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Why stick with a denomination anyway?

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The cultural context we live in has a relentless pull toward autonomy and independence. The tug is always toward isolation, away from together.

Any long-standing organization like our MB family will have failings in their story: mistakes have been made, trust has been broken, we are far from perfect.

Yet, I believe – fervently, passionately – that we are better together. As a team that strikes for health and vitality, we can go farther, reach higher, and accomplish more for the sake of the Kingdom than on our own.

Practically, there are

Tactical realities: credentials for pastors, a home for the Confession of Faith
Historical realities: from early church to Radical Reformation to the 1860 renewal movement
Financial realities: mortgages for church buildings and pastor’s residences from Legacy
Collaborative realities: participation in the spiritual life department at Eden High School, serving people with developmental disabilities through Bethesda, supporting seniors through Radiant Care
Support realities: confidential peer counselling for leaders, team support for church boards
International realities: participation in the global family through MB Mission and ICOMB

There are pressures at every turn and an overwhelming and vast mission field at our doorstep. We are so much stronger and more dynamic when we engage in mission together: you have the privilege of saying “We are about the missional activity of King Jesus.”

[Ed Willms is executive director, Ontario Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches

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Jason Dyck July 6, 2018 - 17:15

I’ve grown and grown in my appreciation for our denomination, both provincially and nationally. I would emphasize that the primary way I interact with and think about denomination is personal. Meaning that when I think about denomination, I think about people. These are the people who invest in me, the church I serve, along with leaders and churches across the country. These are the people who listen and advocate when really crappy stuff happens. These are the people who will search for answers when I can’t find them. Without the gravity of a denomination, the chance that these people find common orbits is low, in my opinion. I value being in that orbit, it’s a good place to be!

Another denominational dynamic I value more and more is confessional. Our common confession is a tremendous collection of conviction that draws us together. As years of Biblical study continue to stack up in my own life, my appreciation for our confession continues to grow.

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