A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

of Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota were represented by twenty-two delegates. 3 This combination of devotional and inspirational meetings with business sessions established a pattern that has served as a model for Mennonite Brethren conferences through the years. A brief survey of the major concerns which came up for discussion on the conference floor during the first three decades (1879-1909) indicates a growing spiritual vision in the brotherhood. Home Missions From 1878 to 1888 the brethren regulated the home missions endeavor on the conference floor each year. The deliberations centered around the following issues: the promotion of evangelism in all M.B. churches; the approval of brethren for such a ministry; the assignment of time schedules to the various churches; the gathering of funds for the conference treasury to support this work; and the hearing of reports presented by those who had been involved in an itinerant ministry.' 1 196 HISTORY OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH By 1889 the work of evangelism required more planning and supervision and the conference appointed a committee which was asked to prepare a plan of procedure in home missions. This committee recommended that the work be divided into two phases: evangelism and spiritual care (Seelenpflege) . With regard to evangelism the committee recommended the appointment of two evangelists for the whole conference, if means permitted. These could, with guidance from the churches, conduct revival services wherever there were open doors, whether within the constituency or outside of M.B. churches. Additional brethren could be engaged by the month if there were any funds left. With regard to spiritual care the committee recommended financial support for elders who devoted much of their time to spiritual watch-care. An annual remuneration of one hundred to two hundred dollars is suggested for such a ministry. Funds for this purpose are to be remitted to the conference treasury for disposition. 6 These recommenda- tions were accepted by the conference. This arrangement for the promotion of home missions (Innere Mission) proved to be very beneficial to the young and scattered congregations. The ministry of itinerant elders and evangelists not only strengthened and stabilized the life of existing churches — it was also a direct means of planting churches in new areas. We have already observed how through the ministry of elder Heinrich Voth and others the first M.B. church in Canada was established in 1888. Through the well-educated and gifted Peter H. Wedel effective evangelistic campaigns were conducted in M.B. churches in Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota from 1888-95. His fervent preaching "led to sweeping revivals and the conversion of many." 6 This pattern of organization and financial support enabled other leading brethren of the conference to devote a part of their time to itinerant preaching and teaching. It enab