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Previous | Next Change and growth
In this issue, we profile the Christian educational institutions across Canada sponsored by Mennonite Brethren churches. Also included is Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, with its two campuses, in Langley, B.C. and Fresno, Calif.
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École de Théologie Évangélique de Montréal
Montreal, Que.
A mega-urban mission for ETEM
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Canada’s second largest metropolitan area is about to experience significant changes. Thanks to a merger imposed by the provincial government, the many cities on the island of Montreal will soon form one mega-city of around two million. This is a challenge for École de Théologie Évangélique de Montréal (ETEM), the Mennonite Brethren undergraduate theological school located on the island of Montreal, to stay on course and keep providing a training that is tailored to the needs of urban churches.
This is accomplished three ways:
- Curriculum: We offer three courses aimed at helping students understand the particularities of ministry in an urban context.
- Course delivery: All of our courses are offered in three-hour, once-a-week blocks. Some of our courses are offered during the evening, making it easier for “tentmakers” and lay leaders to pursue their studies.
- Involvement with the larger church: We set up training events that increase understanding of urban ministries. For example, this fall, ETEM is hosting a one-day study conference on the impact of the mergers on the ministry of the churches.
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Changes are occurring not only at the political and administrative levels, but also in culture. Observers used to speak of the French and English communities as being two solitudes: living side by side, yet not interested in each other. Slowly this divide is shrinking. An indication of this is that the University of Montreal’s business school has decided that bilingualism will be a requirement for graduation. While French universities are just beginning to move in the direction of readying their students for the global market, English high schools can already boast about the bilingualism, if not trilingualism, of the majority of their graduates. This is due to the fact that at least 40% of the teaching is done in French (that is, regular classes, not immersion).
The new context that is emerging has led ETEM to offer a program in English starting in January. This program will allow us to meet three goals:
- To enable the students in our French bachelor degree program to do some of their courses in English so they can reach a level of proficiency that will allow them to have access to the bulk of evangelical theological literature.
- To meet the educational needs of the English churches that do not have access to an evangelical school, the nearest one being in Toronto, six hours away.
- To contribute to the building of bridges between French and English churches – bridges that, hopefully, will lead to different forms of partnership in the effort to reach Montreal with the gospel.
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Besides providing theological training to nearly 40 students, ETEM also impacts the life of the churches through its Centre for Research and Development in Faith Education, headed by Martha Wall. The Centre has already produced 13 15-week programs for children four to 12. These programs are judged by their users to be, by far, the most balanced, up-to-date and interactive programs produced in the French language. The 14th came out in June. Number 15 is well under way and will be available in spring. A total of 15 eight-week programs are being projected for the next three to four years. – Eric Wingender, president
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Bethany Bible Institute
Hepburn, Sask.
Nurturing disciples, training leaders
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Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask. is supported by the Saskatchewan and Alberta MB churches, as well as the Saskatchewan Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference. Bethany’s mission is to nurture disciples and train leaders for ministry. In order to accomplish this, each program seeks to challenge students to:
- Follow Jesus passionately
- Pursue wholeness in life
- Strengthen biblical knowledge
- Integrate faith and life
- Participate in church life
- Develop leadership ability
- Build mentoring relationships
- Acquire ministry skills
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A new one-year program this fall is ExCiTe: Experiencing Christ Together, which offers students the opportunity to explore their relationship with God in the context of a caring community.
Other programs offered are:
- Diploma of Biblical Studies: 2-year diploma
- Bachelor of Biblical Studies: 3-year degree with a major in biblical studies
- Bachelor of Christian Ministries Degree: 3-year degree with a double major in biblical studies, and church ministries, cross-cultural ministries or ministry arts
- Bachelor of Arts Degree: 4-year degree with a double major in biblical studies, and pastoral ministries, cross-cultural ministries or ministry arts
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In light of its recent accreditation with the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges (AABC), Bethany is currently developing transfer arrangements with several universities, including the University of Saskatchewan.
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2001 |
2000 |
| Fall Enrollment: |
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Total |
134 |
125 |
| Class: |
Freshmen |
63 |
59 |
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Juniors |
39 |
35 |
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Seniors |
15 |
25 |
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B.A. Seniors |
17 |
8 |
| Gender: |
Female |
66 |
67 |
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Male |
68 |
58 |
| Provincial Representation: |
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B.C. |
15 |
18 |
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Alberta |
26 |
17 |
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Saskatchewan |
57 |
50 |
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Manitoba |
31 |
34 |
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Ontario |
5 |
6 |
| Denomination: |
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Mennonite Brethren |
80 |
82 |
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Mennonite |
23 |
14 |
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Other |
31 |
29 |
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New to the faculty/staff this year are Jacqueline Falk, dean of women, and Trever Godard, missions director. Godard will be joining the faculty in January 2002. Also new to the faculty/staff are Lisa Moran, Grace Low, Richard Friesen and Michael Tovell – all residence deans for 2001–02; Rob Neufeld, director of finance; Dave Carey, admissions director; and Rosemary Thiessen, executive administrative assistant.
Bethany has partnered with Youth Mission International (YMI) and Church Partnership Evangelism (CPE) to provide hands-on expressions to faith:
- Year 1 – YMI February ACTION team to work with church plants and urban ministries in Calgary
- Year 2 – YMI February ACTION team to do evangelism at the Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah
- Year 3 – Cross-cultural missions trip with CPE to do evangelism in Kenya, Africa
- Year 4 – Internship in ministry setting or on TREK assignment with YMI
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All B.A. students must complete a four to eight-month internship. This past summer, Bethany placed two interns at camps – David Berg (Redberry Bible Camp, Saskatoon) and Leanne Johnston (Gardom Lake Bible Camp, Enderby, B.C.) – and two interns in church youth ministry placements – Andrew Wiens (Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg) and Bernard Penner (Hillsdale Baptist Church, Regina). This fall, six additional placements were made: Ryan Bushman, pastoral ministry, Philadelphia MB Church, Watrous, Sask.; Aurelie Hoffman, cross-cultural research and writing, this way communication, Hepburn; Crystal Dennis, ministry arts, Lakeview Free Methodist Church, Saskatoon; Sara Moseanko, TREK with YMI; and Kevin Nikkel, children’s ministry, Lethbridge (Alta.) Evangelical Free Church.
All Bethany students have the opportunity to be involved in mentoring relationships. The basic strategy is that faculty and staff mentor returning students, and returning students mentor freshmen students. The goal is to develop disciples who are both learning from a mentor for their own growth and empowering others to grow in their lives.
This semester’s student ministry placements represent contact with 24 various churches, para-church groups or community organizations. – from a release
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Columbia Bible College
Abbotsford, B.C.
New students welcomed at orientation
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The campus of Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C. came alive with the arrival of nearly 500 students September 2–7. As part of orientation, new students participated in a number of informative sessions about making the transition to the College. They formed small “Connection Groups”, led by student leaders, to meet other new students for discussion. The groups also participated in the annual “Rookie Olympics”, which involved non-competitive games and fun. Continuing students later joined the new ones in an ice cream social reunion. The Friday morning chapel was held in Columbia Place, the new gym. Students, staff and faculty were challenged by the College theme “Get a grip . . . Go make a difference”.
New students at orientation |
Columbia has 494 students, with 265 first-year, 115 second-year, 66 third-year and 48 fourth-year. There are 398 full-time and 96 part-time students; 224 students live in residence, and 270 are commuters.
Gay Lynn Voth has been appointed to full-time faculty status. Previously, she was a sessional instructor. She teaches introduction to theology and Anabaptist theology. She has a B.R.S. and a B.A. and recently received an M.A. from the University of British Columbia.
New staff are Steve Kroeker, director of Souled Out; Adam Harrison, residence director; Kristi Vegt, outdoor recreation leadership assistant and success centre and field education assistant; Jackie Jantzen, receptionist; Rocky Olfert, assistant athletics director; and Jeremy Penner, marketing and communications assistant.
The Career Centre underwent some renovations, allowing for a separate common area for students. Commuters now have their own lounge, the “Cave”, and a coffee area. The computer lab was relocated in the basement of the resource centre. Eight e-mail kiosks were installed. The Student Life building now houses several offices and a meeting room. Air conditioning now cools Room 101, the ESL room and the Student Life office. – from a release
New staff (l-r): S. Kroeker, A. Harrison, K. Vegt, J. Jantzen, R. Olfert, J. Penner |
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Canadian Mennonite University
Winnipeg, Man.
Enrollment up at CMU
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Rudy Schellenberg conducts CMU choir |
Gerry Ediger, speaker at CMU’s Opening Program
Dean Peachey, president of Menno Simons College
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Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg is celebrating its second academic year with a 30% enrollment increase, plus new courses and services for students. CMU is a federation of three Christian colleges in Winnipeg: Canadian Mennonite Bible College, Concord College (supported by the Manitoba MB Conference) and Menno Simons College.
Twenty additional courses have been added this year, including a new music education concentration, two nursing courses and a drama course. CMU is also expanding international development studies at its main campus and at Menno Simons College.
The CMU library has added an automated circulation system that uses barcodes. The catalogue will not be complete for some time.
Curt Warkentin, former assistant basketball coach for the University of Waterloo, is CMU’s new full-time athletic director.
The opening program was held Sept. 23 on the main campus. The CMU Choir performed several songs. A bass quartet also performed. Conductors were Janet Brenneman, John Martens, Bernie Neufeld and Rudy Schellenberg. Pianist was Verna Wiebe. Speakers were Gerry Ediger and Dean Peachey.
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| CMU enrollment figures |
2001–02 |
2000–01 |
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Full-time main campus: |
327 |
254 |
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Part-time main campus: |
53 |
79 |
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School of Discipleship: |
61 |
61 |
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Seminary students: |
19 |
33 |
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Menno Simons College (full course equiv.): |
1062 |
683 |
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– adapted from releases
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Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary
Fresno, Calif., Langley, B.C., Winnipeg, Man.
B.C. campus enrollment climbs
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Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary-BC is in its third year as a partner of Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS), a consortium of five denominational partners – Mennonite Brethren Church, Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches, Evangelical Free Church, Baptist General Conference, and Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. MBBS-BC has had growth each semester since becoming part of ACTS. Beginning with 17 students during the fall semester of 1999, the number of students enrolled at MBBS-BC has increased to 36 in fall 2000 and to 47 in fall 2001. Of these, 16 are women and 31 men. The full-time equivalent rose from 14 in 1999 to 39 in 2001. Students come with a variety of life experiences, including a hearing impaired student who requires an interpreter during class time. This student’s goal is to train for ministry to others with a similar disability. The majority of students commute to school from B.C.’s Lower Mainland and Washington state. Others come from Manitoba and central B.C.
Fosmark Building |
Cam Rowland has been appointed to work on recruitment and constituency relations. He is a recent graduate of MBBS-Fresno and will be devoting about a quarter of his time to assisting the Seminary at ACTS with recruitment.
Bruce Guenther |
During the past two years, Bruce Guenther has been the only full-time MBBS-BC faculty member at ACTS. An additional faculty member teaching in the area of pastoral leadership is expected to be in place for the 2002–03 year. In the meantime, adjunct professors teach this course. Phil Zylla is serving as executive director of ACTS.
MBBS-BC has taken a number of initiatives to ensure that the Mennonite Brethren identity is not lost in a multi-denominational setting. This is done through the curriculum and exposure to MB faculty. Students at ACTS have professors from each of the five denominational schools. However, MBBS-BC also offers a number of denominationally specific courses which its students are expected to take. The following adjuncts have either taught courses at ACTS this past year or will be teaching in 2001–02: Tim Geddert, David Ewert, Dave Currie and Vern Heidebrecht.
A number of new programs have been introduced this year at ACTS. Paul Chamberlain will be offering a variety of courses in apologetics and ethics and head up the Institute of Apologetics. A chaplaincy track has been added as well. ACTS is also exploring possible relationships with institutions in Hong Kong and Hawaii.
The MBBS Board of Directors has established an endowment fund with an initial $50,000 of seed money to assist Canadian students with the high cost of seminary education. The Seminary is seeking additional donations for this fund so that more money can be made available for student aid.
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| MBBS-BC Student Statistics |
Fall 2001 |
Fall 2000 |
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Credit students: |
47 |
36 |
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Full-time: |
30 |
22 |
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Part-time: |
17 |
14 |
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Men: |
33 |
23 |
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Women: |
14 |
13 |
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Audit students: |
1 |
1 |
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FTE: |
37.95 |
27 |
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M.Div.: |
8 |
5 |
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M.R.E.: |
3 |
4 |
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M.A./CM: |
3 |
0 |
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M.A./Counselling: |
7 |
7 |
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M. Theological Studies: |
5 |
2 |
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M.A. Cross-cultural Studies: |
1 |
1 |
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M.A. Christian Studies: |
10 |
4 |
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M Appl/Ling. & Exeg: |
3 |
3 |
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M. Theology: |
0 |
0 |
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Diploma/CS: |
3 |
4 |
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Non-Degree: |
5 |
7 |
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MB students: |
37 |
23 |
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Other denominations: |
11 |
14 |
Number of denominations represented (including MB):
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6
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8
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| MBBS-Fresno Student Statistics |
Fall 2001 |
Fall 2000 |
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Credit students: |
145 |
131 |
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Full-time: |
53 |
39 |
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Part-time: |
92 |
92 |
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Men: |
94 |
90 |
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Women: |
51 |
41 |
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Audit students: |
33 |
92 |
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FTE: |
82.00 |
68.67 |
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M.Div. students: |
57 |
29 |
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M.A. (academic): |
22 |
4 |
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M.A./CM: |
14 |
8 |
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M.A./MFCC: |
25 |
13 |
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Diploma: |
11 |
12 |
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Non-degree: |
16 |
3 |
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MB students: |
46 |
43 |
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Other denominations: |
99 |
83 |
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Number of denominations represented (including MB): |
27 |
25 |
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Information from the MBBS Winnipeg campus is not yet available. – Peter Enns, associate dean, MBBS-BC, with files from Lori James
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Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute
Winnipeg, Man.
MBCI is a busy place
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Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute, a Christian high school offering education to Grade 7 to Senior 4 students in Winnipeg, is a busy place. MBCI is supported by the Manitoba MB Conference.
Teachers and students are working hard at the task of teaching and learning. The Grade 8 students and several teachers went to Red Rock Bible Camp for their annual outdoor education program.
The opening program on Sept. 24 featured the Grade 7, Senior 1 and Concert Choirs, as well as the Concert Band. New teachers Wes Enns and Ken Geddert shared testimonies. Victor Neufeld, assistant moderator of the Manitoba MB Conference, led in a prayer of dedication.
The Concert Choir and Concert Band will be performing a concert together with the University of Manitoba Wind Ensemble on Nov. 28. A double CD recording featuring the best music of the Concert Choirs and Concert Bands over the past three years will be released soon. Both groups are preparing to tour B.C. April 13–23, 2002, as well as participating in the Canadian Association of Mennonite Schools (CAMS) Music Festival in Abbotsford.
Service Days provide practical hands-on-help and help clarify our role and responsibility as Christians in the world. Grades 7 & 8 Service Day was Oct. 10;the Senior 2–4 Day will be Dec. 5 and the Senior 1 Day will be May 2, 2002.
Eight German exchange students from August Hermann Franke Schule in Detmold, Germany are studying at MBCI this fall. They will be returning to Detmold in mid-November. The German department presented an evening of songs, plays and individual talent at its production “Maerchen, Musik und Shakespeare” on Oct. 18. The “Detmold Singers” performed a variety of praise and worship songs from their church.
New this year is the Mountain Bike Club. Ten boys from Senior 2–4 took part in a race with other Manitoba high schools on Sept. 24 at Birch Hill Ski Resort; they placed fourth, sixth and seventh.
The Global Focus this year is on Russia and Ukraine. Students will be learning more about these countries in a variety of ways, including chapels and research projects. The goal is to inform the MBCI community about the history and culture of a land from which many of the Mennonite ancestors came. What is it like to live in that part of the world today? What was life like for the people who lived there and left in past centuries? Is there anything MBCI can do to help people in this region of the world?
The school’s theme verse this year is 2 Timothy 2:21: “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”
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| Enrollment |
Total Students |
MB |
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School Total |
559 |
171 |
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Grade 7 |
72 |
21 |
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Grade 8 |
61 |
17 |
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Senior 1 |
107 |
32 |
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Senior 2 |
105 |
28 |
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Senior 3 |
99 |
35 |
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Senior 4 |
115 |
38 |
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– adapted from an MBCI newsletter, with files from principal Norbert Bargen
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Mennonite Educational Institute
Abbotsford, B.C.
58 years for MEI
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Mennonite Educational Institute is entering its 58th year of providing Christian education in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley. In 1944, $1500 was spent on a 26’ x 46’ building attached to the South Abbotsford Bible School in Abbotsford, B.C. The enrollment was 44. Thus began MEI under the stewardship of nine Mennonite churches in the lower Fraser Valley.
Today, there are 14 Mennonite churches that are continuing the vision to provide Christian education from a caring, supportive, faith-centred perspective. The school currently has 1543 students.
A third campus, in Chilliwack, B.C., was added this year (see box below).
The 46 full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers in the secondary school, 25 FTE teachers in the elementary school and 9.4 FTE teachers in Chilliwack, bring MEI’s teaching staff to 81 FTEs. The total workforce at the schools includes 141 full- and part-time staff.
Enrollment at the secondary school remains stable with 841 students registered, including 27 international students enrolled in Grades 9 through 12. Last year, several international students graduated from MEI with distinction. One international student was among the 17 MEI recipients of provincial scholarships. This was the largest number of scholarships received by any graduating class in the history of the school.
MEI secondary has several new courses this year. Two classes of Introductory Spanish 11 are being offered. Computer Repair 11 and Computer Animation 11 provide students with specific skills that could lead to employment in the technology industry. Worship Leading 10, 11, 12 give students first-hand experience in the practical and spiritual principles of worship. Entrepreneurship 12 explores the skills necessary to start a new venture, business or innovation. Video Production 11 provides an introduction to the world of video production using video cameras and editing equipment. In response to a growing need in our community, MEI has also initiated a special-needs program for secondary students this year. A resource person has been hired to implement the program, and a resource room has been constructed for the use of special-needs students.
Students from supporting Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren churches constitute the largest percentage of the school’s enrollment, with 63% of secondary school students and 79% of those at the elementary school coming from supporting church families. Over 60 students, many from member churches, are on a waiting list.
The MEI Board is in the process of developing a new middle school at the Abbotsford campus. Plans are underway to secure the proper zoning so that a new school can be ready for occupancy in September 2003. Committees are already working on plans and philosophies to guide the middle school, and the articulation that needs to occur between the three campuses. Major improvements are also scheduled for the secondary school building, which is now over 20 years old. Renovations to the various sections of the school are being planned so that students can benefit from state-of-the-art facilities.
MEI has recently appointed several new faces to administrative positions in Abbotsford. Ernie Janzen, a principal from the public school system, has been hired as principal at MEI Elementary. He will be assisted by Grant Wardle as vice-principal, now in his second year at the school.
A new administrative team has been placed in the secondary school, including Dave Loewen as acting principal and Heather Smith and Rick Thiessen as vice-principals. Peter Froese continues as superintendent, overseeing the total operation of the MEI schools.
Two years ago, the MEI community began developing a strategic plan for growth. This plan calls for the construction of a 1500-seat performing arts auditorium, an expanded applied skills program, a satellite campus and a school in the Third World. These initiatives are to be completed during the next eight to 10 years.
MEI is currently working with a private foundation to develop a school in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. – adapted from a release
New MEI school opens in Chilliwack
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Eden High School
St. Catharines, Ont.
Eden enjoys a special school year
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The beginning of the 2001–02 school year was special for the staff and students of Eden High School in St. Catharines, Ont. A new chapel was built thanks to the Ontario MB Conference, which contributed $704,000, and the District School Board of Niagara, which undertook to manage the project. The building was completed on schedule. On the first day of school, the entire student body was able to meet together in chapel for the first time in six years. The chapel and adjacent cafeteria seat about 750 students. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 14.
Eden’s enrollment has reached record heights: 545 students in this fall semester. The Board still retains a cap on the number of Grade 9 students, and 35 students remain on the waiting list for Grade 9 alone.
There have been a few additions to the teaching staff. Tanya Reimer was hired by the Eden Advisory Board as a half-time spiritual life associate to work with Carolyn Goossen and Ed Heinrichs. Other new staff include Ann Kennerly, vice-principal; Carolyn Goossen, mathematics; Sharon Mercier, science; Carrie Norton-Speck, English and drama; and Darlene Sherwood, guidance and drama.
The Grade 9s had their traditional orientation at Niagara-on-the Lake, Ont. Students in all other grades enjoyed three-day grade retreats at Camp Crossroads. These retreats were organized and sponsored by the Spiritual Life department with support from the school council. In addition, a number of overseas trips are planned throughout the year, including Paris, Cuba and Uruguay.
Eden continues to enjoy strong support in the community as reflected by the increasingly diverse student body drawn from over 70 local churches. Despite its recent growth, Eden retains a helpful, friendly sense of community. Our mission remains to deliver the best of public education within the context of a Christian worldview. We are grateful for the continued support of the churches of the Ontario MB Conference whose partial funding of the Spiritual Life department is critical to the ongoing Christian distinctives of the school. Above all, we are thankful to God for His undergirding and direction in this unique and special educational experiment. – Ray Smith, principal
The following are other Bible colleges/seminaries in Canada that may be familiar to some readers. Most are non-denominational schools.
- Providence College and Seminary (Otterburne, Man.): 415 students in College; 229 students in Seminary. Of these, 42 students in the College and 10 in the Seminary are MB.
- Steinbach (Man.) Bible College: 99 students (FTE = 91.83); up 7% for module 1 (Sept. 5–Oct. 12). SBC uses a modular system, with three modules per semester. The second begins Oct. 15 and goes till Nov. 2; the third runs from Nov. 5 to Dec. 15.
- Prairie Bible College (Three Hills, Alta.): 490 students; 396 are full-time, 68 are part-time, 21 are less than half-time; and 5 are audit. Last year, there were 496 students, with 390 full-time, 67 part-time, 34 less than half-time, and 5 audit.
- Briercrest Bible College (Caronport, Sask.): 750 students, with 402 new and 348 returning students; the full-time equivalent (12 credit hours or more) is 739. In fall 2000, there were 705 students, with 381 new and 324 returning students; the FTE was 674.
– pjw |
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Last modified November 21, 2001.
© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.
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