A Journey Into Ministry: Michael Wiebe - Milverton Mennonite Fellowship

I clearly recall the day that I was praying and an image of me speaking to a group of people came to my mind. Even as I questioned what that image was all about, I knew within myself that God was calling me to ministry as a pastor.

After spending the previous decade referring to myself as an atheist, my heart had begun to soften toward God. My life changed significantly when I made a decision to acknowledge God's existence and follow the road that God had for me. A whirlwind of changes took place in my life as my decision was quickly followed by my baptism, marriage and entrance into Bible College.

My grandfather, a retired pastor, urged me to look at MCEC as a possibility of where God might be leading me. As a first time pastor, I was interested in the MCEC community and taking part in the Transitioning into Ministry (TiM) program offered through the area church - a program designed specifically for pastors beginning their ministry.

Eventually I was drawn to Milverton Mennonite Fellowship (ON) where I resonated with the congregation and was excited by the possibilities that I sensed. This began a process of me learning to be patient and wait for God's timing. The congregation did not extend an invitation to me. Although grieved by this, I accepted that response and assumed that the door was closed.

I searched for other opportunities but none came to fruition for me. I could not escape, however, the continual pull I felt toward Milverton Mennonite Fellowship. Although unconventional, I felt that I needed to contact them once again.

What followed can only be described as God bringing a plan together in the correct timing. The search committee of Milverton MF was excited to meet with me again. As details quickly fell into place, I found myself accepting the call to be their pastor.

Being patient, waiting on God and then taking the risk to follow God's leading has brought me to this place and has paid off in huge dividends. God is the hero of every story. His faithfulness is incredible. God has joined my heart with the heart of the congregation in Milverton, their heart with mine, and continues to lead us on the journey.