Alberta Mennonite Brethren Conference (ABMB) Annual General Meeting Minutes April 21-22, 2017 Urban Grace Church, Calgary, Alberta

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1 Alberta Mennonite Brethren Conference (ABMB) Annual General Meeting Minutes April 21-22, 2017 Urban Grace Church, Calgary, Alberta Friday, April 21, 2017 Highlights: Leaders Day Speaker Randy Wollf, MinistryLift from MB Seminary Theme: Foundation like no other Friday evening featured stories of how God is working within C2C Network and MB Mission locally, nationally, and globally. Saturday, April 22, 2017 (8:30am-4:30pm): A. Welcome Matt Dyck (Moderator, ABMB) welcomed everyone, reminded delegates to register, prayed, and invited Urban Grace to lead us in worship. B. Worship & Word We were led in worship by Joel Funk from Urban Grace. Paul Loewen (ABMB Regional Director) continued with the Convention theme: Foundation like no other. 1 Corinthians 3:9: For we are co-workers in God s service. You are God s field, God s building! Our churches, our conference don t belong to us, they are God s and we are stewards and managers in God s field. What are the things Jesus is inviting us to emulate? HS-POWER: Holy Spirit Dependence Prayerful Guidance Obedient Living Word-Centered Orientation Exaltation of the Father Relationships of Love and Integrity C. Convention 1. Welcome and Introductions Matt Dyck called the meeting to order at 9:15am. He talked about Pilgram Marpeck who said that the incarnation continues because we are the body of Christ. Convention is important because in this way the incarnation continues in the body of ABMB. We come together under the headship of Christ. We encourage each other. We grieve together. We listen to the Spirit s leading on how we are going to move forward together in mission. Even a budget is a mission document that articulates how we are going to get where we are going. Matt prayed that God s kingdom would come in Alberta as it is in heaven. 2. Quorum determined Ruthie Kopp (ABMB Executive Assistant) confirmed that 76 delegates from 17 churches established quorum. 3. Parliamentarians Motion: To accept Reg Toews (Chilliwack, BC) and Kevin Koop (Crestwood MB Church, Medicine Hat) as Parliamentarians. 1 P age

2 Motion carried by show of hands. 4. Temporary Presiding Officer Motion: The Board moves that Michael Dick hereby take over the duties of Temporary Presiding Officer (also known as Moderator) for this 2017 AGM Convention. Michael Dick spoke to his qualifications in this role and the definition of objectivity. He will function to be a neutral moderating voice. Hilda Dueck (Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton) raised concern regarding a comment Michael Dick had made in an that made it sound as though he was eager to promote the empowerment of leaders and board members only. She wondered about empowerment for lay persons who are representing their churches as delegates. Michael Dick responded that he should have included the members of the churches of Alberta. He believes in giving delegates - not just leaders - a voice in these discussions. He is eager to ensure that there is good dialogue in a spirit of openness and respect. We ve gathered for the building up of the ABMB. We need to hear from one another. The decisions are made by the delegates, as they are empowered to represent their churches. Ron Pauls (Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton) asked for a point of clarification that Matt Dyck remains the Moderator of the ABMB and Michael Dick is being asked to be the temporary Moderator for this AGM only. Others affirmed Michael Dick s experience, ability, and objectivity in fulfilling the role. Motion carried by show of hands. Michael Dick assumed his role as the presiding officer of the 2017 ABMB Convention. He gave a brief overview of his long-standing involvement with the Mennonite Brethren Conference as well as other board work over the years. He read Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 5. Agenda Convention 2017 Motion: To accept the revised agenda for 2017 Convention as presented. 6. Minutes Convention 2016 Motion: To accept the minutes of 2016 Convention as presented. Michael Dick mentioned that when a motion comes from a board, it is deemed moved and seconded. If a motion comes from the floor, a seconder is required. This is why no seconder is required for these motions. 7. Ministry Reports a. CCMBC Report Steve Berg (Interim Executive Director) shared about his connections with the MB and the unexpected call to this role. He expressed personal gratitude and high respect for Willy Reimer s (former Executive Director) ministry and hopes to continue the good work. Steve introduced the team representing CCMBC. He reminded delegates that this was an opportunity to lean in together for mission. CCMBC s commitment is to collaborate, not 2 P age

3 compete; to be partners locally, nationally, and globally. We want to be a part of the mission that God has for Canada. Steve referred to the CCMBC Sandbox, including the mission, preferred culture, guiding principles and central ministry Focus. We were shown the Conference Ministry Model. Multiplying Churches Developing Leaders - Daniel Beutler (Interim L2L Director) spoke about creating opportunities to listen to God and each other - discern, discover, develop, depend. Resourcing Churches - Jim Davidson (Interim CFO, CCMBC) referred to the resourcing Ministry report (p. 24 in the Convention booklet). He pointed out how finances are built on the Unified Model in helping churches and ministry partners achieve their goals. He talked about a rental property in the south of Calgary where there is space for two churches to meet and where Paul Loewen, Ruthie Kopp and Johnny Thiessen have offices. He was also pleased to have been able to help Bethel Eritrean Church in Calgary find a property. The Resourcing Ministry is about more than dollars and cents, it s about being able to come alongside churches in financial decision-making and support. Building Community - Steve Berg concluded the CCMBC report by mentioning the November 1-3, 2017 Equip Conference in Abbotsford. b. ABMB Executive Board Report Matt Dyck talked about his first year as ABMB Moderator. With all new board members except for one, and another stepping down, previous board members were asked to serve in this interim season: Nelson Senft (La Glace Bible Fellowship), Val Martens (River West Christian Church), and Kerry Dyck (River West Christian Church). Difficult family challenges for staff members, an office move, and national role changes affected the ABMB. Matt expressed his appreciation to Paul Loewen, Ruthie Kopp, and Johnny Thiessen. He thanked Willy & Gwen Reimer for their unique leadership for 20 years in Alberta. He then spoke about Isaiah 54:2-3 Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. If you pull out the stakes, the tent is not going to stay up. The more you enlarge your tent, the more the stakes need to be strengthened. The bylaws are stakes for the tent of being on mission together. c. ABMB Story Kerry Dyck quoted Lamentations 3:24 The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him. God is at work always has been, always will be, and is right now. We get to be a part of that story, of what he is doing. God has been at work through governance and policy as shown by the ABMB Story Decisions & Highlights (handout), however, it s the people behind these decisions and highlights who tell the actual story. God is writing the ABMB story, not only in the decisions we make, but deep in our hearts. We have another opportunity at Convention 2017 to trust Him, to trust each other, and to move forward together. d. ABMB Regional Director Report Paul Loewen referenced his printed report. He used the metaphor of a farmer who wants to end up with grain in the bin, the cultivating of the soil is only the groundwork that needs to result in fruit at the end of the season. Paul referred to the Church Health slides. 3 P age

4 i. Health Indicators, what are our measurable Intentional disciple making Leadership development, equipping leaders Baptisms Pastoral retention and credentialing Resourcing, networking and participation ii. Promising Health Desire to work together: clusters, next Gen, Mission etc. Equipping leaders Next Gen gap year New Canadian churches. A new mission s frontier, with cross pollination, learning from each other. iii. Possible Health Alerts: Are we praying, trusting, obeying? Prayer for each other s churches. Do we believe the best in each other? Is this a two-way street? Is the denomination servant of the church or church the denomination? It goes both ways What should we do less so that we can do more? If churches are not growing, why? How do we define growth? iv. Imagine the possibilities Sending a lot of missionaries next door. Vibrant and dynamic youth for next gen Newcomer churches becoming examples of faith and obedience Being generous in our churches. Matt Dyck concluded the ABMB report by saying that unity is not our goal. Unity is going to be the byproduct of our being on mission together with Jesus. e. Camp Evergreen Report Bob Kroeker (Camp Evergreen Executive Director) showed a promo video. He referenced his report. For the past 5 years Bob has worked with great staff. Recently, a grade 6 class of 100 came; two students had registered for summer camp by the next day. Some who are not excited about Christianity are excited about camp which gives an opportunity to share the gospel. 11 of the 26 camps for 2017 are full. More space is needed. Camp Evergreen s mission is to see lives transformed by the power of Jesus. Reaching Higher is the capital project that is being developed: staff homes are being built for half the cost because of good prices from trades and many hours spent by volunteers (throughout the long cold winter); a new lodge will allow for more campers. Everyone can help by giving resources and time. AGM & Open House is on June 24, f. Columbia Bible College Kurtis Kube (CBC Director of Development) showed a promotional video. CBC is about Christ-centered, Kingdom-focused world impact. Four new programs are being introduced this year, including Applied Leadership and Emergency Rescue. Enrollment has started moving up in recent years, which they hope will continue. An alumni event is slated for September 16, Kurtis closed with the statement: We are your Bible College. 4 P age

5 g. MB Seminary Jeff Peters (MB Seminary Director of Advancement) talked about MB Seminary s mission which can be stated in 5 words: lifelong learning for lifelong mission. MB Seminary enjoys partnerships as a member of the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) Consortium at Trinity Western University in Langley, BC and of the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, MB. In the near future they ll add a partnership with Tyndale Seminary in Toronto ON. They also partner with local churches and conferences. In Manitoba they offer Elevation Apprenticeship, a program where people are trained not just in the classroom but also in their churches. They d love to see more of these sorts of programs happening in the churches and invite further conversations. MB Seminary offers one of two Christian chaplaincy programs in Canada. h. ABMB Finance Report and Budget Presentation Jim Davidson called up Benny Leung (Treasurer of ABMB) to give an overview of the finances. Benny summarized the 2016 financials with a slide. Revenue was more than budgeted, expenditures were less than budgeted. In light of the economic conditions in Alberta the Board recommends leaving the budget the same as it was last year. Some of the resources have been reallocated: Increases have been made to staff compensation for the first time since 2014, while office and Four Ministries expenditures were reduced. The ABMB anticipates drawing less financial support from CCMBC and more from churches and individual donors. As a family of churches we take care of one another. If all the churches give 4.5% of their revenue, we will meet our budget. If churches pitch in 7.1% of their revenue, we can be self-sustaining and will no longer need to draw on CCMBC resources. Any more than that and we d be able to pay back into the CCMBC. Even if there were a 10% reduction in revenue across the board, we d break even at 8%. 8. Breakout Sessions Delegates participated in one of three breakout sessions: a Bylaws John Paul (J.P.) Hayashida b. Budget Benny Leung/Jim Davidson c. Care, Concern and Conflict Policy Paul Loewen 9. ABMB Stories Paul Loewen interviewed some members of the Bethel Eritrean Evangelical Church of Edmonton. Bethel Church started in 1990 with 5 people. With the help of the Holy Spirit they have grown to more than 100! Pastor Samson is now their pastor as of December By God s grace and with the help of the MB Conference, they have begun a building project of turning a warehouse and gym into a building where the church will meet beginning this summer (slides were shown). They thanked the MB Conference for allowing them to be part of the denomination and for helping them in so many ways. Bethel Church is happy to extend the invitation to next year s Convention on April 13 & 14, Scrutineer Committee Motion: To elect Marilyn Riediger (Gem MB), Sandy Dyck (River West), and Carey Willis (Linden) to a Scrutineer Committee to count the votes/ballots. The motion was seconded, and then carried by show of hands. 5 P age

6 11. Constitution & Bylaws 2017 Motion: To accept the Constitution (2017 Version 5.0) as presented. Ron Pauls (Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton) asked that amendments be permitted, stating that he was addressing both motions (to accept the 2017 Constitution and to accept the 2017 Bylaws). Michael Dick ruled that the 2010 Constitution & Bylaws were followed in the creation of the 2017 Constitution & Bylaws being presented and that only friendly amendments would be permitted (e.g. amendments in the spirit of the changes that are being proposed, a typo, or a glaring grammatical error). Ron Pauls appealed the moderator s ruling. Kevin Koop as parliamentarian asked for the delegates to vote on the appeal. It was defeated. Ron Pauls gave notice that he d be making a motion to defer the motion on the floor to Convention He read out various prepared statements (see document) on how the process to arrive at the 2017 Bylaws was flawed. Michael Dick stated that amendment recommendations were to have been made in response to the documents presentation in February 2017 and that according to the 2010 Bylaws no further amendment would be allowed at Convention Ron Pauls then brought forward a motion Motion: that the motion on the floor be deferred in light of the following: (Seconded) Ron Pauls suggested that the 2017 Bylaws are seriously flawed in part because of the revision process. Paul Loewen and J.P. Hayashida were tasked with rewriting the bylaws, however, Robert s Rules says that a bylaws revision committee should be large and should represent all the views in the organization. Others input has been limited to commenting. The authors and/or the Board cherry-picked from the comments provided and did not give enough opportunity for input and voting. The bylaws belong to the membership not to the leadership. The Board acted as an authority, not as servant leaders. Lendrum urged the Board not to present the 2017 Bylaws to Convention. There has been an apparent urgency to putting the 2017 Bylaws forward at this time and gives ABMB leadership more power. It needs a redo. If all the churches became involved with some sort of representation, a large enough committee could do the work, with a subcommittee actually scribing the bylaws. Michael Dick s ruling to allow only friendly amendments to the 2017 Constitution & Bylaws was upheld by a show of hands. Mark Griffin (SunWest Church, Calgary) spoke against the motion to defer and for the original motion. He spoke for the collegial process which was being engaged for the bylaws revision. There was ample opportunity to meet with church boards and discuss the revisions. All the churches were able to speak their minds. Many boards responded to the process and was all-encompassing. Chris Ney (Vertical Church, Pincher Creek) spoke against the motion to defer. They never felt excluded and he appreciated the process which he did not feel was flawed. Kevin Guenther-Trautwein (Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton) spoke for the motion. He thanked ABMB leaders and expressed his respect for them. He spoke about the longstanding history of the Anabaptists and Mennonite Brethren in being careful about submitting to individuals rather than the community. He would like more than just one or two people to work on the bylaws revision. He doesn t see the motion to defer as a motion to reject, but rather as a motion to do more discerning. 6 P age

7 Kevin Koop asked Matt Dyck whether a bylaws committee had been struck. When Matt stated that Paul Loewen and J.P. Hayashida had been tasked with the revision, Kevin - speaking as a delegate, not as a parliamentarian inserted a motion (in an attempt to simplify the motion put forward by Ron Pauls): Motion: To ask the Board to defer the vote on the bylaws for a year until Convention 2018, strike a 3-member bylaws review committee with Paul Loewen and J.P. Hayashida serving in an advisory capacity. After some debate and confusion, the inserted motion was withdrawn by Kevin Koop/dismissed by Michael Dick as being out of order. The earlier motion by Ron Pauls continued to stand. The question was called by Shane Woodlief (Dalhousie Church, Calgary). Michael Dick reminded Delegates that a 2/3 majority would be necessary to end discussion. The vote was taken by show of hands. 45 in favour. 18 opposed. Discussion ceased. Michael Dick restated the motion to defer by following the six steps and making the final decision on the Constitution & Bylaws at Convention A 2-minute recess was requested and granted before voting. Motion was defeated by simple majority, 45 against, 18 in favour. Original motion is back on the floor. Scott Kopp (Highland MB Church, Calgary) spoke in favour of the original motion. He, at no point, felt a sense of antagonism towards the process or the results. He expressed concern that the spirit of engagement was perhaps was not always followed by both sides and sorrow over the phone calls that were never made and the face-to-face conversations that were never had. Shane Woodlief (Dalhousie Church, Calgary) spoke in favour of the motion. He found the Board and Paul Loewen very approachable and open to hearing alternate opinions. Individual as well as church board concerns were engaged by the process. Erica Boschman (River West Church, Edmonton) commended everyone who had worked hard on the 2017 Bylaws, but felt that a year s delay would only serve to strengthen the results. She renewed the motion to defer: Motion: To ask the Board to defer the vote on the bylaws for a year until Convention 2018, strike a 3-member bylaws review committee with Paul Loewen and J.P. Hayashida serving in an advisory capacity. Seconded by Kevin Koop. Ron Pauls spoke in favour of this motion to defer. He urged the Board to put in place a process that involves more horizontal discussion among the churches, not just church to Board. Dennis Wiens (Sunrise Community Church, Edmonton) asked the Board how a year s delay would hamper the mission and ministry of the ABMB. Matt Dyck confirmed that this had been discussed and that the Board s desire was to represent the membership well. Not every suggestion went into the 2017 Bylaws, but the process outlined earlier was a good process which engaged the larger constituency. Delaying it another year may or may not put the ABMB further ahead. The Board felt the best thing would be to bring forward the motion at Convention and let delegates decide. Kevin Guenther-Trautwein (Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton) spoke in favour of the motion. In his opinion, the 2017 Constitution & Bylaws are good in broad strokes, but there are a lot of little flaws that can t be addressed amendment by amendment at Convention. Broader consultation would strengthen the Bylaws. 7 P age

8 Ernie Wiens (Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton) spoke in favour of the motion. He recommended the value in stepping back a bit and figuring out what exactly happened. Les Riediger (Gem MB Church, Gem) spoke against the motion. He felt that the issues were actually not about the Constitution & Bylaws, but rather theological issues that would not be solved at Convention. Chris Ney (Vertical Church, Pincher Creek) spoke against the motion as it would have a negative impact on our actual mission. We re to be out sharing the gospel and not held up by nitpicking over these points. Ernie Dueck (Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton) took exception to the previous comment. He felt that for Lendrum there would be some pain associated with the 2017 Bylaws and that Article 3.5. would do a lot of damage in the future. Melissa Yue (Mountainview Grace, Calgary) asked how the Executive would decide on who the 3 people would be? Shane Woodlief called the question but after some confusion withdrew his call to end discussion. Mark Griffin (SunWest Christian Fellowship, Calgary) spoke against the motion. If the ABMB Constitution & Bylaws are based on the CCMBC Constitution & Bylaws, then the article 3 dilemma will need to be brought to the CCMBC. Motion defeated by simple majority with show of hands. Reg Toews (Parliamentarian) felt that enough discussion had been had on the original motion and reminded Michael Dick that as moderator he could limit discussion to a certain number of speakers if this was stated at the beginning of the conversation. Michael Dick then limited discussion to two additional voices. Gary Burke (Coaldale MB Church) spoke in favour of the motion. The original motion to accept the Constitution (2017 Version 5.0) as presented was carried by 2/3 majority with show of hands, 60 votes in favour, 8 opposed. Motion: To accept the General Operating Bylaws (2017 Version 5.0) as presented. Michael Dick ruled to hold comments to 2 minutes each and to limit discussion to 5 speakers at most. Kevin Guenther-Trautwein (Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton) spoke against the motion, finding it impossible to discuss line by line all the difficulties with the 2017 Bylaws. His concern was that the cumulative effect of the 2017 Bylaws would limit the influence of local congregations in the MB Conference. Matt Dyck responded that the 2017 version is in the spirit of the direction of our previous bylaws voted in by Convention. There was a shift in governance, philosophy, and policy that is reflected in the ABMB Story presented earlier by Kerry Dyck. The desire of the Board was not to limit the church s autonomy, but to clarify what we are about together as ABMB. Churches will achieve the mission we engage together in their own unique way. Hilda Dueck (Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton) spoke against the motion. She reminded us of our ancestors who died for their belief in the priesthood of all believers. Jesus was inclusive; His mission was to heal the sick, give water to the thirsty and food to the hungry. He also preached the gospel. Our Conference has chosen a very limited mission in planting churches and developing leaders. Not all serve in that way and there is merit in other expressions. Chris Ney (Vertical Church, Pincher Creek) spoke in favour of the motion, wanting us to be about preaching the good news of Jesus Christ, not only about humanitarian efforts. 8 P age

9 Elroy Senneker (Community Grace Church, Calgary) spoke in favour of the motion. In his church setting, a holistic approach is very much taken and not limited by the 2017 Bylaws. Ron Pauls (Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton) spoke against the motion. He listed several flaws he saw in the 2017 Bylaws, some of which are in contradiction with the laws of the province. The other issue he saw was that the 2017 Bylaws revision would give sweeping powers to the Executive Board, even in so far as to have authority to convene and preside over meetings at churches. Michael Dick responded that the Executive Board would definitely address edits that speak to legal matters. Motion carried by 2/3 majority with show of hands, 52 votes in favour, 11 opposed. Paul Loewen called us back to order after a brief coffee break. We thanked Mennonite Mutual Insurance for sponsoring one of the Convention coffee breaks. Paul pointed out a cell phone plan which Staff and Pastors of MB Churches can benefit from. He pointed out some Faith and Life brochures to which churches should help themselves. 12. Finance Reports 2016 Original Motion: To accept the financial reports as presented. Benny Leung brought forward a replacement motion for the above motion listed in the Convention booklet. Replacement Motion: That the delegates accept that the information presented in the 2015 & 2016 financial statements accurately reflects the operations of the ABMB Conference for those years, noting that these are unaudited financial statements and each user (i.e. Canada Revenue Agency) has to assess whether or not these meet their needs. Ernie Wiens (Lendrum) spoke in favour of the motion. Motion: That the ABMB Executive Board appoint members to the financial audit committee to exercise the fiduciary responsibilities as per the Bylaws and governance documents. Paul Loewen stated that this motion is simply putting into practice what the Board governance manual calls for. 13. Budget 2017 Benny Leung presented the Motion: To accept the 2017 budget as presented. No questions came from the floor. Motion carried by show of hands, some opposed. 14. Elections Bruce Erickson (Linden MB Church and member of the ABMB Life Team) explained how a Nominating Team vetted a total of six names for Executive Board nominations. After a careful review, three names are being put forward. Motion: To elect the following candidates for their assigned positions: a. Executive Board a. Tim Doerksen, Gem MB Church b. Waldie Neufeld, La Glace Bible Fellowship 9 P age

10 c. Nelson Senft (La Glace Bible Fellowship) b. Nominating Committee a. Scott Koop (Highland MB Church) b. Elsie Quiring (Dalhousie Church) Matt Dyck explained that this year s Nominating Committee was put in place in the spirit of the 2017 Bylaws. As members of the ABMB Faith & Life Teams, these individuals were able to know who had good standing in the ABMB and good rapport among all the churches. They were able to choose candidates for the next Nominating Committee who would represent the churches well and be qualified for the role. Ron Pauls reminded delegates that Robert s Rules of Order do not permit a vote against a nominee and, therefore, the ballots presented should not have an option to vote no. Michael Dick asked delegates to strike the word no from the ballot and to simply leave the vote blank if they could not affirm the nomination of any or all names put forward. In response to a question, Bruce Erickson assured delegates that the vetting process laid out in the 2017 Bylaws had been thoroughly followed in principle. The question was asked whether such a thorough process would actually frighten off potential candidates. Having churches put forward names of individuals who are deemed suitable by their church should be enough vetting. Lendrum Church felt they hadn t been given opportunity to add names directly to the nomination slate. Shane Woodlief (Dalhousie Church, Calgary) stated that Dalhousie Church had been given the opportunity to put names forward for the vetting process and he felt that this was sufficient opportunity. The question was called and Michael Dick asked delegates to vote by secret ballot. The motions below were presented and voted on while the Scrutineer Committee collected the ballots to count them. The Scrutineer Committee reported ballot results to Michael Dick who announced that the motion regarding the elections of the Executive Board and Nominating Committee carried. 15. Reports Motion: To receive the reports of the Convention as presented. There were no comments from the floor. Motion: To destroy the ballots. The motion was seconded. 16. Prayer and Commissioning Michael Dick commended the engagement of the Delegates and the willingness to hear from each other. He thanked the ABMB for asking him to moderate and allowing him to walk through Convention His prayer is that the churches of the ABMB would serve to the honour and glory of our King. Matt Dyck thanked Michael Dick and the Parliamentarians for their service at Convention He called forward the ABMB Staff and Executive Board (including newly elected members). Michael Dick and Steve Berg prayed for them. 17. Adjournment Matt Dyck made the Motion: To adjourn Convention P age

11 Motion was carried by a show of hands. 11 P age