Strengthening connection to the global community
“I really appreciate having guests who can bring their experiences and theological perspectives to help broaden my faith and understanding of what it means to be a global community,” says Greg Jantzi, pastor of Nith Valley Mennonite Church, New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada. He invited César García, general secretary of Mennonite World Conference, to preach at the congregation’s online worship service.
As many congregations now worship through online services, Mennonite World Conference guest speakers connect congregations with the global family.
“In times of difficulty, it is more important than ever to strengthen our bonds with one another in the global faith community, encouraging one another in fellowship, worship, service and witness,” says César García.
MWC leadership members can join a worship service either as guest preachers or as speakers to share stories about the global family.
“Being able to have César García, Sandra Baez and Lisa Carr Pries (North American representative on the Executive Committee) share about their understandings of MWC was a reminder of our global perspective in many aspects of life and was a positive experience for our congregation,” says Greg Yantzi. “We invited neighbouring Mennonite congregations to join us for this service as well, allowing even more people in our community to benefit from hearing them.”
Mosaic Mennonite Conference in the USA, also invited César García to speak at their annual gathering held online.
“Even though he had recorded it weeks earlier since we were preparing a virtual assembly, his message was just what we needed for that moment in our conference and in our nation,” says Emily Ralph Servant, church leader and communications officer. “He challenged us to live the kingdom now in real and tangible ways and not to depend on the government or an overthrow of the government to accomplish this.”
“I’ve had very good feedback from those who attended the virtual worship service.”
If you would like to invite a speaker from Mennonite World Conference, please get in touch with MWC.
“This is our new experience and it has opened up opportunities for us to include guests from around the world, even when we are back meeting in person. I do recommend that churches take advantage of the technology available to us,” says Greg Yantzi .
To invite a speaker to your church, please contact MWC.
Allow at least one month between the first contact and the date of the invitation.
Specialists from Commissions (Mission, Peace, Deacons, Faith and Life) or networks (Peace, Health, Education, Protection of Creation) may also be available.