Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches |
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| Classification | Evangelical |
| Orientation | Anabaptist |
| Polity | Congregational |
| Associations | International Community of Mennonite Brethren, Mennonite World Conference |
| Region | Canada |
| Headquarters | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Origin | 1946 |
| Congregations | 237 |
| Members | 34,693 |
The Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (often called CCMBC) is a group of Mennonite Brethren churches in Canada. Think of it like a big family of churches working together. It's also part of larger groups, including the Mennonite World Conference and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. You can find their main offices in cities like Winnipeg, Manitoba, Calgary, Alberta, and Abbotsford, British Columbia.
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History of the CCMBC
The Mennonite Brethren church started in Russia in 1860. It was a new way for Mennonites to express their faith. This happened after a religious movement called Radical Pietism became popular there. The CCMBC traces its beginnings to villages in Ukraine.
The Canadian conference officially became a separate group in 1946. Before that, it was part of a larger North American group. Today, the CCMBC is connected to Mennonite Brethren churches all over the world. This connection is through the International Community of Mennonite Brethren.
From the mid-1900s to the late 1900s, the CCMBC grew a lot. This growth happened because of their efforts to share their faith. In 1960, they had 87 churches and about 14,185 members. By 1970, this grew to 125 churches and over 17,025 members. In the 1980s, they had as many as 190 churches and 27,277 members. A report from 2018 showed they had 237 churches and 34,693 members.
How the CCMBC Works
Every year, the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches holds a big meeting. This meeting happens along with either a "Gathering" or a "study conference." The Gathering is a national event held every two years. During this time, Mennonite Brethren from across Canada meet for worship and fellowship. The study conference, also held every two years, helps members understand the Bible better. It also helps them decide on the direction for their churches.
Provincial Church Groups
The CCMBC is a national organization that helps guide its member churches. These churches are organized into groups called "provincial conferences." Local churches first join their provincial group. By doing so, they automatically become part of the national Canadian Conference. Both the national and provincial groups work together. They help churches grow and succeed in their mission. There are separate provincial groups for British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
MB Seminary: Training Leaders
MB Seminary (Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary) is the main seminary for the CCMBC. A seminary is a school that trains people to become church leaders. MB Seminary helps men and women learn how to lead churches. Their goal is to share the message of Jesus Christ in Canada and beyond. This seminary is based in Canada but has a global reach. It also works with other church groups.
MB Seminary works with several other schools in Canada. This helps them provide training that is easy to access and collaborative. These partner schools include:
- ACTS Seminaries (in Langley, British Columbia)
- Canadian Mennonite University (in Winnipeg, Manitoba)
- Tyndale Seminary (in Toronto, Ontario)
- Horizon College and Seminary (in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
Colleges and Schools
The CCMBC is connected to several colleges and schools. These schools help educate students with a faith-based approach:
- Bethany College – located in Hepburn, Saskatchewan
- Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) – located in Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Columbia Bible College (CBC) – located in Abbotsford, British Columbia
- École de théologie évangélique de Montréal (ÉTEM) – located in Montreal, Quebec
- Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute (MBCI) – located in Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Mennonite Educational Institute (MEI) – located in Abbotsford, British Columbia
- Eden High School – located in St. Catharines, Ontario
Multiply: Global Missions
Multiply is the global mission agency for Mennonite Brethren churches in Canada and the United States. It works with MB churches to help people learn about faith and start new churches around the world.
Camps for Kids and Teens
Many camps across Canada are connected to the Mennonite Brethren. These camps offer fun activities and learning experiences:
- Campfire Ministries – Black Creek, British Columbia
- Camp Crossroads – Torrance, Ontario
- Camp Evergreen – Sundre, Alberta
- Camp Likely – Likely, British Columbia
- Camp Péniel – Wentworth-Nord, Quebec
- Gardom Lake Bible Camp – Enderby, British Columbia
- Pines Bible Camp – Grand Forks, British Columbia
- Redberry Bible Camp – Waldheim, Saskatchewan
- Simonhouse Bible Camp – Cranberry Portage, Manitoba
- Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre – Lindell Beach, British Columbia
- West Bank Bible Camp – Swift Current, Saskatchewan
What Mennonite Brethren Believe
The Mennonite Brethren Church combines ideas from evangelicalism with its traditional Anabaptist Christian beliefs. They believe the Bible teaches them how to live. They also believe in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They baptize people who have chosen to follow Jesus. The church encourages community, following Jesus's teachings, valuing differences, working for peace, and helping others.
The detailed Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith lists 18 main beliefs.
