karen West (Ont.), Representative
Zacharie Leclair (Que.), Representative
Paul Lam, BFL Representative
David Miller, BFL Representative
News Nov. 28, 2016:
Updated Nov 26, 2016: title changed, interim director announcement added