REGIONAL DELEGATE

1.  SELECTION

For the 2026 AGM, Regional Delegates are appointed by the Regional Church as outlined in 8.2 of the current Mennonite Church Canada Bylaws:

8.1 Each Regional Church can have the following delegates attend a Delegate Gathering on its behalf:

a. six (6) members of the board of directors of each Regional Church;
b. five (5) delegates, as appointed by each Regional Church; and
c. additional Regional Church delegates appointed by each Regional Church based on one (1) delegate per one thousand (1000) Congregation Members, rounded upward to the next one thousand. For example, if a Regional Church has 2100 Congregation Members, it can appoint three (3) additional delegates. If a Congregation does not maintain a formal membership list of its Congregation Members, then the number of regular attendees can be used in place of the number of Congregation Members. The congregation can define who is a “regular” attendee. (i.e. MCEC has 12,950 members so this is 13 additional delegates = TOTAL MCEC Regional delegates: 24 delegates)

8.2 Delegates must be Congregation Members. There are no other restrictions on who may be a delegate.

Important notes for Regional Delegate Selection:

• It is important for appointments to consider congregations that may not have the resources to send Delegates, representation from diaspora congregations, demographic diversity, and particular knowledge-keepers.
• In our current governance structure, motions/resolutions come to the AGM floor via the Joint Council. Regional Delegates are encouraged to offer recommendations on any item in the agenda.
  

2.  ROLE

A. REMEMBER

• Delegates think about what is in the best interest of MC Canada – who we are together as 5 regions in the context of the global church. Whatever is in the best interests of the regions together will be in the best interests of MC Canada.
  
• Pray for the Gathering and the work of our nationwide community of faith.

B. PREPARE

• Register, read the information on the website, read the 2025 annual review and information sent via email in the weeks ahead.
• Discuss questions with other delegates from your region.

C. PARTICIPATE

• Listen to Ministry reporting.
  
• Act on fiduciary responsibilities.
  

CONGREGATION REPRESENTATIVE

SELECTION

For the 2026 AGM, Congregational Representatives are appointed as outlined in 9.1 of the current Mennonite Church Canada Bylaws:

9.1. Congregations and Regional Churches may be represented at both in-person Gatherings (every 3 years) and virtual Gatherings (other years) as follows:
a. Representatives appointed by Congregations:
i. Maximum of 3 Congregation Members per Congregation.
ii. Each Congregation is encouraged to send:
1. a pastor/leader
2. a person who understands congregational and regional dynamics and
3. a person under 35 years of age.

ROLE

Congregation Representatives have a significant role in discerning priorities and shaping long-term goals.

A.   REMEMBER

• Your role is to represent your congregation.
  
• Pray for the AGM and the work of our nationwide community of faith.

B. PREPARE

• Register, read the information on the website, the 2025 annual report, and materials emailed to you closer to the AGM.
  
• Engage your congregation, making observations and recording ideas/questions related to the Nationwide Priorities.

C.  PARTICIPATE

For the 2026 AGM, Congregational Representatives are invited to participate as outlined in 10.1 of the current Mennonite Church Canada Bylaws:

• 10.1. The primary purpose of the Congregation Representatives and Delegates ... is generative, to discern together where God is calling MC Canada to focus the ministry of the nationwide church as reflected in Mennonite Church Canada’s Vision Statement and Identity and Purpose Statement.

D.  REPORT

• Following the AGM, share the experience and main highlights with the Summaries, both written and video, that will be made available to assist you.

GATHERING PARTICIPANT (those who are neither a Regional Delegate nor a Congregation Representative)

Thank you for your curiosity and care for the nationwide community of Mennonite Church Canada and your decision to attend the 2026 AGM!

1.  REMEMBER:

• Everyone who attends the AGM is valued – whether you are part of a specific church community or not.
• Pray for the AGM  and the work of the nationwide community of faith.

2.  PREPARE:

• Register, read the information on the website, read the 2025 annual report and information sent via email in the weeks ahead.
• Engage in conversation with your congregational representatives or with those who attend a congregation or work for the church.

3.  ROLE:

• You are welcome to join and listen to the reports that are presented.