November 5th, 2024

Doug Klassen has term renewed

Mennonite Church Canada’s Joint Council has offered Doug Klassen an open-ended term as executive minister of Mennonite Church Canada beginning June 1, 2025.

“Over the last few months, we conducted a thorough review of Doug’s work. We received very strong affirmation and the decision by the Joint Council to offer an open-ended term was unanimous.” said Bruce Baergen, assistant moderator for Mennonite Church Canada.

The Joint Council is the governance body that was formed during the restructuring process in 2017.  It is made up of representatives from across Mennonite Church Canada’s five regional churches. The executive ministers from each region sit with the Joint Council for its meetings.

“The feedback we received continually referred to Doug’s passion for the church and noted his unbounded energy, commitment and vision for the future of MC Canada and then entire church”, noted Baergen. The respondents consistently referred to Doug as deeply invested in Mennonite Church Canada's mission as well as his tireless work to further our shared vision, he added.

Throughout his second term, Klassen has continued to build relationships across the country and with partner organizations, both nationally and globally.

One year ago, efforts to clarify and refine MC Canada’s governance led the Joint Council to appoint an ad hoc committee.  In May 2023 MC Canada leaders committed to experimenting with several adjustments.  “Doug provided creative and flexible staff support during a complex and challenging process”, said Baergen, “providing leadership and helping the council map out the path forward.”

In collaboration with the Regional Churches, efforts are underway to strengthen resource generation throughout the system.  “We understand the church as interconnected, from the local congregation through to the nationwide body. Strong financial support at any level benefits the whole”, says Klassen.

Looking to the future, he adds, “The recent pandemic ‘open(ed) to us a door for the word’ (Colossians 4:3).  It exposed the pervasive experience of loneliness for many in our culture. One of the most cherished features of the Anabaptist Mennonite tradition is how we place community at the centre of our lives. The possibilities for ministry are staggering.”     

Klassen is excited to continue in his role, a highlight of which will be Gathering 2025 in Kitchener, ON, July 2-5, 2025.  He started in this role in June 2019.

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