MC Canada finances, before and after

Used with with permission from Canadian Mennonite

August 28, 2001

Winnipeg, Man.—Mennonite Church Canada is budgeting expenditures of $5.5 million for 2002-03, slightly less than Canadian giving in the past. Last year, Canadians supported national and binational programs with just over $5.7 million. (Another $500,000 came from Canadian Mennonite Bible College tuition, now no longer administered by MC Canada.)

Half of Canadian giving went to binational offices in Elkhart and Newton. It supported the Commission on Education, Commission on Overseas Mission, Commission on Home Ministries, Ministerial Leadership, Mennonite Board of Congregational Ministries and Mennonite Board of Missions.

MC Canada budgeted conservatively because it faces the challenge of encouraging churches "to re-direct to Mennonite Church Canada the budget amounts that have always supported all ministry activities through General Conference and Mennonite Church contributions." MC Canada is taking on the programs for Canada formerly delivered by the binational agencies.

The Christian Formation Council will focus on equipping the church to participate in God's mission in the world. The Christian Witness Council will assist individuals, churches and area conferences in those areas where a national church's pooled resources and experience are necessary. The Support Services Council will provide financial, clerical, personnel and communications services.

The budget proposes $3,030,000 for Christian Witness Council, $948,000 for Christian Formation, and $770,000 for Support Services. Another $570,000 goes to Canadian Mennonite Bible College/Canadian Mennonite University, and $177,000 to Canadian Mennonite.

Delegates also approved additions of $252,000 to the 2001-02 budget and $163,000 to the 2002-03 budget to cover unforeseen costs. These include salaries for additional personnel and and long-overdue upgrades to computers. These expenses will be covered by reserve funds and an advance from MC USA on the distribution of assets.

-Daniel Rempel