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Hepburn, Sask.
Bethany delegates approve new mission statement


At the 32nd convention of Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask., Nov. 6, 60 delegates ratified the appointment of Rick Schellenberg as president and adopted a new mission statement for the college. Testimonies of students and staff were featured throughout the proceedings, and Bethany’s ministry teams – Chorale, Heart of Worship and Exodus – set the inspirational tone for the day.

Bethany’s new mission statement reads: “The mission of Bethany Bible Institute is to nurture disciples of Jesus Christ in their love for God, their understanding of Scripture and their ministry in the church and the world. As an evangelical anabaptist college, Bethany is a biblical learning community that prepares students for volunteer and vocational ministries through teaching, mentoring, worshipping and serving.”

President Rick Schellenberg shared his dream that Bethany be known as a college of prayer and worship. “Prayer is where disciples are birthed, and where they grow. Real transformation comes only as we spend time in the presence of God.”

Edgar Dueck, board chair, presented several policy statements that the board has approved over the past year – policies on staff/faculty belief and conduct and faculty academic freedom. Some discussion was raised regarding the necessity of these policies at a faith formation school. Ben Wohlgemut, academic dean, responded that these were necessary as the school moved toward training people for vocational ministry.

The budget was adopted even though it projected a deficit on the current year due to an emphasis on debt reduction and slightly decreased enrollment. The convention celebrated that the previous year’s fundraising drive lowered the indebtedness for Bethany Place to under $70,000. Jim Vincent, business manager, highlighted the need for additional students as a key to balancing upcoming budgets.  – Rick Schellenberg

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Last modified December 10, 1999.

© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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