Commissions

The four Mennonite World Conference (MWC) commissions represent MWC at work between and beyond the global assemblies, which are held every six years. The commissions have been described as the four chambers of one heart, which seeks to link the global community of Anabaptist-related churches for fellowship, worship, service and witness.

Each of the commissions is comprised of a chairperson, a secretary (staff) and up to 10 members drawn from the MWC General Council. In addition, commissions can have up to five members selected for their specialist competencies.

Commissions prepare issues or materials for consideration by the General Council. Commissions give guidance and propose resources to MWC or member churches. Commissions also facilitate MWC-related networks or fellowships working together on matters of common interest and focus.

The commissions work closely together in order to maintain and promote a holistic gospel and vision in the MWC community. In addition, each individual commission establishes three-year goals and works within a given budget.

 


Stories by or about the Commissions

  • Terms renewed and specialists appointed 

    Terms renewed and specialists appointed 

    As Mennonite World Conference’s Executive Committee and General Council delegates gather for worship, fellowship and discernment, there are farewells and hellos. Members of the Executive Committee and the Commission serve six-year terms.   The terms are staggered to ensure continuity.  Executive…

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  • Living in a new era 

    Living in a new era 

    César García (right) interviewed church leaders from other traditions who were present throughout General Council meetings in May 2025. (l-r) Paul Tché, Tim Gee, Neil Vigers, Hanns Lessing (with microphone), Samuel van der Maas,  Anne-Cathy Graber (MWC secretary for ecumenical…

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  • The beating heart of MWC 

    The beating heart of MWC 

    Deacons  The responsibilities of the Deacons Commission include overseeing the Global Church Sharing Fund (GCSF), fostering prayer within the Anabaptist communion (sending the Prayer Network email, hosting Online Prayer Hour and collaborating with the president on pastoral letters), and deacon…

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  • A pastoral letter regarding war in the Middle East 

    A pastoral letter regarding war in the Middle East 

    Beloved sisters and brothers:  The escalation of war in the Middle East today is a source of fear and grief for our Anabaptist family around the world. For some, this is a new reality, for others it adds to the…

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  • A reminder of our presence in the world

    A reminder of our presence in the world

    “We are stewards of creation; this tree reminds us that every step we take as Commissions, as Officers, and Networks has repercussions for creation,” says Henk Stenvers, MWC president. It also symbolizes our presence in the world, he said. The…

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  • MKC calls for prayer from our global Anabaptist family

    Beloved sisters and brothers Mennonite World Conference calls for prayer for our member church Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) facing religious persecution in Ethiopia from extremist factions. The latest incident to affect ministers of the gospel in MKC occurred 15 May…

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