From the editor

Could 2014 be the year of young leaders in Mennonite Church USA? It looks that way according to the many Mennonite-related press releases and announcements this past year.

In 2014, Aaron Kauffman, 35, becomes the executive director of Virginia Mennonite Missions. Sarah Thompson, 30, will lead Christian Peacemaker Teams. Jenna Liechty Martin, 28, will direct Camp Friedenswald in Cassopolis, Mich.

These follow directors a good decade or two older. They join a growing list of leaders under the age of 40 in our denomination.

As an editorial staff, we look forward to featuring some of these individuals as writers in 2014 in our Leadership column. We hope this offers a place for them to introduce themselves, share their visions and begin conversations related to their work with our readers.

Back in 2011, blogger Tim Nafziger wrote on our website: “Naming of gifts among young people is much overlooked in our churches. We forget that calling out the gifts of the new generation is a critical part of what it means to be community to one another.”

Several years later, I sense a shift not only to naming these gifts but an openness to trust young people to carry considerable responsibility.

This does not come without risk and possible discomfort. In 2013, New Voices columnist Peter Epp noted that “our society is going through a major shift in its attitudes toward many things, especially religion, and that Millennials (those born after 1980) have some major differences from Baby Boomers.”

Navigating these changes will require grace from all involved.

On a personal note, I am deeply honored to join these aforementioned leaders as I take on the position of interim editor for The Mennonite, beginning this month.

I want to thank the board of directors of The Mennonite, Inc., for its faith in my leadership. I also extend my gratitude in advance for the patience and encouragement they will demonstrate to me in coming months.

One of the most exciting aspects of my new role is spearheading a new website, which we hope to launch later this year. In this sense, my role with The Mennonite comes full circle. In 2006, I was hired as a part-time, temporary employee with the main responsibility of working on a new digital presence.

About seven years later, I revisit this type of project with a greater sense of urgency, as The Mennonite’s web presence carries more significance than ever—both in terms of serving the denomination and as a sustainable business model for The Mennonite, Inc.

Finally, I am overwhelmingly thankful for former editor Everett J. Thomas’ mentorship over these past years. Thomas will continue his relationship with The Mennonite in his role as editor emeritus.

I will work from my home office in Tucson, Ariz., while making regular trips to Elkhart, Ind., and other locations.

I look forward to continuing to connect with readers across the country, and I invite your feedback and suggestions.

I wish all the best to these new leaders and blessings in this new year.