Ministerial members engage on teens and purpose
Meeting attendees participate in a roundtable discussion. (Karenna Pauls)
On Friday, November 21, 2025, Kleefeld, Manitoba, was filled with a spirit of faith as one hundred pastors, ministers, and ministry volunteers gathered for the annual in-person Ministerial Day. The staff and volunteers from Kleefeld EMC worked diligently to make this year’s gathering memorable.
The morning session focused on The Open Generation: How Teens Around the World Relate to Jesus. Chris Schroeder from World Vision Canada presented the findings from a joint research project by Barna Group and World Vision, examining the noticeable shift in attitudes among youth and young adults toward Jesus, the Bible, and the church.
Three key takeaways from the presentation:
1) How teens relate to Jesus – 43% of Canadian youth indicate they are at least somewhat motivated to keep learning about Jesus throughout their lives.
2) How teens relate to the Bible – “On average, a teen who is engaged (holding a high view of the Bible and reading it several times per week) with Scripture has had four different people teach them how to read it.”
3) How teens impact the church – “Many groups of teens—including teens of other faiths or no faith—are looking to the Canadian church—to Canadian youth leaders—to advocate for those in need and who are unjustly treated.”
After the lunch break, the focus shifted to increasing engagement within the EMC Ministerial by posing the conversation-starting question: “What is the purpose of the Ministerial?” The Board of Leadership and Outreach (BLO) outlined three main purposes: (a) to support, resource, and equip pastors and ministers for effective ministry within the local church; (b) to provide a framework for meaningful dialogue and decision-making on significant matters related to the work of EMC churches (doctrine, theology, social concerns, etc.); and (c) to foster an environment that encourages relationship building, collaboration, and ministry support.
Newly credentialed ministers are Pieter van Ewijk, Paul Penelton, Trevor Fleming and Dustin Braun. Not pictured are Steven Driedger, Abe Dyck and Murray Finck, who joined online. Those on stage are joined by Cameron McKenzie, BLO chair. (Karenna Pauls)
Three areas of focus in the afternoon session:
1) EMC Encourage – A new event has been scheduled for EMC vocational pastors and their spouses for rest, renewal, and refuelling. Churches are encouraged to ensure their pastors and spouses attend this event in Gimli, Man., from May 4–6, 2026. Guest speakers will be Jay and Sharon Guptill (Made for More Ministries).
2) Roundtable discussion – Four questions were posed to participants for discussion, and their responses will be summarized and shared with the Ministerial members in the new year. The first three questions focused on the purpose of the Ministerial and potential ways to improve it or to better direct its efforts for greater effectiveness. The final question for discussion centred on realistic expectations of EMC credentialed ministers once they are credentialed.
3) Sharing and prayer – The day concluded with a time of worship, sharing, and prayer. We heard from many who spoke about matters of praise or prayer—both on an individual and church level. Small groups of men and women, sharing and praying for each other around the auditorium, culminated in corporate worship and a benediction, sending the members of the Ministerial back out into the world with the goal of advancing Christ’s kingdom culture as we live, reach, gather, and teach.
