A Word From Our Moderator

Aldred Neufeldt, Toronto United Mennonite Church

Few of us see ourselves as called to change the world – perhaps for good reason. One might be thought crazy if said aloud. Yet, as Christians we share in the call to change the world in a Jesus way – we may not always acknowledge it, and occasionally lapse in our commitment; but there is no doubt that as a follower, one makes a commitment to pursue the call. The only question is “how.”

In his comments in his section, David Martin, MCEC Executive Minister, speaks of the importance for our congregations and Area Church to help its people individually discover their gifts of leadership in response to the call. The Jesus approach is instructive; his was not “top down.” That option was dismissed in the wilderness when Satan offered all the nations of the world. Rather, Jesus invited a team of men and women to join him – people who he could teach and then set free to pursue the call. This approach resonates with Mennonites.

Lest some think they are excused for lack of appropriate gifts, it is useful to recall that those on the Jesus Team were not exactly an inspiring lot when we first meet them. Peter, who later becomes the insightful leader of the Church, not only is an ordinary fisher, he is also impulsive – he jumps out of the boat to walk on the Sea of Galilee, only to sink when he realizes he is in a storm; he cannot stay awake at the Garden, only to wake and cut off the ear of a slave when Jesus is arrested. Then there is Philip. One sometimes wonders what Jesus saw in him. His contribution to feeding the multitude is to tell Jesus that even six months wages would not be enough. Yet, this man later brings the Good News to an Ethiopian man in the desert, and is credited with starting that branch of the Church. One could go on.

Empowered by the Jesus word and model, this motley group launched changes unimaginable. We are their heirs.  As you join in our conversation on leadership, imagine what might happen if our people, in all ages and walks of life, brought their particular gifts to the Godly task of changing today’s world.