An update on current discussions in the EMC - Ministerial and Conference Council

Ministerial: April 25, 2025

Cameron McKenzie opened the meeting with the thought that anything we repeat over and over again—like the Easter message—risks losing impact. But, he said, resurrection isn’t a single event—it is the heartbeat of the gospel, and whatever we find ourselves doing, we’re cultivators of resurrection communities.

The Board of Leadership and Outreach requested the input of the Ministerial on two questions.

Question One: Is it essential that the EMC moderator be an ordained minister for a minimum of three years, as stated in the EMC Constitution? Responses affirmed the importance of the role, but also noted there are godly, wise people who would do an excellent job in a moderator role but do not feel called into lifelong pastoral ministry. Discussion followed about the reason for this condition and some of the potential implications of changing it.

Question Two: Should it be a requirement that all members of the Board of Leadership and Outreach (BLO) be credentialed EMC ministers? Currently the constitution requires that four of its seven members be credentialed. Responses recognized the value of diversity that non-credentialed members bring but also thought it strange that the conference ministerial would be led by non-ministerial members. The current format is a delicate balance of wanting to preserve inclusion while also wanting to ensure that board members are in line with the general direction and theology of the EMC with a recognized calling/gifting.

Both questions will be returned to the BLO for further consideration.

The meeting ended with small group prayer time, and an overview of the Abundant Springs youth conference weekend, followed by group prayer for that event.

Conference Council: April 26, 2025

Newly hired Director of Canadian Outreach Carl Heppner opened the meeting by recounting the Easter story and asking what it means to have Jesus in the room, showing us his hands and feet. Sometimes, he said, we get caught up in big picture questions while Jesus is saying, “I’m here with you; can I have some fish?”

General Board: work with partnership agreements and constitutional changes are ongoing.

Board of Trustees held a treasurer’s day, and it went well. EMC is supporting SBC in their building project. The audit has been completed.

Board of Missions is reviewing a decision made a few years ago to reduce EMC missionary support from 100 to 60 percent. They invite feedback from the conference.

Board of Leadership and Outreach: current focus areas are developing more useful Anabaptist/theological guidelines, trauma-informed pastoral care and ability for pastors and congregations to have meaningful conversations across different views.

Canadian Church Planting Task Force will be working more closely with the BLO to be more aware of the needs in churches. Cross-cultural opportunities are growing in Canada.

Board of Church Ministries has approved an Artificial Intelligence policy. Digital versions of The Messenger have caught up with the print, and staff will add pastors to The Messenger’s email subscriber list going forward.

National Youth Committee is focused on Abundant Springs, which is just around the corner. After that, they will consider how to support further Bible education among recent grads.

Every board had poll questions for the delegates. Full minutes with poll responses can be found on the EMC website at www.emconference.ca/conference-council.