MBCM Assembly 2026 Recap

Friday, March 6 - Equipping Day

Assembly 2026 began with space to worship and hear from God. As leaders, pastors, delegates, and guests gathered from across the province we greeted the day with a time of prayer, worship, and teaching. 

Missional Disciple-Making with Derek Parenteau

Derek Parenteau works with Multiply. He lives in Ontario where he serves as the Regional Team Leader for Canada. Derek taught in the morning and the afternoon on missional disciple-making. He reminded us of God’s heart for his people, the ones who know him already and the ones who don’t know him yet. 

We were encouraged and challenged to ‘Go and make disciples’ in the authority that Jesus gives to us. God’s heart for His people is reflected in us being sent and in sending others. The beauty of “Go” is that it takes us beyond our flesh and into faith. What ‘go’ practice can you imagine in your context?

Workshops with MBCM Partners

Assembly included a time of equipping through workshops focused on Education, Mission, and Partnership. Thank you to MBCM Partners for facilitating this time together. 

Eating Together

At the day’s end, we gathered around the table to eat and to hear from Douglas Mennonite Church. We heard the story of their journey through the last few years and towards associate membership with MBCM. The day concluded in prayer around the table.

Worship and AGM - Saturday, March 7

Morning Worship

The second day opened with worship, prayer, and communion, forming a foundation for Assembly in the presence of Christ. Pastor Bisetsa from Source of Life Church reminded us of the integral link between prayer and discipleship. Prayer is not a formality in our faith. It is the primary engine for spiritual transformation and ministerial boldness. 

MBCM Stories

Throughout the day many stories were shared of God at work through MBCM churches. These included highlights of newcomers finding community in new churches, God’s faithfulness in pastors and leaders who are new in ministry and those who have served faithfully for a long time, and churches serving their communities through many creative outlets like pickleball. 

Provincial Directors Report

Delivered by John Neufeld, this year's report reflected on a year of learning. He shared highlights from his first year in the role of Provincial Director, including connecting with congregations and church leaders. Stories of growth, stewardship, transition, and equipping were shared.  

Financial Report

2025 marked a year of strengthening and steady progress. Meaningful steps to support the long-term health of MBCM included:

• 2025 ended with a surplus of about $18,000. We are thankful for the careful cost control of our Provincial Director which helped us finish the year in a stable position. 

• Policies are being updated and standardized, playing an important role in the health of the conference. 

• The Conference Support Fund contribution rate was moved from 13% to 10%. This decision reflects a sensitivity to the realities faced by the local congregation and a shared desire to support the wider work God is calling us to. 

2026 Budget

The 2026 budget was presented and passed, aiming to:

• Increase support for church planting and diaspora ministries

• Support the development of leaders for church ministries

Nominations Report

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The following people were presented and approved to various roles this year: 

• Leadership Board - Dan Reimer (The Meeting Place) was appointed as member-at-large.

• Provincial Faith and Life Team: Richard Bage (South Park Mennonite Brethren) and John Saluma-Kasongo (Église Communautaire de la Rivière Rouge) appointed. 

• Eden Health Care Services: Evelyn Labun (Fort Garry MB Church) was appointed. 

• Canadian Mennonite University Board: James Alty (Crossroads MB Church)

CCMBC Report

Cam Stuart, CCMBC National Director, facilitated greetings and updates from our national family. Updates were presented from Ken Esau on behalf of the National Faith and Life Team, Mark Wessner on behalf of the MB Seminary, Jason Krueger on behalf of CCMBC Legacy, and Derek Parenteau on behalf of Multiply. 

Cam Stuart brought a revised and updated governance proposal for input and feedback from our churches. The updates reflect a commitment to good stewardship and healthy collaboration. 

Final Reflections and Closing

Assembly 2026 concludes with gratitude - for God’s faithful presence with us and His work among us, for church leaders who serve willingly, and for the local church engaging communities.