U.S. Mennonite Brethren commissioned a new national director at its July 23-27 national gathering in Omaha, Neb.

Aaron Box replaces Don Morris, who was recognized for serving as national director since 2016, leading Mission USA church planting and working as a pastor before then.

Box, a USMB pastor in Eugene, Ore., addressed the national gathering’s theme of “Salt and Light: Faithful Living in a Secular Culture.”

“I live in an incredibly liberal, post-Christian community,” he said, according to the USMB magazine Christian Leader. “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.”

Much of USMB Gathering 2024 was focused on sharing testimonies of God’s goodness and guidance, giving reduced time to denominational business.

A recommendation to revise bylaws that require church property and capital assets to revert to conference ownership if a congregation dissolves or leaves a USMB district fell short of the two-thirds majority required to pass. It received majority support by a three-vote margin.

The recommendation stated that no legal action would be taken if a church denies a reversion request. Potential seizure of assets is a concern that arises when a congregation is expelled by its district for LGBTQ affirmation.

Christian Leader reported Leadership Board members and district leaders cited situations when districts “poured” money into churches only for them to leave and spoke about “protecting” intent of original church members when a “legacy” church leaves a district.

Board of Faith and Life chair Dave Loewen reported the BFL released a document on loving neighbors, friends and family who experience same-sex attraction. The document is not online but was distributed to USMB districts as a tool for pastors and church leaders.

The BFL is also working on a document addressing transgender identity issues and has asked all pastors to sign a credentialing covenant on sexual ethics.