(Mennonite Church USA) — The newly established search committee for the next executive director of Mennonite Church USA held its first meeting on June 12 over video conference.
The committee discussed the importance of establishing a good process for the transition. They resolved to seek input from the broader church, and agreed that calling the church to prayer is crucial during this time of discernment.
They also began a preliminary discussion of the job description, noting that the outcomes of the upcoming Future Church Summit in Orlando may have a significant impact on the executive director’s role.
Since the initial meeting, Clyde Kratz, executive conference minister of Virginia Mennonite Conference, submitted his resignation to the search committee chair, Joy Sutter, after becoming aware of concerns that were being raised about his leadership.
Kratz indicated that he loves the church and did not want his membership on the search committee to hinder the executive director search process. Sutter said, “I deeply respect Clyde’s love for the church and his desire to in no way distract from the holy work of calling a new Mennonite Church USA executive director.”
The search committee will continue its work with seven members: Richard Thomas, Samuel Voth Schrag, Zenobia Sowell-Bianchi, Sandra Martinez, Phil Rich, Joyce Kusuma and Sutter. Their next meeting will be held in person during the Orlando convention.
The committee invites continued prayers for the process and for the calling of a new executive director of Mennonite Church USA.
# # #
The post Kratz resigns from Executive Director Search Committee appeared first on Mennonite Church USA.
