Mennonite Church Canada’s Future Directions Task Force (FDTF) has released its concluding report. The FDTF was charged with envisioning future directions for the area and national Mennonite churches in Canada in light of two central questions:
- What is God’s Spirit calling us to in the 21st Century?
- What are the best ways (programs, structures, strategies) for the church to thrive and grow
The Task Force proposed an updated vision with a focus on “revitalizing and enriching local congregations” and regional churches as the primary catalysts for mission.
The report also calls for significant shifts in denominational structure. In their report, the Task Force writes, “Currently congregations are members of both an area church and a national body. The proposal is that congregations would be members of a regional body only, with the regional bodies covenanting together on nation-wide and international missions, as well as common program strategies and support services.”
The concluding work of the Task Force can be found online. Congregations and Area Churches are encouraged to review these important documents about the future of our national and area church system prior to area church annual gatherings in 2016. A final decision regarding the proposal will be made by delegates at the summer 2016 national church Assembly.
On Dec. 1, Mennonite Church Canada announced significant staff cutbacks and structural changes due to a $300,000 donation shortfall and growing out of the work of the Task Force’s work.
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