More than 60 delegates, ministry partners, emerging conference leaders and guests gathered in Herford, Germany, for the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) Summit May 30-June 4.
“Fellowship was rich, and laughter was full,” says Victor Wiens, a member of the global ministry team, in the June ICOMB newsletter. “As we connected, strengthened and expanded, we experienced times of refreshing with the Lord and with each other.”
The theme was “Anabaptists and Mennonite Brethren: Past, Present and Future.” ICOMB leader Heinrich Klassen and leaders from the three MB conferences in Germany reviewed God’s work in and through Mennonite Brethren since 1950.
The schedule included plenary sessions, workshops and business.
Delegates approved a new mission statement. It reads:
“As the ICOMB global family of churches, we support and equip one another to follow Jesus and continue his mission among all peoples.”
Delegates took steps toward regionalization, forming Regional Ministry Teams and making plans to host regional summits in 2026. Aspiring ICOMB members will join the community in a two-step process beginning with regional membership.
Delegates also affirmed leaders for new ministry assignments. I.P. Asheervadam, Asia; Shadreck Kwendanyama, Africa; and Andreas Isaak, Europe; were affirmed for two-year terms on the board, joining chair Paul Dück, Latin America. Two vacancies remain to be filled from North America. Eleazar Diaz Ortiz, Mexico, was affirmed as Global Scholarship Fund Coordinator.
Selected conferences from each region gave reports, as did Multiply, the North American MB mission agency.
Delegates welcomed emerging conference leaders from Portugal, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, India and Costa Rica.
Andre Pritzkau led attendees in worship through singing, and Bank Wittawas, Andreas Isaak and Gabriela Piña shared devotionals.
Sunday, delegates worshipped in six local MB churches and toured Sparrenburg Castle.
The International Community of Mennonite Brethren is a global fellowship of 22 member national churches in 19 countries. Our global family has approximately 450,000 official ICOMB members. ICOMB has associate members in over 20 more countries. Associate members are all on different points along the pathway to full membership. ICOMB exists to facilitate relationships and ministries to enhance the witness and discipleship of its member national churches – connecting, strengthening and expanding.
