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MBCM Assembly 2025 Recap

Updated: 5 hours ago


March 7–8, 2025  Westside Community Church Morden, MB

 

Friday, March 7 – Equipping Day

This year’s Assembly began with a time of prayer, centering our hearts around the theme of formation being shaped by God’s Word and story. As leaders, pastors, and delegates gathered from across Manitoba, the day offered space to pause and reflect.


The Bible’s Big Story – with Ken Esau

Ken Esau led three sessions on Scripture as a unified story—from Creation to New Creation anchored in the idea of Shalom. He reminded us that God’s plan isn't just about fixing what’s broken, but about restoring wholeness in our relationship with God, with each other, and within creation. 

Each session builds on the last, helping us see the Bible not as disconnected parts but as one story—and more than that, God’s story, in which we are invited to participate. Ken’s thoughtful teaching helped reframe how we read Scripture, and many left with a renewed sense of how God’s story speaks into the life of the church today.


Living the Story – with Cam Stuart

In the final session, Cam Stuart invited us to consider:

“What story am I really living out of?”

He spoke honestly about how easy it is to affirm the biblical story with our words, yet live from other narratives, ones shaped by fear, control, or comfort. His message was encouraging, and full of grace. It gave space for reflection on how our own lives and leadership are being shaped, and where God might be calling us back to His story.


 

Worship & AGM – Saturday, March 8


Morning Worship

The second day opened with worship, prayer, and communion. This time was set aside to ground the Assembly in Christ’s presence—reminding us that before we do the work of discernment and decision-making, we’re a people formed by worship.


Commissioning & Welcome

We formally commissioned our new Provincial Director John Neufeld, welcoming him into the role with prayer, encouragement, and a symbolic gesture— a rock that he was asked to carry, representing the weight and responsibility of leadership. As a community, we committed to carry the load with him.



MBCM Stories

Throughout the day, we heard stories from various churches and leaders who are stepping into new expressions of ministry. These included church plants, community outreach, and creative ways churches are engaging newcomers to Canada. It was a reminder that God is at work in places big and small, urban and rural, established and emerging.



Provincial Director’s Report

Delivered by the interim director Jason Dyck, this report reflected on a year marked by rebuilding, reimagining, and relational investment.

He shared thanks to staff, board members, and churches that navigated this season together. Stories were shared of new churches, moments of reconciliation, and ways God has provided even in uncertainty.


Source of Life Motion

A highlight of the morning was the affirmation of Source of Life Church into full membership within the MBCM family. Pastor Bisetsa shared about their heart for intercession, serving newcomers, and creating space for prayer and worship—even into the early hours of the morning. Their passion was evident, and the motion to welcome them was carried with warmth and celebration.


Financial Report 

This section walked us through the realities and hopes surrounding our financial position.

  • 2024 ended with a surplus of $65,628, a clear sign of God’s provision and churches' generosity.

  • Support to CCMBC and our partner ministries was outlined clearly, alongside detailed breakdowns of staff wages, programming, and equipping resources.

  • The presentation noted two churches—House of Covenant and Philadelphia Eritrean Church currently operate through MBCM while working through charitable status.

A heartfelt moment came when the House of Covenant story was shared. Following a tragic arson event in September 2024 that took two lives, the church has continued gathering and experiencing growth despite the grief. The conference offered legal and emotional support, and the Assembly paused to pray over pastor Yohonnes and the community with collective compassion and solidarity.



Budget for 2025

The 2025 budget was presented with clarity, aiming to:

  • Increase equipping resources for moderators, treasurers, and lay leaders.

  • Support children's ministry initiatives like Awesome KidMin.

  • Resource mission and spiritual formation across diverse contexts. 

A motion to accept the budget passed unanimously.


Nominations Report

Gerald Dyck has been affirmed as the new moderator of the MBCM Leadership Board.

There are a number of current vacancies, including the Assistant Moderator position and additional openings on the Pastoral Faith & Life Team (PFLT) and other partner agency roles. The board is actively discerning and working to fill these.

View the full nominees here.


Report from CCMBC

The Assembly devoted significant time to hear from and give feedback to our national conference. Cam Stuart, CCMBC National Director facilitated greetings and updates from our national family. We heard updates from the National Faith and Life Team, Multiply, MB Seminary and Legacy. The updates focused on ongoing collaboration, theological resourcing, leadership development, and the shared vision for ministry across Canada. The delegates then spent time providing feedback to our national leaders.


Church Plant Stories

We heard updates from:

  • Road 3:16 – A church plant rooted in serving Ukrainian newcomers.

  • Church of the Living God – A vibrant community in downtown Winnipeg focused on evangelism, discipleship, and prayer.

  • Simonhouse Bible Camp – A reminder of our call to Northern ministry, especially to communities where Jesus’ name may be unfamiliar.


Final Reflections & Closing

As the day drew to a close, we heard a few final stories and reflections. 

The Assembly wrapped with gratitude—for God’s work among us, for the leaders stepping into new roles, and for the churches fait

 
 
 
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