Key Takeaways– MC USA’s Structure Review Committee convened a two‑day, faith‑centered workshop to envision the denomination’s shape in 2040.
- The process used scenario planning to explore multiple plausible futures while examining the Executive Board’s role and structures. – Participants emphasized listening across differences, fostering camaraderie despite varied backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Ongoing work will culminate in recommendations for the Executive Board, with a final report expected in June after a May meeting in Indianapolis.
Vision and Purpose
The committee’s primary aim was to prayerfully imagine and prepare for MC USA’s future in the year 2040, employing a scenario‑planning methodology designed to strengthen leadership, support congregations, and promote unity amid a rapidly shifting cultural landscape. By stepping back from daily operational concerns, the group sought to ask a larger, strategic question: What will the world in which MC USA exists look like in 2040? This question served as the compass for two days of deep listening, discernment, and imaginative exploration among the 23 committee members representing diverse regions of the denomination.
Grounding in Faith
From the outset, the gathering was framed by a devotional perspective that acknowledged both present challenges and future possibilities. Eric Massanari opened with a biblical image—“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24)—inviting participants to consider what the church must release so that new fruit might emerge. This metaphor resonated throughout the meeting, encouraging a mindset of surrender and trust in God’s providential leading as the group delved into visioning work.
Scenario Planning Process
Facilitated by Executive Director Glen Guyton and Dr. Andy Hines, the workshop introduced a disciplined scenario‑planning framework. Rather than attempting to predict exact outcomes, the process aimed to help leaders assess how current structures might perform across several plausible futures and to equip the Executive Board with the clarity and flexibility needed for faithful governance. Guyton stressed that the focus centered on the roles of the Executive Board and staff, with the ultimate goal of fortifying MC USA’s capacity to serve its congregations effectively. The method encouraged participants to envision various trajectories, test structural resilience, and align strategic decisions with the denomination’s mission.
Voices and Reflections
Throughout the sessions, personal reflections illuminated the emotional and theological underpinnings of the work. Massanari highlighted the paradox of grief and hope that accompanies loss, noting that such moments can generate “clarity” and “new creative energies.” Iris de León‑Hartshorn affirmed the denomination’s identity as a “discipleship committed to following Jesus” regardless of size, underscoring that numerical growth is secondary to faithful discipleship. These testimonies revealed a shared conviction that the church’s core values—Scripture, Anabaptist tradition, and a commitment to reconciliation—remain steadfast anchors amid change.
Diverse Perspectives and Listening
A standout feature of the workshop was the spirit of attentive listening that permeated table conversations. Despite differing backgrounds, participants reported a remarkable degree of agreement and mutual understanding. Alicia Maldonado‑Zahra remarked on the unexpected camaraderie that emerged when individuals integrated each other’s stories into a broader ecclesial picture. Rosetta Landis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that each person consciously listened and wove others’ narratives into a more comprehensive vision. This collective listening cultivated trust and highlighted the importance of valuing diverse lived experiences within the denominational fabric.
Imagining the Future
The workshop’s climax involved a creative exercise in which participants formed groups to imagine MC USA in 2040. Each group crafted distinct future scenarios, ranging from hopeful visions to challenging possibilities, all rooted in the realities and questions identified earlier. Through storytelling and collaborative design, these scenarios stretched participants’ thinking and illuminated pathways for adaptation while staying true to core commitments. Landis reflected on the depth of conviction that surfaced, noting a shared love for Scripture and the Anabaptist tradition that fuels anticipation for the denomination’s next chapter.
Next Steps and Ongoing Work
The journey is only beginning. The committee plans to refine the ideas generated, shaping concrete recommendations for the Executive Board. A follow‑up gathering in Indianapolis on May 13 will continue this process, with a final report slated for release in June. Organizational leaders, including Benjamin Sywulka, stress the importance of empowering congregations by synthesizing insights gathered across the network. Throughout these next phases, the foundational ethos remains unchanged: humble faith, attentive listening, and hopeful anticipation of God’s reconciling love working through MC USA and its local communities toward broader healing and service.