March 17th

New Co-Directors of Leadership Ministries Announced

Winnipeg, MB. March 17, 2022 – Mennonite Church Manitoba (MCM) is pleased to announce Karen Schellenberg and Jeff Friesen as the next Co-Directors of Leadership Ministries. They will step into the position in late summer.

“Rick Neufeld has done a terrific job in this role the past six-plus years, and his retirement at the end of March leaves a big hole in our support for our pastors and congregations,” says Executive Minister Michael Pahl. “Karen and Jeff are the perfect combination to move this critical role forward for MCM.”

Karen is the first woman to serve in this role for MCM, and this is the first time the role has been shared.

“Having Co-Directors like Jeff and Karen demonstrates our shared commitment as Mennonite Church Manitoba to support the diversity of spiritual leaders among us,” says Pahl. “Older and younger, men and women, lead pastors and associates—all our pastors and chaplains need the support MCM can offer.”

Karen will come to this role with nearly 20 years of pastoral ministry experience with four MCM congregations. She is currently completing a term as interim pastor with Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Winkler. Karen holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Canadian Mennonite University.

Jeff will bring 17 years of pastoral ministry experience to this role, all with Charleswood Mennonite Church. His ministry at Charleswood began with an exclusive focus on youth and young adults but has evolved into a co-pastor role. Jeff also holds a M.A. in Theological Studies from CMU.

“What an honor to be given this opportunity,” Karen says. “I look forward to walking more deliberately with pastors and their families. I also look forward to possibly finding ways to involve and care for retired pastors.”

Jeff adds: “As a pastor who has worked within the MCM community for many years, I have benefited from the support provided by this role. I am excited to be a resource to our pastors and to encourage potential pastors in cultivating their sense of calling.”

The Director of Leadership Ministries provides care and ministry resourcing for pastors and other spiritual leaders within MCM. The DLM also works with congregations and pastors in pastoral searches and oversees the credentialing of pastors toward licensing or ordination. In the interim between Rick’s retirement and Jeff and Karen’s start dates, urgent DLM duties will be handled by Michael with help as needed from other MCM staff.

Mennonite Church Manitoba is a covenant community of 38 congregations and is a member of Mennonite Church Canada.

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For more information contact:

Michael Pahl, Executive Minister, Mennonite Church Manitoba 204-896-1616 or mpahl@mennochurch.mb.ca

or

Darryl Neustaedter Barg Director of Communications, Mennonite Church Manitoba 204-896-1616 or dnbarg@mennochurch.mb.ca