Unity through dialogue: EMC Regional Leadership Forums 2026
Emery Plett addresses leaders from Region 5 on February 11, 2026, in Arborg, Man. (Scott Marble)
EMC Executive Director Emery Plett and other staff from the EMC national office recently organized a series of four events for local church leaders across four regions: Region 3 (Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan), Region 4 (Western Manitoba), Region 5 (Manitoba Interlake), and Region 6 (South-Central Manitoba). The Steinbach office team travelled to each region to share a meal, engage in discussions, and pray together. More than eighty leaders from nineteen churches participated in this year’s Regional Leadership Forums.
Across our nine regions, we have churches that speak a variety of languages, practice different traditions, have unique backgrounds, and adopt diverse ministry styles. Still, we are united by our dedication to mutual cooperation as a Conference. The Regional Leadership Forum emphasizes the vibrant life of our local churches and encourages open dialogue about their successes and challenges. As the EMC continues to grow, these meetings are essential touchpoints that ensure the efforts and energies of our directors stay connected to grassroots experiences.
The discussions highlighted the importance of hearing directly from those on the front lines. Leaders shared inspiring stories of what is going well: new people attending and finding hope in Jesus Christ, innovative community outreach initiatives, and new young leaders stepping in to serve. We heard about churches hosting worship and prayer nights, serving the local community, and raising awareness of missions and ministry opportunities. The renewed sense of optimism underscores the resilience and creativity within our fellowship of churches.
Equally important were the honest discussions about challenges and struggles within our churches. Pastors and leaders shared openly about issues such as declining attendance in some churches, financial pressures from rising costs and decreased donations, and the need for support to help their churches move forward. Conference staff listened carefully, reaffirming that no church faces these struggles alone. This focus on vulnerability not only fosters empathy but also opens the door for targeted support like shared training workshops, ongoing consultation, or resource sharing from the broader Conference community.
Throughout the meetings, a steady tone of unwavering support was present in every session. The EMC’s dedication to empowering and uplifting all churches was the consistent message, with directors promising ongoing partnerships to meet needs. As one participant eloquently said, “collectively, we are the Conference”—a reminder that our strength comes from unity, where every local voice adds to the whole.
Looking ahead, these Regional Leadership Forums aim to energize our mission of being a movement of people advancing Christ’s kingdom culture as we live, reach, gather, and teach. They are designed to foster a culture that is responsive, supportive, and forward-thinking. By celebrating successes and addressing challenges together, the EMC embodies the gospel’s call to support one another, ensuring a brighter future for all our churches. Together, we are the Evangelical Mennonite Conference.
