The delegate body gathers every two years at the Mennonite Church USA Biennial Convention to discuss and vote on resolutions pertaining to the denominational vision, mission, and documents. The delegate body is made up of Executive Board members and representatives from congregations, conferences and constituency groups.
“Community is the center of our lives,” wrote Mennonite minister and author Palmer Becker, in a description of Anabaptist Mennonites. As Mennonites, we cherish those times when we can worship, learn, work and discern together. That’s why I am so excited to begin planning for the 2023 Delegate Assembly on July 7 (8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. CT) and 8 (8:30 a.m.-noon CT) at the Kansas City (Missouri) Convention Center.
The Delegate Assembly is a time for our MC USA family to come together in prayer, praise, fellowship, prophecy, relationship building, understanding and deepening our commitment to Christ and each other.
In 2023, we will focus on improving the clarity and effectiveness of our policies and structures, as we discern next steps for the national conference. It is important that the voice of our constituency be heard as we gather from all parts of the church. As a delegate, you can speak into the policies and programs that guide and serve our denomination, as well as connect and listen to members across our beautifully diverse church.
Join in helping our denomination live into its call. Meet Mennonites from all over the United States and learn how they are living into our Renewed Commitments to follow Jesus, witness to God’s peace and experience the transformation of the Holy Spirit.
Rev. Sarah Ann Bixler, PhD, an assistant professor and associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, will lead us in a Bible study each morning. We’ll also participate in community building exercises and listen to inspiring stories from across the church on how we are fulfilling our mission.
Please note that the bylaws of MC USA state:
- Each congregation of the Mennonite Church USA is eligible to send one (1) delegate for each one hundred (100) congregational members, or fraction thereof. Also, congregations may send an additional youth delegate (ages 16-21).
- Each area conference of the Mennonite Church USA is eligible to send one (1) delegate for each one thousand (1,000) area conference members, or fraction thereof. Also, conferences may send an additional two youth delegates (ages 16-21).
- Each Racial/Ethnic group which has been officially recognized by the Executive Board, may send three (3) delegates plus one (1) delegate for each one thousand (1,000) members of such recognized Racial/Ethnic group. Also, Racial/Ethnic groups may send an additional two youth delegates (ages 16-21).
- Each member of the Executive Board is automatically a delegate.
Please contact Shelley Buller if you have any questions. Email: ShelleyB@MennoniteUSA.org 316-281-4257
I look forward to seeing you in Kansas City this summer!
God be with you,
Linda Dibble
Moderator
Mennonite Church USA
The Delegate Assembly is scheduled for Friday, July 7, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, July 8, 8:30 a.m. – noon.
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