A Pilgrimage Of Faith, J.B. Toews, 1993

adership. In Israel, the prophets exercised leadership even when the message was unpopular. In the New Testament, Jesus held the priests, Pharisees and Sadducees accountable for the spiri- 311 A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH tual condition of Israel, The apostle Paul makes the qual- ifications for good leadership a central concern of the emerging church (Pastoral Epistles). We suggest that our research warrants two conclusions regarding Mennonite Brethren leadership. L Our leaders affirm the fundamental beliefs of Christ- ian faith and demonstrate a vital personal Christian life. They lead in matters related to life in the congregation (worship, fellowship, Sunday School, etc.) and in practical Christian living (stewardship, Bible study, prayer, evange- lism and service). It is encouraging that our pastors sup- port the idea of shared ministry and greater spiritual ac- countability, 2, In the areas where the larger denomination struggles with consistency in faith and practice, Mennonite Brethren pastors do not provide leadership. Our pastors appear to be biased more toward a subjective, pietistic view of Christianity than to a practical, discipleship view of Chris- tianity. Mennonite Brethren pastors are not leading us in being reconcilers in a broken world The implications of these conclusions include the fol- lowing: 1. We must develop consensus among Mennonite Brethren pastors regarding Mennonite Brethren identity-an identity that distinguishes us as followers of Je- sus in covenantal community relationships. 2. Our congregations should emphasize the plurality of leadership, drawing upon all of the gifts bestowed upon God s people* 3. Mennonite Brethren should continue to invest heavi- ly in college and seminary education to prepare leader- ship for church ministries, 4 A coordinated program of leadership formation and enrichment for pastors, lay leaders, faculty and staff of Mennonite Brethren educational institutions (e.g., retreats, 312 A CALL TO COMMITMENT workshops, study-leave programs, etc.) will need to be developed. 5. Congregations should encourage young persons to enter into church ministries and they should also provide opportunities for them to participate in congregational ac- tivities. 6. Potential leaders studying in non-Mennonite Brethren institutions should be encouraged to maintain their identification with Mennonite Brethren and, if possi- ble, attend one of our institutions before entering ministry within the Mennonite Brethren community. Peoplehood A central theme in the Scriptures is that God is in the business of creating a people. Without