Emotional Tug-of-war

This has been an exciting time to be involved in Mennonite Church Canada. It has been thrilling to witness the new vision and energy that has been created in congregations all across the country with the shared focus on what it means to be a missional church.

Although some dispute the use of the term and fear it to be a simple linguistic fad, the idea of the national church centEring on the concept depicted by the term ‘missional’ has been widely applauded. It truly has been energizing to meet with congregations wanting to discern what it means to align themselves with the activity of God.

In the midst of this ground swell of excitement has come the discovery of our budgeting error. To say the least, the pain of this discovery has been severe, and the depth of disappointment, staggering. Many people have sacrificially poured themselves into the transformation process of Mennonite Church Canada. To be involved in the process of reduction so early in the visionary development of Mennonite Church Canada is disheartening.

Yet, I have been awed and numbed by the depth of commitment displayed by the staff, volunteers, and members at large, who have been thrust into the midst of this surprising need for sudden reduction. In fact, I hesitate to address them as staff, for I have experienced a depth of mourning that is more reflective of a commitment to a sense of calling than to a possible loss of employment. The missional church vision has not only captivated congregations and area conferences. It has been the source of vision and hope for workers in the national church as well.

And so I am intrigued by the emotional tug-of-war that I presently see.

On the one hand, I feel the expected and understandable distrust and weary disinterest towards institutions. But on the other hand, I still feel the excitement of the missional church concept ripple across the country. People are not sure what to make of the’ institution’ that has made another error, yet they are still captivated by the vision initiated by that ‘institution’.

Despite the competing emotions, this much is true. We all seem to agree that to organise the national church and our congregations around the concept that has become known as the ‘missional church’ is a good thing. In fact, for many, it is a transforming thing. My prayer is that institutional distrust will be overcome by inspirational confidence.

This is not to encourage blind allegience. Healthy corrections are necessary. But my prayer is that the visionary energy that God has swept into our corporate identity as Mennonite Church Canada would now pull us forward in confidence. If there is indeed an emotional tug-of-war, let us all put our shoulders on the side of the vision God has planted in us, and pull together in confidence, hope, and joy. This is not the time for fear and mistrust. This is the time for bold prayers, visionary giving, and joyful sacrifice. May God grant us all the grace and courage to walk in faithful obedience.

Willard Metzger,
Chair, Mennonite Church Canada Witness