MESSENGER - Evangelical Mennonite Conference

6 THE MESSENGER | July 2011
archives alcove
by Terry Smith
Ministerial minutes and change
It began when Roseisle EMC
sought the date of its chartering
service.
At my request, Erica Fehr looked
through the KG/EMC ministerial
minutes (1945-1968) and became
intrigued by discussions and
decisions.
Ward Parkinson, former pastor
of Morris Fellowship Chapel, read of
the ministerial’s 1964 opposition
to EMCers participating in the
Morris Stampede.
Here are some other reports
and decisions I found from 1964
to 1966 (spelling and grammar
retained).
In 1964 there was concern
over MCC’s proposed invitation
to Baptists
from Russia to
“visit and report
to American
churches.” Though
the Baptist church
contained many
people of “former Mennonite faith,”
some brethren feared they “might
be communistically inclined” and
opposed the visit because of the
“danger of infiltrating foreign
ideas.”
That year, the ministerial
decided “we should let our voice
be heard now through petitions”
against liquor advertising in
Manitoba.
Further in 1964, the ministerial
upheld its objection to “the use in
our homes of TV” because TV was
more harmful than helpful. In 1966
it decided those who own a TV set
“should be seriously counselled.”
In 1965
the mode of
In 1965 the mode of baptism baptism was an
issue in a local
was an issue in a local church.
church. When
a minister
asked “if a
local church or minister has some
leeway…,” the ministerial felt “if
any certain person would receive
baptism by another mode would
cause problems elsewhere almost
immediately.”
In 1965 “a United campaign in
Neepawa was led by a Pastor, who
comes from India, seems to be too
much on fire for the Lord to be
comfortable to his congregation, but
the services proved to be a blessing
to those who really seek the Lord.”
In 1965 a minister reported a
local “Brotherhood” had dismissed
“a brother” who married an “MB
girl” at an evangelical church.
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
In 1966
the question
was raised “why
we do not get many new
members from other nationalities….”
One minister suggested “the
real barrier was that they do not
want to accept Christ, not that
the name Mennonite was so much
the barrier.” It was also said “the
peculiar but scriptural doctrine of
non-resistance of the Mennonites
often acts as a barrier since many,
even evangelicals, do not hold such
a doctrine.”
It was also felt “the low German
language sometimes acts as a barrier.”
“Many spoke to this issue.”
How does one respond to this?
With affection for people, while
striving for fairness and charity.
Each generation is judged by
their master, and the Lord is able to
make them stand (Romans 14:4).
The ministerial laboured to
assist EMCers with “quiet lives in all
godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy
2:2). It showed concern for the wellbeing
of churches and individual
members. This is respected.
Certainly, changes in technology,
addictive substances, and
societal values continue to pose
major challenges.
Still, the degree of social isolation,
caution, and awkwardness
toward other Christians remain
notable.
While fitting in some areas,
change is not automatically positive.
How concerned are we today
about holiness or our conference’s
direction?