The National Faith and Life Team (NFLT) provides spiritual guidance and direction in matters of faith, theology, ethics, and Christian living. The NFLT is tasked with upholding our collective biblical and ethical integrity through our Confession of Faith as well as resources and events.
The NFLT exists to articulate and safeguard Mennonite Brethren theological convictions, produce theological and pastoral resources, provide discernment and guidance on current issues.
On an ongoing basis, the NFLT identifies and addresses areas of concern and significant issues impacting the MB churches in Canada. The NFLT takes lead in the national key initiative of Spiritual Health and Theology.
The NFLT also serves the conference by publishing on a number of important topics in the life of the church, such as Christian marriage, baptism and church membership, leadership, abortion, biblical ecology, and discernment, among others; as well as resourcing the church in Pastor’s credentialing, ordination, and more.
The MB Confession of Faith
The MB Confession of Faith is also an integral part of the NFLT’s ministry within the conference. The worldwide MB community is rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite movement of 16th-century Europe. Anabaptists held their confessional statements in high regard and viewed them as a public testimony that both outlined and detailed what they believed.
The MB Confession of Faith, based on the Bible and used for conference-wide leadership, guidance, direction, instruction, church polity, and discipline, is very important to the Canadian Conference and comprises an integral component of who we are as well as what we believe.
The National Faith and Life Team introduces a new national Faith and Life resource, The Nature and Function of the Confession, read the full document here, or click the image on the left to download a PDF of the document.
Equip Study Conference
The NFLT hosts study conferences biannualy. At Study Conferences we interpret scripture and choose a direction together. Five hundred years ago, the Anabaptists determined four ways through which they could discern the will of God: Scripture, the life of Christ, the voice of the Holy Spirit who resides in each believer, and the discerning community of faith. We believe the community of faith working together, guided by the Holy Spirit and the Bible, forms a community hermeneutic (study and interpretation of the Bible).
Pastoral Credentialing Orientation
NFLT also facilitates Pastoral Credentialing and Orientation, a pastoral-equipping and orientation event, led by MB Seminary faculty and Canadian Conference staff. It is for those who are new to ministry within the Mennonite Brethren conference and for others who are seeking a refresher on Mennonite Brethren history, theology and resources. Those who attend and complete the requirements are eligible for pastor’s credentialing through their respective provincial conferences.
The Centre for MB Studies ministry tells the past and present discipleship stories of the MB community. It also serves the Canadian Conference by preserving and maintaining historical records and collections, assisting students, congregations, and others in research, writing, and commemorations, sponsoring historical events, and publishing the Mennonite Historian.