theology of discipleship
Mennonite Brethren Herald Digest is digitally published bimonthly by the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, primarily for the use of its members, to build a Canadian MB community of faith. We seek to 1) share the life and story of the church by nurturing relationships among members and engaging in dialogue and reflection; 2) teach and equip for ministry by reflecting MB theology, values, and heritage, and by sharing the good news; 3) enable communication by serving conference ministries and informing our members about the church and the world. However, the opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the church as a whole.
Frieda Klippenstein celebrates God as maker and sustainer of the earth in two poems, written during her recent travels in Bali, Indonesia. Full Immersion is on page 19 and Another Ode to Joy is on page 22
Digest
OCT | NOV 2024 | VOLUME 63, NO. 05
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Esau ICOMB TRANSITIONS
CORNER National Faith and Ken Esau
Sharing the life and story of Mennonite Brethren in Canada
From the editor
I“BREATH
have spoken those six words often lately. In Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives For Spiritual Transformation, Ruth Haley Barton describes the concept of breath prayers, short one, or two-phrase statements timed to the rhythms of our breath. These prayers, she writes, are “an expression of our heart’s deepest yearning coupled with the name for God that is most meaningful and intimate for us at this time.”
By repeating the phrase “Breath of Life, grant me peace,” I remind myself that sometimes I need to let go. We often spend so much time fighting and scratching away, trying to do everything we can because we believe it’s necessary — thinking that if we don’t, we’re worthless. Our worth is not determined by our output. That’s a hard truth to accept sometimes. I don’t quickly throw my hands up in surrender, but I’m learning that stress and pain will wear me down faster when I resist it. So, the sooner I give up my burden, the more at peace I am. I turn to God, my Breath of Life, and ask him to take my burden, equip me where necessary (everywhere), and nudge me when it is time to rest — to grant me peace.
What burdens do you carry today? For me, it’s often grief. It’s been ten years since my dad passed, and I still think of him daily. In “The Gift of Grief,” on page 23, Mike Engbers writes, “As I dig deeper and find grief in people’s lives, it becomes clear that it shapes them for the long term, often with a sense of shame or failure because they can’t move past it.”
Mike promotes sharing our grief with others and processing it in the community. “While the source of grief is very much individualistic, the living out of grief shouldn’t be.” Do you bring your burden of grief to your small group, your family, or close friends? Do you lay it at the foot of the cross as an act of surrender?
On page 20, Cam Stuart implores us to seek refuge in the form of retreat. “Silence and solitude push against our egos and place us firmly under God’s leadership. The concept of ‘letting go’ or ‘unloading’ our soul of the burden of ministry and our egos, frees us to more clearly hear and follow the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.” My breath prayer is a way for me to retreat in the everyday, to seek the Saviour amidst the busyness of life.
Friends, it is an honour to lead the CCMBC communications team and to serve our churches in this role. It has been a very full six years, and I have chosen this season to take a break for a while. I will begin a three-month sabbatical in mid-November. I will miss much of my day-to-day work, and I will undoubtedly miss the amazing people I work with. I will also miss connecting with you, readers and friends. But it’s time to rest. I will return with fresh eyes and ears and a renewed passion to serve in February.
Until then,
Carson
CARSON SAMSON Communications director
OF LIFE, GRANT ME PEACE.”
ICOMB transitions
Dear ICOMB Family and Friends:
On behalf of the ICOMB Global Board, I wish to share an important transition for ICOMB’s leadership in the next season.
As of October 1, Elton DaSilva is no longer the Global Director for ICOMB. Due to a serious financial deficit, the Board has had to release Elton in the interests of ICOMB’s well-being. Elton has served ICOMB with vision and energy since January 1, 2024. It is with regret that the Board has felt compelled to arrive at this decision.
For the foreseeable future, the Board will carry out primary leadership duties with assistance from a Global Ministry Team of senior regional and ministry leaders. Only a part-time Executive Assistant will be retained as paid staff.
The Board and the entire ICOMB family sincerely appreciate Elton’s contributions, first as an ICOMB delegate representing the Canadian MB Conference, then as a Board member, and most recently as Global Director. The Board is committed to implementing the new vision he facilitated for ICOMB and other positive changes as our financial realities permit.
We wish him well to continue to serve among our Mennonite Brethren global family as the Lord leads.
Sincerely in Christ, Paul Gerhard Dück
ICOMB-Global Board Chair
The MB Herald Podcast is all about telling stories that build up our MB church family. We invite guests on the show to highlight various ministries and initiatives, as well as talk about some of the pressing issues we face in our churches and communities.
NEW EPISODES COME OUT EVERY TWO WEEKS.
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts
UPCOMING EPISODES
October 10: Ministry in Winnipeg’s North End with Cherie Bright LaDelle
October 24: Celebrate Recovery at Leamington’s South Point Community Church
November 14: Enneagram as a tool for Spiritual Formation with Leanne Schellenberg
Please note: the MB Herald Podcast will take a break for the next few months. Watch for Season 5, airing in Spring 2025!
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
CCMBC welcomes Michelle Madunatu and Linda Fox, who have joined Carson Samson and Leanne Janzen on the communications team. Communications and Content Management Coordinator Holly Hannigan is on maternity leave. Michelle will serve as Communications, Media Design, and Marketing Coordinator and Linda is Administrative and Customer Support with Kindred Productions.
Michelle studied psychology with a minor in economics at the University of Manitoba and is passionate about anything that lets her express her creative side, whether through photography, videography, or storytelling. From capturing moments behind the lens to creating engaging content, she finds joy in bringing ideas to life in visually captivating ways. Music has always been a big part of her life, offering a beautiful outlet for creativity and connection. She is eager to contribute her skills, creativity, and passion to CCMBC, and she looks forward to growing with the team!
Linda holds a B.Mus. in piano and has studied Library and Information Technology as well as Graphic Communications at Red River College Polytechnic. A lifelong learner, Linda continues to enhance her skills through masterclasses, courses, and books. In her free time, she gets creative with wire and beads and enjoys writing and doodling. To escape the bustle of the city, she loves walking in scenic spots like Bird’s Hill Park and Fort Whyte Centre. Passionate about books and helping people, Linda looks forward to meeting and serving customers at Kindred Productions.
Both Michelle and Linda will work in a part-time capacity in their roles with CCMBC.
In youcasemissed it
We regularly publish websiteexclusive stories on mbherald.com. Here are a few articles we’ve posted online in the last few months.
When there’s no burning bush
Multiply’s Travis Jost shares how his “burning bush” moment with God wasn’t blazing or audible, but it was abundantly clear.
Growing confidence: multilingual preschools prepare Indigenous children for school
MCC-supported preschools in Bangladesh prepare Indigenous children for public primary school by introducing children to Bangla and acclimating them to common school activities.
Disaster hits close to home
Read about Mennonite Disaster Service Canada’s response in the Shuswap region of British Columbia.
A statement on Gaza
This MCC statement from Rick Cober Bauman, executive director for MCC Canada, and Ann Graber Hershberger, executive director for MCC U.S., calls for a compassionate and just response in Gaza.
Q&R corner
Q&R corner provides responses to questions that readers may have about CCMBC and its work collaborating with provincial MB conferences in areas of spiritual health and theology, leadership development, mission, and organizational health in order to achieve the overall mission: “To cultivate a community and culture of healthy disciple-making churches and ministries, faithfully joining Jesus in his mission.” If you would like to contribute a question, please send it to questions@mbchurches.ca
Please note that we will not be using your name in the MB Herald Digest in order to respect those who prefer anonymity. There may not be space to respond to every question—and sometimes we might not really have the ability or authority to respond to some questions (for example, those that relate more directly to one of our provincial MB conferences or to a local church leadership). We apologize in advance if we are unable to publish a response to your specific question.
In our church, there seems to be a lot of conversation (and confusion) around Israel and the church. There seems to be various theological interpretive systems being tossed about from dispensational, covenantal, replacement theology, etc., all that seem to bring some conflict when it comes to those very “pro-Israel” and those who hold a strong “peace position”. Is this simply a “disputable matter” or does our MB Confession give us clarity for our actual teaching and preaching?
K.
Thanks, K., for this very important question. This question is particularly relevant right now as some in our church family have been expressing strong support for Israel in its war with Hamas and others are doing almost the exact opposite. These conflicting perspectives exist within our church families, and like differing views on the pandemic, have the power to split, divide, and neutralize our church families in terms of their worship, community, and mission.
In terms of your question, as you have mentioned, Christians have various views of the relationship between the church and Israel. Here are the two most common ways that Christians view the nation of Israel:
The first view is that the modern-day state of Israel is synonymous with the specially chosen Old Testament people of God. In this view, the events of 1948 and following represent God fulfilling literally the unconditional Old Testament promise of Israel’s permanent ownership of the promised land (Gen 13:15; 17:8). The modern-day state of Israel is a miracle of God’s grace and protection, and the nation of Israel today holds a special place in God’s heart. The preservation and protection of the modern-day state of Israel is also
important because it will be a key player in the endtimes plan of God. Even though modern-day Israel is largely secular, most believe that someday it will experience a mass conversion to Jesus to fulfill Paul’s promise that “all Israel will be saved” (Rom 11:26).
The events that began in October 2023 are not simply about a war between two groups of people but a spiritual battle between God who is on Israel’s side and the powers of darkness who are on the side of Israel’s enemies. Christians should support the modern nation of Israel in every way possible because of the Old Testament promises that still apply. God will bless those who bless Israel and God will curse those who curse Israel (cf. Gen 12:1-3)
The second view separates between the biblical nation of Israel that God made a covenant with and the modern-day secular state of Israel. The argument here is that the Bible differentiates between those who are “Israelite” by lineage, and the “true Israelites” who, regardless of lineage, have faith in God and worship this God (Rom 9:6-8). Ishmael and Esau, for example, were born “Israelite” but were never part of “true” Israel, while Rahab and Ruth became honoured
Israelite women of faith, later included in the family line of Jesus. Paul considered his Jewish lineage to be “garbage, that [he] may gain Christ” (Phil 3:8). From this perspective, people are “children of Abraham” (Gal 3:7) and “children of God” (1 John 3:1) only by responding in faith to Jesus. While the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 was a positive blessing to Jewish people who had suffered profoundly for many years, the nation itself is not God’s “special possession” and neither are people with Jewish lineage “God’s children” simply because of this lineage.
In this second view, the historical event of the creation of the state of Israel had the negative side effect of displacing Palestinians of both Muslim and Christian religious convictions. God rightfully expects Israel as a political state to do “good” and keep order for all its citizens (see Rom 13). If the state of Israel fails to do good to all, they should rightfully be held to account by their own citizens and when possible, by other nations who believe in the human rights of all who live within their borders. From this perspective, Christians are to care about Israel not because of its special God-given status but because Christians are to love all their neighbours in the land of Israel — and pray for peace so that all these neighbours have the opportunity to hear and respond to a gospel invitation to Jesus.
Our MB Confession of Faith does not directly spell out how Israel and the church relate to each other. It does highlight that reconciliation with God and being “children of God” come only through the “atoning blood of Jesus” (see Article 5: Salvation), and that disciples of Jesus should always prioritize King Jesus and the body of Christ above all other loyalties (see Article 12: Society and State). Article 12 of our MB Confession of Faith describes our relationship with political states:
We believe that God instituted the state to promote the well-being of all people. Christians cooperate with others in society to defend the weak, care for the poor, and promote justice, righteousness, and truth. Believers witness against corruption, discrimination, and injustice, exercise social responsibility, pay taxes, and obey laws that do not conflict with the Word of God. God has given governments authority to maintain law and order and to punish wrongdoers. Followers of Christ respect and pray for those in authority so that peaceful order may prevail. We deplore the loss of life in the exercise of state-sanctioned violence.
In whatever way God was involved in the creation of the state of Israel and relates to the state of Israel today, God holds it accountable (see Rom 13) to “promote the well-being of all people” and “to maintain law and order and to punish wrongdoers” “so that peaceful order may prevail.” According to Article 12, we should “respect and pray for those in authority” in our country as well as for those in nations like Israel.
While Christians should “respect and pray for those in authority,” what kind of “support” should they give to the modern state of Israel and its government? Here is where we see strong differences between Christians with some being extremely critical and others acting like Israel can do no wrong. From my perspective, our support for any person or group can best be understood on a spectrum:
1. “Non-Support.” This option involves either complete indifference or the active opposition to a person or group with the hope that they would no longer have the power and/or influence to continue in their present role. Non-support is often easy today since we are more aware than ever of failures and shortcomings that critics can find in any person or group’s history. Just like a construction project where tearing down is usually much easier than building up, so the tearing down of non-support is so much easier than participation and contributing. As a result, it can quickly become our default posture toward all those in authority. While there are times when non-support makes sense (e.g., North Korea), our posture towards governments should recognize that God has established them for good (cf. Rom 13:1-5).
2. “Prophetic Support.” This involves a posture of “support” rather than “non-support” and a willingness to speak a word of correction to a person or group out of love for that person or group. The goal is to see repentance and change and a return to greater faithfulness and integrity in terms of the stated mission and values. I call this prophetic support because this is how the Old Testament prophets most often expressed their support for Israel. The majority of Old Testament prophetic speeches (or oracles) contained indictment or judgment where the prophet declared that the king, the religious establishment, and/or the whole nation had done wrong and then declared the expected consequences of their wrongdoing. The prophets were saying these things not because they were anti-Israel or anti-Semitic but because they loved Israel and wanted it to thrive once again and experience flourishing. Prophetic support is not non-support even though it might feel that way to the recipient.
3. “Cautious Support.” This involves a tentative standing with a person or group, but it is a hesitant and restrained support since it is not entirely clear how that person or group will behave going forward. Cautious support doesn’t rule out the possibility of speaking words of correction when needed. In reference to a political state and its leaders, cautious support is often the best approach since political leaders may or may not
“”
While Christians should “respect and pray for those in authority,” what kind of “support” should they give to the modern state of Israel and its government?
be interested in embracing their God-given mandate to “promote the well-being of all people.”
4. “Enthusiastic Support.” This is where the support for a person or group is effusive and outspoken, presumably because the person or group has shown a solid track record of living out faithfulness and integrity. In a sinful world, enthusiastic support should be cautiously given out since this kind of support can tempt the person or group to behave outside the lines of accountability. It can also produce disillusionment and cynicism in the enthusiastic supporters when they discover the truth of that person or group behaving badly.
5. “Unqualified Support.” This is where enthusiastic support goes wild, and people support a person or group out of principle regardless of their evident failures and misdeeds. If enthusiastic support is a danger, unqualified support can end accountability altogether. I would argue that in a sinful world where every person and group is tainted by this propensity toward sin, unqualified support toward any person or group — other than to Jesus and God’s Kingdom — is foolish and a failure of our calling of discernment and accountability. To apply these options to the church itself, there are Christians who demonstrate “non-support” with either non-involvement or an active tearing down of every initiative and leader. Others love the church and express words of correction when the church fails in its mission and values (prophetic support). Then there are those with cautious or enthusiastic support (and a few with unqualified support). While some would think Christians should give the church unqualified support, I would argue that the church in its local and global manifestations is best served by Christians expressing a combination of prophetic, cautious, and enthusiastic support as appropriate to the circumstances. These are three ways to bless the church. All three help the church and church leaders on the journey of faithfulness to God’s mission. God chose the New Testament church, called believers his “children,” and promised an eternal future for the church — but yet the church is always in need of confession,
repentance, and renewal. In my view, no church leader, no local church, and no church or denominational grouping is worthy of unqualified support. We can see endless bad examples of what happens when people are given unqualified support. It is not anti-church to express prayerful prophetic support or cautious support since these can be ways to love and bless the church. If the church and church leaders are unworthy of unqualified support, I would suggest the same is true for the modern state of Israel and its political leaders. God speaking through the Old Testament prophets did not give ancient Israel and its leaders unqualified support. Ancient Israel was a sinful reality that needed the prophets to call it back to faithfulness. Jesus himself on earth did not give any Jewish leader or Jewish group unqualified support. The Apostle Paul did not give unqualified support to the Jewish leaders in his day. It was not anti-Israel for all these voices to speak correction to Israel and call it back to faithfulness. I would argue, by analogy to the church, that the modern state of Israel is best served by Christians expressing a combination of prophetic, cautious, and enthusiastic support as appropriate to the circumstances. These are three ways to bless Israel.
Your question asks whether this is a “disputable matter.” While many people dispute theological and ethical questions, being disputed does not make something a disputable matter. The expression comes from Romans 14:1 and we use it to describe an issue that is not “essential” for salvation and not “confessional” (which means the MB Confession of Faith does not state a specific position). In a disputable matter, even when people hold to our MB understanding of the authority of Scripture (see Article 2) and our hermeneutical methods, they can still read the Bible and land in different places on the question. A disputable matter does not mean that the question is unimportant, or that all perspectives are equally biblically supported or that you should feel free to pick whatever perspective you like. It does mean that MBs hold that this question should not be allowed to split, divide, and neutralize our church family on mission. In a disputable matter, MBs should still be able to sit together, listen respectfully to each other, worship together, pray together, take communion together, and participate in mission together.
So in this moment, let us together with one voice all “pray for the peace [shalom] of Jerusalem” (Ps 122:6) so that the 10 million people who live in Israel may experience peace with God, others, creation, and themselves. That is truly what the whole nation of Israel most needs in this moment!
Thanks again, K., for your great question, Ken Esau, National Faith and Life Director
We would like to share some exciting news with you.
CCMBC Legacy Fund is now partnering with Advisors with Purpose. They are part of the family of ministries of Financial Discipleship Canada, and they offer planned giving specialists who can help you think through your estate decisions and help you create a plan for your will that reflects your life, faith, and values.
Nearly 60 percent of Canadians lack a current, up to date will or have no will at all. We know that many people, when passing on their assets through their wills, are not aware of the benefits, personal choices, and potential tax implications of certain decisions.
Our new partners at Advisors with Purpose can help. Their Estate Specialists are available to discuss your unique situation and can help you create a fully personalized estate plan. Does your will incorporate your faith and your values? Will the legacy you leave reflect the life you lived? If you have even the slightest doubt, we encourage you to connect with our friends at Advisors with Purpose.
There is no cost or obligation to you for this service, no one will try to sell you anything, and none of your personal financial information will be shared with us or anyone else.
THE PROCESS IS QUITE SIMPLE.
STEP 1 Connect with Advisors with Purpose directly by email or phone.
STEP 2 You set up a meeting with an estate advisor who will meet with you by phone or Zoom to discuss your situation, ask key questions, and help you consider some options
STEP 3 The advisor creates a personal plan for you and sends it to you for review. No two are the same and they are based on the information you provide during the meeting.
STEP 4 Once you have reviewed the plan on your own, you set up another meeting with the advisor to go over the plan, ask questions, discuss options, and make decisions
STEP 5 You would then meet with your own lawyer and/or financial professional to create the will or implement the decisions.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING MORE about Advisors with Purpose and their services over the next while but If you would like to take advantage of this free service right away, simply contact Advisors with Purpose at plan@advisorswithpurpose.ca to schedule an appointment.
Rob and Hannah are loving and devoted parents who find joy in dedicating time to their family, friends, church, and charitable endeavors. Together they reside in their family home, raising their two children. Throughout their lives, they have consistently strived to be responsible stewards, mindful of their actions and choices. With a deep-rooted faith and a sincere longing to lead a life of generosity, they are determined to ensure that their will reflects their values and beliefs. They have reached out to Advisors with Purpose and met with them to craft a plan for their will. After thoughtful consideration
and discussions with their advisor, they learned they had several options to consider. They were surprised to hear that, in addition to substantial gifts to their children, they could also leave to the charities that they were passionate about and offset some of the taxes owed. These pie charts show some of the options included in their Advisors with Purpose plan.
Please note that tax calculations are based on rates in a specific province and the client’s assets, if liquidated, as they are today—since assets would be deemed to be disposed of at passing. All figures are general and for illustration purposes and have been rounded to the nearest thousand. It should not be considered as advice for your own situation.
Without Charity
Iwas recently talking to a group of teens at a local Bible camp about the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23). We were discussing the obstacles to faith when it struck me that this Scripture not only applied to our personal choices, but also spoke to the importance of discipleship within the church. To take the metaphor a bit further, for someone’s faith to flourish, their spiritual soil not only has to be good, but they also need continual watering, sunlight, and weeding. This is the process of discipleship. Without being discipled, how would my friend have learned that she can turn to God and his Word when seeking answers to life’s questions, rather than turning to palm reading? Or what about the young woman who wanted to combine elements of Wiccan practice to Christianity so she could be healed or have magic powers? Finally, how did a stagnant small group Bible study get out of their rut, finding new life after hearing the call again to make disciples who make disciples?
In each scenario, each person or small group would continue in their misunderstandings unless they were discipled. It is crucial for church leaders — and all Christians — to know what a disciple is, how Jesus modelled disciple-making, and how we can obey Jesus’ mandate to make disciples.
WHO IS A DISCIPLE?
Before we can get into the theology of discipleship, we need to understand what we mean by disciple. In 1 John 4:15, it states that a disciple is “anyone [who] acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God.”
Matthew 28:18-20 adds that a disciple is someone who is baptized, obeys God, teaches others to do the same, and has Jesus living with him or her. In Revelation 3:20, John describes the disciple as one who hears Jesus’ knock on the door, answers the door, and lets Jesus inside.
A disciple isn’t just a convert but, as Jack Eggar writes in The Return of a Mighty Church, he or she is “to raise up a community of worshipers and then help them grow in love and respect for Jesus Christ.” Further, as Paul writes in Ephesians 4:11-16, a disciple is constantly growing and maturing in faith and unity.
Let’s consider Jesus’ approach to disciple-making. He had four distinct invitations that build upon each other:
˚ Identity: he invited people to come and see him
˚ Worship: he invited people to follow him
˚ Community: he invited people to be with him
˚ Mission: he invited people to go and make disciples
Before I expand on each of these invitations of Jesus, let’s also talk numbers: although Jesus spoke to the crowds, as Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon write in The Art of Neighboring , he also “repeatedly focused on small groups of people so he could invest in their lives in big ways”. Jesus sent out the 72 , had a core group of 12 disciples, of which three were pulled aside for further experiences. There is a narrowing of focus here that churches can learn from: Jesus provides opportunities for large and small gatherings to foster deeper spiritual growth and mutual accountability among believers.
EVANGELISM JESUS’ WAY
When we look at Jesus’ approach to evangelism, as W. Jay Moon writes , he never presented salvation the same way twice! Instead, Jesus identified what kept someone from seeking God. When we present the gospel, it’s not about a formula; we need to adapt to an individual’s needs and speak to his or her specific issues, relating these issues back to Jesus. This often requires relational time and trust.
how did a stagnant small group Bible study get out of their rut, finding new life after hearing the call again to make disciples who make disciples?
For example, someone might say, “I do drugs. What would Jesus say about that?” Using the approach Jesus modelled for us, we could respond this way: “I think Jesus would tell you that you’re looking for hope in a place that lets you down. He’s a better place to put your hope, because he promises to never let you down.” (This example is adapted from Ben Connelly and Bob Robert’s A Field Guide for Everyday Mission: 30 Days and 101 Ways to Demonstrate the Gospel ).
1. IDENTITY: COME AND SEE JESUS
In the initial invitation of discipleship, we discover that Jesus embodies both Truth and Love, perfectly balanced in his invitation to others. Jesus extended love to everyone, including tax collectors and prostitutes He instructed his disciples to love one another so that others would know they were his disciples. Jesus demonstrated love without judgment, showing curiosity, such as with the Samaritan woman at the well What might happen in our church contexts, if we extended love without judgment, always pointing toward truth? We must strive to be safe environments for everyone and to love without boundaries. We must recognize, as Peter Scazzero writes in Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, that spiritual or emotional unhealthiness leads to judgmental attitudes and objectifying others.
As seen in the story of Mary and Martha , our actions should flow from a deep communion with God. Prayer has to be our focus — it’s what keeps us in a continuous relationship with God.
2. WORSHIP: FOLLOW JESUS
Jesus consistently withdrew to pray. We see in the Gospels that there is constant communication among the Holy Spirit, God, and Jesus. He prayed before choosing his disciples, after healing, and before preaching
In the same way, we are called to prioritize worship, scripture reading, and prayer. These spiritual exercises allow God to search our hearts as we listen for his quiet voice and obey him. As seen in the story of Mary and Martha, our actions should flow from a deep communion with God. Prayer has to be our focus — it’s what keeps us in a continuous relationship with God.
Although churches engage in prayer, there is likely room for improvement. Does prayer feel like something that is tacked on to our services? Is it something we should just “get through”? Are we like the church in Sardis, too busy with our programs and good deeds to realize what truly matters — worshipful communion with our Lord?
Let’s think Psalm 27 that David wrote. It shows David totally consumed by an intimate and passionate relationship with God. His deep desire is to be with God. To have a deep, rich, worshipful communion with God means setting limits and saying no when necessary — a lesson I learned as a young adult (unfortunately, I cannot meet every need of every person in the world)!
3. COMMUNITY: BE WITH JESUS
This third phase of Jesus’ discipleship centres on community, which provides vital accountability to believers.
In The New Parish: How Neighborhood Churches are Transforming Mission, Discipleship and Community, authors Paul Sparks, Tim Soerens, and Dwight J. Friesen write this: “The Western world has lost one of the most important aspects of being the church: participating together as a family or body in the real-life context of the parish.”
They go on to describe the beauty of developing a common life together — the richness that comes from knowing and being known by God and one another.
In our western context, faith tends to be individualistic and private. How different that is from what we see in Acts 2 : 42-47
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, this community of believers multiplied through evangelism, sustained itself, and grew in faith. Caring for one another was a central part of how the early church communicated the gospel; care could not be separated from their message.
4. MISSION: GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES
The growth that happened in this new community of believers is evidence of obedience to Jesus’ final stage of discipleship: the command to go and make disciples. One would think that Jesus would have laid out a process for making growing disciples, but there’s no formula. The one practical directive that Jesus does share is to identify a person of peace (Luke 10:5-7). Otherwise, as Dan Baumann writes in A Beautiful Way, “we have what the disciples had — Jesus himself.” In John, Jesus tells us that in order to be fruitful, we are to remain in his love and obey his commands. Discipleship isn’t a program; it can’t be turned into a universal strategy because Jesus wants a dynamic, ongoing relationship with us. He wants us to rely on him for direction.
As an individual or church, what area is God calling you to focus on? Do you need to spend time at Jesus’ feet in prayer and Bible reading? Where can you create intentional spaces to build relationships within your church, personally and in large or small groups? How can you as a church come together to mutually listen to the Holy Spirit to discern where he is calling you to be a faithful presence in your community? Who is the unbeliever who comes to mind that you could pray for, bless and listen to their faith story as you share yours? Through loving God and loving people, let’s keep our hearts bent on mission and discipleship.
TRACI JOHNSTON
is a farmer’s wife and mother to two adult children and their spouses. Missions, whether across the road or across the world, has been her life’s call. She attends Westside Community Church in Morden, Manitoba.
what area is God calling you to focus on? Do you need to spend time at Jesus’ feet in prayer and Bible reading?
2024 MONTHLY PRAYER FOCUS
Blessing Prayer (Part 1)
The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace [shalom]’” “So they will put my name on the Israelites and I will bless them” (Numbers 6:22-27 NIV).
REFLECTIONS:
Our October 2024 Contending in Prayer Guide is focused on Blessing Prayer where we verbally speak blessing over people. (Note: The October and November prayer guides are adapted from the 2022 NFLT Prayer Week resources.) The words “bless” and “blessed” are all over the Bible showing up 427 times in the NIV. Blessing of people involves speaking gracious words that proclaim our desire for God to act for the other person’s ultimate well-being. Blessing also involves doing actions to help make these words of blessing a reality — as much as this is humanly possible. Blessing is what love of neighbour is all about. If we love, we will speak words of blessing. If we love, we will do actions to help make these words a reality.
Numbers 6:27 implies that somehow in the process of the priests pronouncing blessing over the people, God would “put [his] name on the Israelites” and “bless them.”
A blessing is not just empty human words but something that has spiritual and physical impact on others. A major job requirement for being an Old Testament priest was to bless the Israelites, and the text from Numbers 6:24-26 became the blessing pattern that continues even to the present. Since the New Testament proclaims the church family today as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), each believer is rightfully a “priest” who can carry forward this task of blessing others.
The Numbers 6:24-26 Blessing Prayer asks that God would:
˚ “bless you” which means that God would bring his goodness (relational, physical, spiritual) onto the one being blessed;
˚ “keep you” which means that God would “protect,” “guard,” and “preserve” the one being blessed;
˚ “make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you” which means that God’s saving presence would be near that person and their transgressions/sins graciously forgiven;
˚ “turn his face toward you and give you peace [shalom]” which means that God would focus his attention onto the life situation of the one being blessed and ultimately give them shalom (a healed relationship with God, others, creation, and one’s
self).
The Numbers 6 blessing is all about God protecting people; about God’s presence dwelling among the people; and about God’s provision of ultimate wholeness and well-being (shalom). When we pray Blessing Prayers over people, we are asking God’s name to be put on these people so they would experience his divine protection, presence, and provision — but also that God’s name (a shorthand way of saying his salvation, character, purpose, and mission) would be on them and embraced by them.
BLESSING PRAYER 1:
BLESS MY CHURCH!
The New Testament deeply values the church since it is here that God’s powerful presence is to be so fully active that the gates of Hades (or Death) cannot overcome it (Matt 16:18). The local church is where God is bringing a new family-like relationship into existence between people that shines out to the watching world. When people are reconciled to Jesus, enemies become family; the powerful become servants; and the vulnerable become brothers and sisters (1 Tim 5:1-3; James 1:27). Jew and Gentile, slave and free, and male and female can share in the bread and cup together (cf. Gal 3:28).
Our first Blessing Prayer is that in the local church, God would be deeply present there; God would keep, guard, and protect it; God’s reconciling Holy Spirit would be at work powerfully; and God’s mission embraced. In all of this, we desire that the whole church — local, national, and global — would truly be “the light of the world” and a “lamp” giving light to everyone, so that the world would “glorify [our] Father in heaven” (Matt 5:14-16).
BLESSING PRAYER
2: BLESS MY FAMILY!
While Jesus clearly prioritizes one’s relationship to himself and to the people of God in cases of conflict between that and one’s biological family (cf. Luke 14:26), Jesus also rebukes the Pharisees for teaching that people can use religious loopholes to avoid taking care of their father and mother (Mark 7:11). Paul tells Timothy that it is a denial of the faith to not provide for one’s relatives, and especially for one’s own household (1 Tim 5:8). Our biological (or adopted) families are deeply significant for believers, and our faith is to be on display as it is lived out there. Our families are most often our first “mission field” and just like the task of Old Testament priests was to pray, teach, and intercede on behalf of the people, we are called to do this on behalf of our families. When parents bless their children — praying for the saving presence, protection, and provision of God
on their children — they are being reminded of their profound responsibility to steward these children well on behalf of the God who wants to bless. Blessing Prayers warn us against harming, abusing, or neglecting vulnerable family members (cf. Matt 18:6).
So our second Blessing Prayer is for all those who are in our family circle — whether that be a very small or a very large circle. Laban spoke a Blessing Prayer over his children and grandchildren (Gen 31:55). Jacob blessed each of his sons and their families (Gen 49:28). David after bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem went home “to bless his household” (2 Sam 6:20). In the Jewish world even today, parents verbally speak a Blessing Prayer over their children each week on Sabbath. Jesus like a loving parent blessed the little children (Mark 10:16) and then blessed the disciples (Luke 24:50-51). Blessing Prayers can also be directed toward one’s parents. Proverbs 30:11 rebukes those who fail to bless their mothers.
Blessing our families is about them experiencing God’s shalom in its fullness — a healed relationship with God through Jesus, healthy and whole relationships with others, a healthy and whole relationship with the physical creation, and a healthy and whole relationship with one’s own body, soul, mind, and spirit. Blessing Prayers are evangelistic in this sense — praying that our families would respond to God’s ongoing invitation in Jesus and that they would then live into God’s beautiful story for them.
BLESSING PRAYER 3: BLESS THE WORLD!
God’s vision of blessing is not only to bless us, our families, and our churches but he also wants to bless the whole world. God declared this to Abraham way back in Genesis 12:3 — “I will bless those who bless you, I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” The New Testament is the story of how God so loved the world (John 3:16), that Jesus came as the fulfillment of this global blessing. Jesus’ mission of global blessing is behind the vision recorded in Revelation 7:9 — “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
Our Blessing Prayer for the world is that people around the world would experience God’s presence and protection in suffering. Our Blessing Prayer for the world is that all people would hear and respond to God’s redemptive invitation in Jesus. Our Blessing Prayer for the world is that through all of this, God’s shalom would spread across the earth — as we await
the day when King Jesus returns and his Kingdom comes to earth as it is in heaven. Blessing Prayers are certainly Kingdom prayers!
CONSIDER:
˚ What blessing from God (presence, provision, protection, etc.) does your church most need today?
˚ Is there something you can do today to be part of God’s blessing over your church — or another church in your community or around the world?
˚ As you think through your family members, write down one thing that each person most needs from God today.
˚ As you think about the world that God loves, is there a particular nation (or an ethnic group here in Canada) that God has put on your heart to bless?
˚ Is there something you can do today to be part of God’s blessing over the particular nation or ethnic group that the Holy Spirit brought to your heart?
PRAY THESE WORDS OUT LOUD:
Jesus, I pray a blessing over (my local church) that we would experience your spiritual and physical protection as we seek to be a healthy disciple-making church in our community.
Jesus, I pray a blessing over (my local church) that you would shower your “peace” [shalom] over our church family so conflict and disunity could be overcome and we would be a light to the world.
Jesus, I pray a blessing over (my local church) and that you would help me to be a blessing there by Jesus, I pray a blessing over our larger MB church family that you would provide wisdom and grace for all the pastors and leaders, locally and beyond, as they serve the church family
Jesus, I pray a blessing over in my family that this very day they would experience protection from harm; the gracious presence of Jesus; and God’s wholeness and peace.
Jesus, I also pray a blessing over in my family that this very day they would experience protection from harm; the gracious presence of Jesus; and God’s wholeness and peace.
Jesus, I pray a blessing specifically for the nation of that this very day their population would experience protection from harm and suffering; those who have never heard of you would hear an authentic and loving presentation of God’s good news for the world; and many would taste God’s salvation.
Jesus, I pray a blessing over mission agencies like Multiply, MCC, and others as they seek to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus to the nations.
Jesus, I speak out your words from Numbers 6:24-26 over my church, over my family, and over the nations:
May the LORD bless you and keep you!
May the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you!
May the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace! [shalom!]
Blessing Prayers can also be in song form. For an example, see the I Speak Jesus Blessing Prayer from Charity Gayle:
I just wanna speak the name of Jesus Over every heart and every mind ‘Cause I know there is peace within your presence I speak Jesus
I just wanna speak the name of Jesus ‘Till every dark addiction starts to break Declaring there is hope and there is freedom I speak Jesus
‘Cause Your name is power Your name is healing Your name is life Break every stronghold Shine through the shadows Burn like a fire
May your Kingdom come to earth as it is in heaven. Amen!
(Ken Esau, National Faith & Life Director)
NOVEMBER 2024 CONTENDING IN PRAYER
Blessing Prayer (Part 2)
“Then Joseph blessed Pharaoh” (Genesis 47:10 NIV)
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28 NIV).
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14 NIV).
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” (Psalm 103:1 ESV)
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1 ESV)
REFLECTIONS:
Blessing Prayer 4: Bless My Neighbours!
As mentioned in our October prayer column, blessing people involves speaking gracious words that proclaim our desire for God to act for the other person’s ultimate well-being. Blessing also involves doing actions to help make these words of blessing a reality— as much as this is humanly possible. Blessing is what love of neighbour is all about. If we love, we will speak words of blessing. If we love, we will do actions to help make these words a reality.
Our model for blessing others comes from a desire to be faithful image bearers (or representatives) of our Triune God. God is a God of blessing who blessed the first humans (Gen 1:22, 28), blessed the Sabbath day (Gen 2:3), and promised that “all nations on earth” would be blessed through Abraham’s offspring (Gen 18:18). God’s heart is not to “condemn the world” (John 3:17) but to save the world through Jesus. God’s heart is to bless not curse. If we are to reflect Jesus in our world, we must walk this same path.
Joseph verbally blessed Pharaoh but then participated in actions that helped make this blessing a reality (Gen 47:10-26); Jacob verbally blessed Joseph’s two sons but then took actions to ensure that they received twice the inheritance (Gen 48:822). Naomi blessed Boaz (Ruth 2:19-20) and then took actions that ultimately would lead to Boaz being part of the family line of Jesus Christ (Ruth 3).
Prayers to bless our neighbours are a practical application of God’s command to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Matt 19:19; Mark 12:31). While we certainly want to focus this blessing on those living closest to us, we must not forget about our most vulnerable neighbours — our indigenous neighbours, our neighbours who have recently relocated here from all over the world, our neighbours who live without proper housing, and our neighbours struggling with addictions. Our definition of “neighbour” must include the most vulnerable (cf. Psa 41:1; Prov 22:9).
Blessing Prayer 5: Bless My Enemies!
It is easy to “curse” our enemies — but Jesus tells us to bless (Luke 6:27-28). Paul says, “bless and do not curse” (Rom 12:14). Peter says, “Repay evil with blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). While it is next to impossible to avoid having enemies altogether, we want to be people who bless our enemies and “pray for those who mistreat [us].”
Blessing involves speaking gracious words that proclaim our desire that God would act for the other person’s ultimate well-being, and doing actions to help make these words of blessing a reality — as much as this is humanly possible. So, if we want to bless our enemies, we need to speak words that reflect our honest desire for their ultimate
well-being. We need to pursue actions that demonstrate our desire to bless rather than curse. There may be no more difficult prayers than this — to pray blessings over our enemies. But this is the way of Jesus, and a much-needed path for us and the whole world today.
Blessing Prayer 6: Bless the LORD, O my soul…! Normally God blesses people, priests/leaders bless people, or parents bless their children — but we must also respond to the biblical command to “Bless the LORD.” In this context, the word bless seems to mean “worship,” “praise,” or “extol.” Blessing the LORD involves declarations of worship to the One who gives us physical and spiritual life, who gives us salvation, who gives us community, and who gives us meaning and purpose! We bless the Source of Life — the Bread of Life — the Living Water! We verbally speak and sing this blessing upward in the direction of Jesus. We want to bless the LORD even as we sit, stand, kneel, and walk through our days.
We bless the LORD in our own hearts and homes — and we bless the LORD as we gather together with other disciples of Jesus. We bless the LORD in sorrow and in joy; in suffering and in celebration; in rain and in the sunshine; in solitude and while surrounded by the joyous community. To bless the LORD also means that we pursue actions that participate in God’s Kingdom mission in the world. To bless is both to speak and to act. Blessing Prayers are certainly Kingdom prayers!
CONSIDER:
˚ Which “neighbours” do you feel called to bless today? (List specific individuals and vulnerable groups.)
˚ Is there anything you feel called to do to bless one specific neighbour in the name of Jesus?
˚ Is there an “enemy” in your life whom you feel convicted to pray a Blessing Prayer for today? (List their name.) Is there any blessing action you feel called to do to bless this specific individual?
˚ How can you bless the LORD today? (You can do this through a Blessing Prayer, an act of worship, or an action of Kingdom service to Jesus.) What do you sense God speaking to you to do?
PRAY THESE WORDS OUT LOUD:
Jesus, I bless my neighbours and pray for the most vulnerable that they would be blessed physically, relationally, and spiritually! May I live out that blessing to my neighbours today in whatever way you call me!
Jesus, I bless my neighbours and pray that they would feel your love and grace, hear your voice calling them, and respond in faith!
Jesus, I bless my neighbours and pray that you would transform me to be the kind of neighbour to them that you have called me to be! May I love my neighbour as myself.
Jesus, I bless my enemies and pray that they would experience God’s health and protection in this moment!
Jesus, I bless my enemies and pray that if they are not worshippers of Jesus, that they would hear and respond to Jesus’s invitation to salvation and true life.
Jesus, I bless my enemies and pray that I would hear and obey your Holy Spirit’s voice nudging me to act in blessing to my enemies.
Jesus, I bless your name and pray that all that is within me would bless your Holy Name!
Jesus, I bless your name and pray that you would be worshipped in my words and actions continually.
Jesus, I bless your name and pray that I would welcome your Holy Spirit to empower me and change me into the image of Jesus!
Jesus, I bless your name and pray that your name would be exalted and praised today by me and by believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation!
May your Kingdom come to earth as it is in heaven. Amen!
(Ken Esau, National Faith & Life Director)
Full Immersion
Words are said
To have brought the whole world into being
The world, thus made
Has its own thing or two to say in response
Pouring forth speech
Like good friends at a dinner party.
Table set, candles lit, wine poured
All of nature — the heavens, the earth, the seas
And everything in them
Excitedly conversing, proclaiming
Declaring, relaying
The ephemeral breath within matter.
Who can hear these voices?
Understand such talk?
Like any language I long to learn I must throw myself in All ears.
FRIEDA KLIPPENSTEIN | PHOTO BY NORMAN KLIPPENSTEIN
The importance of spiritual ret�eat
How solitude, prayer, and silence shape our spiritual lives
BY CAM STUART
As a young youth pastor some 30 years ago, I was captured by an aspect of Jesus’ spirituality that significantly shaped his leadership. Luke casually notes that “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”(Luke 5:16).
If we read the Gospel with an eye to observe the lifestyle of Jesus, we will notice that his spirituality — his connection to the Father — was his ministry priority. In John 5:19, Jesus clearly states that he does nothing on his own; everything he does is by the work of his Father in him. How did Jesus attain that kind of confidence? I believe it came from his close relationship with his Father that was cultivated through withdrawing to be alone with his Father.
In Dallas Willard’s book The Spirit of the Disciplines, Willard boldly writes that Jesus not only came to show us the way of salvation, but he also came to show us how to live a kingdom lifestyle. Spending time in solitude to be shaped, guided, encouraged, challenged, and ultimately led by God is what motivates me to take spiritual retreats as well as lead them for others. When I started out as a pastor, much of the leadership expectations that were handed to me focused on the external aspects of pastoral ministry: vision, motivation, strategic planning, administration, etc. But when I look at Jesus’ life, he was driven more by the internal aspects of ministry: prayer, silence, solitude, scripture meditation, etc.
I have always felt tension in withdrawing to be with Jesus because it doesn’t feel like real work. But whenever I pick up my Bible and reflect on how Jesus led, I have been quickly encouraged that prayer, silence, solitude, and scripture meditation are essential. In doing these things, I am aligning my life and ministry around a foundational expectation for those who God has called, gifted, and empowered for pastoral work.
I honestly don’t think I would be in ministry today if I didn’t take the time for spiritual retreats. Sometimes my retreats have consisted of spending a few hours in a local park. Other times I have spent a few days at a retreat centre or in a camp environment. Other times have included a three-month sabbatical primarily focusing on my inner world (as opposed to a study leave with many assignments and expectations).
While each spiritual retreat has been unique, nothing stands out as a watershed moment. What does stand out for me are the deep affirmations of being loved, protected, and secure in the grace and mercy of God.
Withdrawing has always reoriented me to recognize God as the initiator, sustainer, and creator of all ministry; I am only a participant in the work that he is doing. I have left every experience of silence and solitude feeling the rest Jesus offers, of his light yoke replacing the heaviness with which I had entered that time. I also find my soul was realigned to the presence, power, and purposes of God for me and the work he had called me to do.
I have come to believe that prayer and healthy spirituality form the foundation of a healthy pastoral ministry. If pastors are not paying attention to Jesus their leader, if they are not letting the Spirit transform them into Christlikeness through spiritual disciplines, they will be offering home spun human wisdom as opposed to the life-giving water that satisfies the hunger and thirst of our congregations.
Silence and solitude push against our egos and place us firmly under God’s leadership. The concept of “letting go” or “unloading” our soul of the burden of ministry and our egos frees us to more clearly hear and follow the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We will be taking leadership from Jesus who calls us to simply be his servants in the great vision he is unfolding — something we will miss out on if we are not taking the time to be attentive to his leading.
One of the priorities that I would like to encourage in my role as National Director is the spiritual health and vitality of our pastors by offering them a place for spiritual retreats. There are many pressures on pastors that pull them away from this priority. Yet to neglect or circumvent this important soul work is to play with fire.
One way to signal its importance is to offer spiritual retreats for pastors and their spouses. I hope to work with our provincial leaders to find the right time and place for pastors and spouses to “withdraw from a demanding work schedule to pray in order to loved and renewed.” I, together with Multiply’s Norm Nickel, will facilitate and guide these spiritual retreats.
Our first event was in British Columbia on September 22-24. I have been in discussion with other provinces about possible dates and times and look forward to being with our pastors as we collectively enjoy God’s love, presence, and partnership in the work we are called to do together.
CAM STUART is the National Director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC).
Another Ode to Joy
Was God moving furniture?
Was Mount Batur erupting?
No, a concert! Impromptu
Unlike any I’d ever heard.
The audience, captive Ran for cover and best seats
From which to consider
This rare and original work.
First, a low rumbling Faint foreshadowing
Then layers upon layers of sound Merging, emerging
Driving decibels ever further Cymbals and kettle drums crescendoing
To a crashing conclusion.
Beethoven’s Ninth is a lullaby in comparison!
Was this the sound of creation?
Could be — after all, same composer Heaven separating from earth Land wrenched from sea Tectonic plates shifting Mountains rising.
Then it was over and all joined in As the skies opened up To release a flood Of thunderous applause.
POEM AND PHOTO BY FRIEDA KLIPPENSTEIN
The COVID pandemic days are thankfully in the rearview mirror — but would you believe me if I told you there is still an epidemic in our world?
This epidemic I’m talking about is grief: from the death of loved ones, broken relationships, lost dreams, lost jobs, sickness. No matter how hard we try to avoid or ignore it, we will all encounter grief at some point in our lives. And the problem is, no one wants to talk about it.
Experiencing grief shapes and changes us, and we all live with grief in our own way. Many of us try to ignore our emotions, unaware of how they can build up until something breaks deep within. Some of us act out our grief in unrelated areas of our lives. Some deal with grief daily, facing it head-on.
Twenty-five years ago, a good friend of mine passed away six months before my wedding day. He was to be one of my groomsmen, but he died unexpectedly. After his passing, the grief I experienced was real and ongoing, yet others seemed to think I shouldn’t grieve at all.
When someone experiences deep sorrow, they are often told by others to “get over it,” or may be asked what the problem is. Some people see grief solely as a mental illness, not a normal process in our lives. Medically, if grief persists for 12 months or longer, it is then diagnosed as Prolonged Grief Disorder. While this acknowledges that grief can be a lengthy process, it also contributes to the sense that grief should be “gotten over.” It perceives grief as a sickness to be avoided.
I’ve felt that pressure. When my friend passed away, I heard all sorts of cliches such as, “He’s in a better place now,” and, “Clearly this was God’s will, so don’t be sad.” As a 22-year-old student, the depth of emotion I experienced was new; I didn’t know how to respond. I was angry, full of doubt towards God, hurt, and deeply sad. I was in shock at the unexpected death of a friend.
The question about grief that often goes unasked is: is it unhealthy? I believe the only thing unhealthy about grief is not being permitted to fully experience it. When we ignore it or try to move on too quickly, that’s when it becomes unhealthy. There is no timetable for grief. It’s a lifelong process, and how we experience it changes over time.
Grief is one of the largest pastoral care concerns I encounter in pastoral ministry. Many people gloss over their grief and don’t want to bring it up. Others grieve in silence, acknowledging it but not knowing if it is OK to share, especially when it is rooted in the distant past. As I dig deeper and find grief in people’s lives, it becomes clear that it shapes them for the long term, often with a sense of shame or failure because they can’t move past it. They have come to see their grief as a problem because others are not comfortable with it, or because society does not accept it.
But I’m here to say: grief is not a problem. Grief is a real part of living in a sinful and broken world; it’s not something to be “gotten over.” Rather, it is something to be lived out. In fact, I’ve come to see grief as a gift.
When someone or something becomes important, it becomes a part of us. It shapes us and becomes connected to our hopes and dreams for the future. We are ultimately changed by that person or thing in our life. When that is taken away, it leaves a hole behind. When we grieve, we acknowledge that hole and what we have lost.
We can try many things to address the hole. We can try and fill it with something else. We can pretend it doesn’t exist. We can even try and fix the hole with therapy and support groups — which are incredibly valuable and help us understand our grief. But there is no way to remove the hole. What has been lost cannot be replaced. And though we will come to value other people and things, the hole will remain. The goal of grief is to acknowledge the hole in our lives and learn to live with that loss.
Grieving well allows us to be shaped by our loss in a way that honours what was lost. That hole of grief is where we encounter our memories. It is where we remember the value of what we have lost. That hole becomes a place of laughter and tears, of memories and dreams. While grief hurts, it is also a source of joy; it reminds us of what we value and how we carry it forward each day.
While the source of grief is very much individualistic, the living out of grief shouldn’t be. Grieving is meant to be done in community. Romans 12:15 reminds us of this: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
The call of the church is to grieve together. When we grieve in community and can give voice to our loss and share that loss with others, we learn to live with our grief and accept the hole that has been left. We encounter others who grieve and realize it is a universal experience. We can allow ourselves to laugh and celebrate while simultaneously crying and mourning. We see grief as a part of life and not something that brings life to a halt. When we grieve together, we can give thanks for what was given to us by God and what was lost to the brokenness of the sinful world. As we grieve together, we grow in love for one another and turn to God together.
Twenty-five years after my friend passed away, I still grieve his loss. But my grief looks different now. Each year on the anniversary of his death or his birthday, I’m drawn to the memories I have. I’m reminded of how God made him, and the things that were uniquely him — his jokes, his opinions, and even how he would always sprint to the front door after I would drop him off. I remember the gift it was to have him as a friend.
Through our shared grief, I’ve stayed in touch with his family. My grief reminds me to pray for them and to value them. It provides a community of other friends and family I can grieve with. It is not a gift I ever wanted, but it is now a gift I cherish.
The world wants us to believe we are alone in our loss. Yet God recognizes our temptation to withdraw from the community, to isolate, and even to hide from our grief. Through the Holy Spirit and grace of Christ, he provides us with a community that grieves together. God does not remove the hole in our lives, but provides us with the support to move forward.
We take comfort in knowing that God understands grief. In Genesis 6:6, we see God grieving the brokenness of sin that had destroyed the hope he had for his creation. When we grieve, we are not pulling away from God; we are sharing in God’s grieving heart for a broken world that results in death, sickness, and loss. The gift of grief helps us hold onto memories, provides us with community, and helps us share in God’s heart for our world — it points us to why we need Jesus. And it points us to God’s ultimate plan: his restoration of a broken world. That is a gift to be treasured and valued.
MIKE ENGBERS is the Lead Pastor at Parliament Community Church in Regina, SK.
USMB GATHERING HIGHLIGHTS STAFF TRANSITIONS
Delegates vote on recommendations, hear reports
USMB Gathering 2024, held July 23-27, in Omaha, Neb., marked transitions in national conference staff. Aaron Box, a USMB pastor from Eugene, Ore., was introduced as the new national director while retiring national director Don Morris and USMB staff members Donna Sullivan and Lori Taylor were recognized for a combined six decades of service.
Box, whose appointment as the lead national staff member was announced in May, addressed delegates Friday morning in a message that touched on the convention theme and outlined his vision for U.S. Mennonite Brethren. Saying that there can be no spectators as USMB moves forward, Box said, “I live in an incredibly liberal, post Christian community. I don’t have to agree with or affirm what someone chooses to do to love them. We can hold conviction firmly and deeply care for those who disagree.”
While delegates appreciated the two National Convention guest speakers, Box’s presentation was a highlight for many and was affirmed for its impact and relevance. “Aaron’s message gave me much to look forward to in our future as MB churches and how we can work better together,” one person wrote in their evaluation.
In addition to looking forward, delegates honoured retiring staff. Retirement celebrations began Friday evening when Taylor was recognized for her 16 years of service to USMB. She served as an administrative assistant and webmaster.
Saturday morning Morris and Sullivan were celebrated for 20 and 32 years of employment, respectively. Morris joined the national staff in 2004 as director of Mission USA, the USMB church planting ministry, and assumed the role of national director
in 2016. Sullivan has worked as a USMB administrative secretary, bookkeeper and event planner.
The three received gifts and were blessed in retirement with prayer.
TWO EVENTS IN ONE
The biennial national gathering drew a total of 306 attendees and was centered on the theme, “Salt and Light: Faithful living in a secular culture.” Gathering 2024 began with a threeday Pastors’ Conference followed by a three-day National Convention.
Local MB churches helped to host Gathering 2024. Childcare and youth activities were organized by Melissa Hanna and volunteers from Stonybrook Church. Worship times during the five days were led by musicians from Omaha’s Iglesia Agua Viva and Stonybrook Church. Yanira Lopez of Iglesia Manantial de Agua Viva shared her testimony during the Pastors’ Conference. Faith Bible Church helped with transportation.
Brian Kluth, national spokesperson for the Financial Health and Bless Your Pastor programs, was the opening convention speaker. Kluth, sponsored by MB Foundation, described seven ways families and churches can shine bright in a dark world, including encouraging and embracing generosity in giving.
Natasha Crain, whose presentations were taken from her book, Faithfully Different, addressed delegates twice on Friday. While Crain’s presentations were noted for being clear and direct, opinions on her content varied. “Natasha was a good speaker, but her content seemed polarizing,” wrote one listener in their evaluation.
Nearly 130 pastors and spouses attended the National Pastors’
Retiring USMB national director Don Morris lays his hands on the shoulders of Aaron Box as incoming Leadership Board chair Dave Thiessen prays for Box, the new USMB national director.
PHOTO: CL
Conference July 23-25, that featured Gary Hoag, president and CEO of Global Trust Partners, in four sessions. Hoag, who was sponsored by MB Foundation, spoke about being faithful in stewardship, leadership, governance and accountability. The conference also included affinity groups and a question-and-answer time with district ministers.
CONVENTION SCHEDULE PRIORITIZES SPEAKERS, WORKSHOPS
The schedule for the National Convention, July 25-27, prioritized worship sessions and workshops rather than reporting and business. Convention sessions included a keynote speaker, testimony, worship in both Spanish and English and often a video highlighting a USMB program or Mennonite Brethren or inter-Mennonite ministry. Delegates also heard brief updates from the International Community of Mennonite Brethren, Fresno Pacific University, MB Foundation, Multiply and Tabor College.
Fresno Pacific University, MB Foundation, Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Disaster Service, Multiply and Tabor College were convention sponsors, providing breaks, dessert, giveaways, speakers and convention bags and lanyards.
Two workshop times were offered Friday afternoon. Multiply’s Stephen Humber led morning prayer times. Meals and breaktimes gave the 261 participants time to talk together and visit with representatives from USMB and inter-Mennonite ministries.
The convention offering supported CORD, the USMB effort to support immigrant churches with three-year grants.
During the two convention business sessions, the 113 delegates affirmed the ballot for vacancies on the USMB Leadership Board, Board of Faith and
Life and MB Historical Commission and on the Multiply and MB Foundation boards. Delegates voted in favor of revisions to the Multiply U.S. bylaws and recognized ICOMB USA as an organization affiliated with the U.S. Conference of MB Churches (USMB). They did not vote in favour of the recommended change to Article IV, Section 1 of USMB by-laws concerning the reversion clause.
— USMB
USMB CONVENTION SUMMARY
BY CAM STUART
I recently had the opportunity to attend the USMB national pastor’s conference and convention. Both were fantastic events! I felt very much at home and welcomed by our US family. We share many new realities and challenges. They, like us, have new leaders in many key leadership roles. They, like us, are wanting to be much more focused on the Great Commission as churches and agencies. I was particularly impressed by the leadership development initiatives they are engaging to develop new leaders and to grow existing seasoned leaders. This is a significant priority for us as well, as we are in need of finding new leaders to replace those who will be retiring in the next few years.
I look forward to growing these new relationships and discover ways in which we can collaborate together. It was wonderful to have shared those few days with our US family, gleaning from them and being encouraged that we are all part of a much larger story that God is writing through the Mennonite Brethren congregations and denominations around the world.
Let’s be praying for our MB family just south of us, asking God’s blessing, courage, and wisdom in these challenging days that are filled with possibilities as we serve a God who is limitless in his grace, mercy, and goodness.
Grace and peace, Cam
Cassidy’s Cabin
In the rustic chapel at West Bank Bible Camp near Swift Current, Saskatchewan, a special event unfolded on September 14, 2024. It was a beautiful morning, the sunny, warm kind, nestled between summer’s end and fall’s early beginnings. Some 70 family and friends of Cassidy Grimm came to the camp to participate in the dedication of Cabin 12, which had become known unofficially as Cassidy’s Cabin. She had served at the camp for years as a cabin leader and was a beloved friend of campers and fellow staff. Sadly, Cassidy’s life was cut short at the age of 23 in a vehicle accident. The family and camp leadership formally decided to dedicate Cabin 12 in Cassidy’s honour. Several of her favourite songs were sung at the chapel service, many testimonies were shared, and a plaque to be fastened inside the cabin was read. Rev. Philip A. Gunther, SKMB Director of Ministry, led the service and dedication.
You can read the full transcript of the dedication service in the SKMB newsletter.
Finish lines
EDITH RATZLAFF
Edith was born in 1945 in Chilliwack, B.C. Her parents Frank and Anna Dahl provided her with a loving, nurturing environment. As a child, Edith accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour, and later she was baptized and became a member of the Yarrow Mennonite Brethren church. While studying at the University of British Columbia, she met Heinz Ratzlaff, and in June 1966, they were married. Edith’s educational pursuits resulted in her receiving a B.Ed. from U.B.C. and an M.A. from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary. She taught in the following school districts: Abbotsford, B.C.; Chilliwack, B.C.; Calgary; and Howe Sound, B.C. She had interests in writing, public speaking with Toastmasters, repairing furniture, singing and playing the piano. She also served faithfully in many church ministries, most recently, before the COVID outbreak, on the leadership team of the Seniors and Friends ministry at Highland MB Church in Calgary. She was a great support to her husband as they served as pastor couple in churches in Calgary; Squamish, B.C.; and Abbotsford, B.C. Edith is survived by her husband Heinz; children Keith (Lidija) Ratzlaff, Annette (Marcel) Matte, Julie (Dean) Hoff; grandchildren Brandon, Joshua, Ella, Thomas, William, Mia and Owen. She is also survived by five siblings. Birth: March 15, 1945 Birthplace: Chilliwack, B.C. Death: February 19, 2024 Parents: Frank & Anna Dahl Married: Heinz Ratzlaff, June 1966 Family: Heinz; children Keith (Lidija), Annette (Marcel) Matte, Julie (Dean) Hoff; 7 grandchildren; 5 siblings Church: Highland MB, Calgary Baptism: Yarrow (B.C.) MB
LOUISE EVELYN (EPP) FISCHER
Louise was born Apr. 9, 1933, on a farm near Laird, Sask., to Peter and Tena Epp, and she died Aug. 27, 2024. She had an older brother Harold and a younger sister Marj. Louise started her education in a country school. When she was 9, the family moved into town where she finished her schooling. Her teen years were spent with friends and the MB church youth group. Louise gave her heart to Jesus and was baptized in the Laird Mennonite Church. In her late teens, Louise met a dashing young man. Reuben was living alone on the farm. This fact alone was enough for rumours to be told about him. But they were madly in love and could not be kept apart. In time, Louise’s parents learned to love him as well. Louise and Reuben were engaged in February and married June 1, 1951. Their five years on the farm were full of adventures together and with friends. Favourite stories include: keeping 500 chicks on the second floor of the house for a month due to a spring snowstorm, driving to Waldheim, Sask., on the train tracks, and rolling the truck over in the field and not telling anyone for years! Louise and Reuben started renovating homes: painting a room at midnight or turning the summer kitchen into a granary. Children joined the family: Audrey Marie (1954), Donna Dianne (1957), and Robert Allan (1961). In 1957, the family moved into Saskatoon. Louise worked hard at everything she did. She had a house full of boarders: for $60 per month, this work included full meals and laundry (everything ironed and folded) for 6 men, plus her family. Some boarders became lifelong friends. Louise worked at Sears from 1967 until her retirement. Hawaii and golf trips to B.C. were highlights. In 1987, Reuben’s health changed; 13 years of caregiving ended when he died in 2000. These were difficult years, but she started to find strength in the Lord. This continued and grew through the rest of her life. Louise enjoyed bus tours, 13 in all, around North America. The eastern states and Branson, Mo., were favourites. Louise and Donna also took annual trips to Palm Springs, Cal. In 2013, Louise moved into Preston Park. Louise preferred to be in the background, quietly yet actively supporting those who liked the front. She made a point of taking each new pastor for lunch. Louise found meeting new people difficult, but once a friendship was formed, it lasted. She will be dearly missed.
Birth: April 9, 1933 Birthplace: Laird, Sask. Death: August 27, 2024 Parents: Peter & Tena Epp Married: Reuben Fischer, June 1, 1951 Family: children Audrey (Murray) Neufeld, Donna McCullum, Robert (Fern); grandchildren; great-grandchildren
NICK POETKER
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the death of Nickolai Jacob Poetker, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Aug. 8, 2024, at Seven Oaks Hospital, Winnipeg. The grief of losing his wife Mary and the struggle of his own failing health took a toll on his body until he passed into the presence of his Saviour and Lord. Nick was born in Winnipeg, Sept. 12, 1928, the third child in what would become a family of 10, with four brothers and five sisters. Through Sunday School and Daily Vacation Bible School, the Lord impressed on Nick the need to place his trust and faith in Jesus Christ. God led him to enter the vocation of teaching children, and at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute, he took note of a young lady, who would become the love of his life, his biggest support, the mother of his children, and his best friend. He and Mary were married in 1955, after Bible school, and settled in Winnipeg where Nick began his education to train for teaching. Upon completing his university education, he accepted a position at Rosenort (Man.) Collegiate, beginning a life of students, children, and involvement in a church community. As his career wound down and their children married, Nick’s interests involved his grandchildren, through golf or games, swinging
them on the swing in the backyard, or including them in his own projects. He always seemed to have time and interest in whatever they were doing. In 2002, after his retirement, Nick and Mary moved to Winnipeg and spent the last 22 years in the Lindenwood Estates community, meeting new and old friends and helping out family and friends.
Birth: September 12, 1928 Birthplace: Winnipeg Death: August 8, 2024 Parents: Jacob & Maria Poetker; stepmother Maria (Wiens) Married: Mary Enns, 1955 [d. July 11, 2024] Family: children Laureen Brookes (Geoff), Ron (Pat), Marvin (Rhonda); 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; siblings Vi Giesbrecht (Norm), Mary, Betty, Alf (Linda), Bill (Diana), Herb (Wilma), Hedy Funk Church: Portage Avenue, Winnipeg Baptism: Lena (Man.) MB, 1937
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A moment in time
Students sitting in front of a fall/thanksgiving arrangement of pumpkins, corn stalks, and antlers in the dining room. Dan Wohlgemut, Michael Krohn, and Sam Dick.
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA 1994
Courtesy of the Mennonite Archival Information Database
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