It is with great enthusiasm that the Franconia Mennonite Conference Board announces Stephen Kriss, PhD as the new Executive Minister for Franconia Mennonite Conference. This appointment comes after a six-month search process following the announcement of current Executive Minister Ertell Whigham’s resignation.

Kriss will begin his new role on January 1, 2017, having served within Franconia Mennonite Conference for over 10 years, his most current role being as Director of Leadership Cultivation and Congregational Resourcing. He also brings academic leadership continuing as the Associate Director of Pastoral Studies for the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, campus of Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

Steve is a collaborative, energetic, and creative leader who has a deep love for God and the church. He is able to listen to all points of view while staying grounded in Anabaptist theology and practice. From a number of candidates, Steve was highly affirmed in the nomination process and unanimously discerned with much prayer by the search committee and Conference Board to be the best candidate to lead Franconia Mennonite Conference forward at this time.

Conference Moderator, John Goshow, stated, “We are pleased that Steve is open to the call to serve God and Franconia Conference at this time and look forward to his creative and entrepreneurial leadership in administering the vision of our conference.”

The board and search committee are grateful for God’s faithful leading of both Kriss and Franconia Conference during this transition.