The International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) appointed David Wiebe, outgoing executive director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC), as interim executive secretary Aug. 1, 2010.
ICOMB exists as a fellowship of leaders in the global Mennonite Brethren church. Leaders include presidents or directors of the 19 national conferences on 5 continents, and the chair of Mennonite Brethren Mission and Services International (MBMSI). The work of ICOMB entails facilitating communication among member conferences, unifying global mission efforts, advancing education at various levels, and growing global confessional identity.
Wiebe has been the executive director of CCMBC for the past 10 years. He will complete his duties at the Canadian conference Dec. 31, 2010, and begin at ICOMB in a half-time capacity Jan. 1, 2011. From this August to January, he will serve as acting executive secretary in the absence of Victor Wall, who recently accepted a leadership position at the Asuncion (Paraguay) Bible Institute.
In the interim role, Wiebe will work with MBMSI leaders to plan for transition of some important church capacity and health care from MBMSI to ICOMB. He will also lead the search for a new executive secretary of ICOMB, with plans to secure a leader for summer 2012.
“The support for Brother David Wiebe’s transition to ICOMB was unanimous,” says Ernesto Wiens, ICOMB chair. “We are certain that the global family of Mennonite Brethren will support him with their prayers.”
Randy Friesen, general director of MBMSI, was equally affirming: “Dave brings a deep love for the global MB family and 15 years of ICOMB relationships to this interim role. We’re grateful for what he will contribute to the further development of our global community of MB churches.”
“I believe the Mennonite Brethren must and will increasingly be formed as an international community if we are to remain faithful to the gospel,” Wiebe says. “This assignment allows me to make a contribution toward that.”
Wiebe is married to Valerie, a marriage and family therapist, and they are members of the Westwood Community Church in Winnipeg. They have three grown children.
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