Conference News

Mosaic Mennonite Conference Receives $25,000 Grant for Preaching Cohort Initiative

July 16, 2026 by Cindy Angela

Mosaic Mennonite Conference has received a $25,000 Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW) to support a new initiative designed to strengthen preaching across the conference’s diverse communities.

The project, “Anabaptism at 501: Preaching for a Living Church” will be led by Leadership Minister for Formation Rose Bender Cook and will provide accessible, practical training for emerging and active preachers, particularly those who have been called to preach without formal seminary education.

The initiative will bring together English-, Spanish-, and Indonesian-speaking leaders for a series of online learning experiences that combine biblical interpretation, storytelling, sermon preparation, public speaking, participatory preaching, and Christ-centered Anabaptist theology. Participants will learn from experienced preachers, engage in peer feedback, and practice preaching in supportive cohort settings. The project will culminate in a multilingual Pentecost Festival of Homiletics in June 2027, celebrating the gifts and growth of preachers across Mosaic Conference.

“This work builds on the preaching courses Mosaic Institute has offered in the past, expanding them into a more comprehensive, multilingual learning community,” said Project Director Rose Bender Cook. “I hope participants will discover that good preaching is never a solitary endeavor. Sermons grow from listening to Scripture, the Holy Spirit, the needs of our communities, and the wisdom of others. I hope this cohort encourages preachers to make their circle bigger, inviting more voices into sermon preparation and proclamation.”

Leadership Minister Marco Güete also affirmed the initiative: “This is an important opportunity to strengthen preaching in our English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Strong preaching builds stronger churches, and investing in our leaders strengthens the church for generations to come.”

The cohort reflects Mosaic’s commitment to forming leaders who interpret Scripture through the lens of Jesus, preach in ways that are deeply rooted in their communities, and cultivate worship that is participatory, intercultural, and transformative.

“Cultivating our mosaic of preaching voices is critical for our ongoing witness centered in the reconciling love of Jesus,” reflected Executive Minister Stephen Kriss. “This initiative responds to our reality that preachers are increasingly called once again from within our communities to teach, lead, and proclaim. This project will offer opportunities for building community and capacity, and for celebrating that growth and investment together. We are grateful for Calvin’s leadership, trust, and generosity.”

This program is made possible through a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.

Mosaic Mennonite Conference was one of seventy-seven applicants across the U.S. and Canada to receive yearlong grants promoting thoughtful, creative projects to strengthen Christian worship practices and preaching.

This is the second grant that Mosaic Mennonite Conference has received from CICW. In 2024, Mosaic was awarded funding for “Anabaptist CCLI Top 100 and Beyond,” a collaborative project with the Anabaptist Worship Network that expanded song resources for Anabaptist congregations.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the project director, contact Rose Bender Cook at at rbender@mosaicmennonites.org.

Three Congregations Discern New Directions

June 11, 2026 by Cindy Angela

Three congregations have withdrawn from Mosaic Mennonite Conference in recent months, each for different reasons and with different hopes for their future ministries.

In Philadelphia, Iglesia Cristiana Peña de Horeb concluded its membership in Mosaic and Pastor Dania Hernandez withdrew her ministerial credentials effective April 1, 2026. Over the past several years, the congregation has developed growing relationships with Spanish-speaking churches throughout Central and South America and has discerned a call to build an independent network of congregations.

Although Pastor Hernandez expressed deep appreciation for Mosaic Mennonite Conference and Anabaptist faith and practice, she and the congregation’s leaders determined that their evolving vision was best pursued outside the conference structure.

“I have enjoyed walking with Pastor Dania and the leaders of Peña de Horeb, and I pray that God will continue to bless them as they share the gospel of Jesus Christ and form support networks for pastors and congregations,” shared Leadership Minister Marta Castillo.

Deep Run West Mennonite in Perkasie, Pennsylvania, voted on February 8, 2026, to withdraw from Mosaic Conference with 90% support. Congregational leaders cited theological concerns, including disagreement with Mosaic’s approach to congregations that affirm LGBTQ inclusion.

Leadership Minister Jeff Wright expressed sadness regarding the congregation’s decision. “I wish that Pastor Rodger and the leadership at Deep Run West would have engaged with Conference leadership in a more formal discussion around their concerns,” he said. “I continue to hope that churches that self-identify as ‘conservative’ and churches that self-identify as ‘progressive’ can find ways to remain in mission together through a shared confession that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

A third congregation, Swamp Mennonite, arrived at its decision after several years of discernment and conversation. The congregation began discussing its fit within Mosaic in 2022 through conversations with its Leadership Minister and conference leaders. After more than two years of engagement at the leadership level, Swamp began exploring other Anabaptist communities in 2024 and entered a season of congregational prayer, conversation, feedback, and discernment. Through that process, the congregation concluded that affiliation with LMC was the direction that best fit its next season of ministry.

Swamp’s pastors shared, “We are grateful for our ongoing relationship with Mosaic as we have walked through this process of transferring our congregational membership.”

“We give thanks for the faithfulness, relationships, and witness we have shared together over the years with Swamp Mennonite,” shared Leadership Minister Josh Meyer. “As they begin this new chapter with LMC, our posture is one of blessing: we release them with gratitude, pray for their continued faithfulness to Jesus, and trust that the bonds we share in Christ remain larger than any conference affiliation.”

That spirit of blessing was reflected in Meyer’s prayer during Swamp’s May 31 worship service. In part, he prayed:
“Even as formal conference ties change, may the bonds of Christian fellowship continue. May there be no spirit of rivalry, resentment, or suspicion, but only the generous love of Christ. Teach us to bless one another freely, to release one another faithfully, and to trust that your kingdom is larger than any one congregation, conference, or institution.”

“We are disappointed in the withdrawals of these communities from Mosaic,” shared Executive Minister Stephen Kriss. “They remain our neighbors and friends in Bucks County and South Philadelphia. We hope that as they seek new alignments and relationships, the Spirit will continue to stir and bring life.”

Kriss observed that while the reasons for the withdrawals differ significantly, all three congregations are seeking greater autonomy and ministry relationships that they believe better fit their future direction.

“We will seek to live peaceably and open-handedly as Deep Run West continues to worship alongside Deep Run East; Peña de Horeb continues to worship in the meetinghouse of Indonesian Light Church; and as West Swamp and Swamp continue to be nearby neighbors in Quakertown though with different affiliations again.”

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.

Mosaic Conference Board Update – June 2026

June 11, 2026 by Cindy Angela

The Conference Board supervises the business of the conference, including conference committees, and does strategic planning to ensure that the conference is maintaining alignment with its vision and following the lead of the Spirit into areas of growth and change.

Report from the June 3, 2026 Board Meeting

Assistant Moderator Janet Panning (Plains Mennonite [Hatfield, PA]) welcomed those gathered and thanked them for their flexibility after the May 18 meeting was rescheduled due to a lack of quorum.

Intercultural Committee Chair Emmanuel Mwaipopo (Nueva Vida Norristown [PA] New Life) opened with a devotional centered on love in the life of the church. Drawing on the song Love Each Other by Graham Kendrick, he invited board members to reflect on both the beauty of Christian love and the places where the church continues to struggle with Christ’s call to love one another.

Assembly 2026 Planning

The board affirmed Psalm 116:1-2 as the centering scripture for Mosaic’s annual assembly, which will be held on November 7, 2026, in Souderton, PA.

The board also considered a proposal regarding virtual participation for delegates. At the request of the Executive Committee, conference staff prepared recommendations outlining how delegates with extenuating circumstances might participate remotely.

Following discussion and questions, the board approved a process that will allow delegates who are unable to attend in person because of extenuating circumstances to participate virtually. Congregations seeking virtual participation for delegates will work through their Leadership Minister, with final approval coordinated through the Associate Executive Minister.

Board Listening Session Reflections

Board members reflected on the spring listening sessions they attended and reviewed summaries from gatherings held so far. A final in-person listening session is planned in California later this summer.

Because the first virtual listening session reached capacity, staff recommended offering an additional online gathering. The board supported the proposal, with invitations being extended to English- and Spanish-speaking congregations that have not yet participated.

Several board members expressed appreciation for the healthy conversation guides used during the sessions and encouraged future opportunities for similarly structured dialogue. After the final session, a summary report of all 2026 listening sessions will be shared in a future issue of Mosaic News.

Congregational Membership Changes

The board formally acknowledged a letter from and accepted the withdrawal of Swamp Mennonite (Quakertown, PA) from membership in Mosaic Mennonite Conference, effective immediately, and sent the congregation with blessing.

Strategic Plan Updates

Ministerial Committee Chair Michael Howes (West Swamp Mennonite [Quakertown, PA]) shared updates regarding the credentialing process and changes implemented since the 2025 Delegate Assembly.

As part of the board’s ongoing strategic plan work, members discussed interest in reviewing how the Church Together conference documents – Faith and Life, Grace and Truth, and Going to the Margins – function within conference life. The board will form a group, which will be named at the Executive Committee meeting in July, to review the documents in light of Mosaic’s strategic plan and bring recommendations to a future board meeting.

March Board Retreat Reflections

The board reflected on the March board retreat and affirmed Maati Yvonne for the circle process that she led. Board members also received letters from the Inclusive Pastors Group expressing appreciation for opportunity for conversation at the March board retreat.

Leadership and Ministry Updates

In his report, Executive Minister Stephen Kriss shared that the Ambassadors summer program is underway with 16 participants and that fundraising efforts for the expanded Ambassadors program continue.

He also provided updates on congregations exploring membership in Mosaic Conference. Two congregations are pursuing membership conversations, as well as one potential Conference-Related Ministry. Board and staff are visiting these potential partners.

Kriss also shared updates on efforts to align staffing levels with current workloads and highlighted various ways congregations are engaging with conference ministries and initiatives.

A review for the Executive Minister, which had been planned last year but delayed until this summer, is underway. Carlos Romero, charged with the review process, will be reaching out to individuals across the conference in the coming months as part of the process.

The next meeting of the full Conference Board is scheduled for August 15.

Listening, Learning, and Leading Together at the March Board Retreat

April 16, 2026 by Cindy Angela

The Mosaic Mennonite Conference Board met March 27-28, 2026, in Lansdale, PA, for a retreat that included relationship-building, intercultural learning, and formal board work.

The weekend began Friday evening at the So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe in Skippack, PA, where board members shared a meal and time together. This retreat was the first time the whole board was together in person, with three new board members joining in 2026 and three in new roles.

Saturday morning opened with a time of equipping led by Intercultural Team staff members Danilo Sanchez and Jennifer Svetlik, focusing on discernment and awareness of power dynamics in leadership.

“Power dynamics are always operative, even when unacknowledged,” reflected Michael Howes, Chair of the Ministerial Committee (West Swamp Mennonite [Quakertown, PA]). “By reflecting on and naming how power operates in our Mosaic system, we’re able to use it in a responsible way – that is, to build the Kingdom.”

A restorative circle facilitated by Board Member Maati Yvonne brought the board together with the Inclusive Mosaic Leader Group for listening and conversation.

“We were grateful for the opportunity to share our concerns and the challenges of ministering fully with LGBTQIA+ members of our congregations in Mosaic, as well as the ongoing pain from past decisions,” shared Sandy Drescher-Lehman, pastor of Methacton Mennonite (Norristown, PA). Inclusive Mosaic is a group of over 30 Mosaic leaders from a dozen congregations that have met since 2023.

Lunch was shared at Dock Commons with Mosaic staff directors, featuring an Indonesian meal prepared by members of Indonesian Light Church (Philadelphia, PA).

In the afternoon, pastors and leaders from several congregations based in California, Florida, and southeastern Pennsylvania shared with the board about how the current political realities related to immigration are impacting their worship, leadership, and ministries. Board members prayed for the impacted pastors and communities.

“Throughout the entire retreat, the Holy Spirit manifested in a special way among us,” shared Board Member Haroldo Nunes (Resplandece Mennonite [Pembroke Pines, FL and hybrid]). “We reaffirmed our commitment to seek new ways to strengthen our support for the Latino brothers and sisters within the conference—walking alongside them in their times of need, praying for them, and doing everything possible to offer them care and hope amidst their suffering.”

In addition to this rich time of listening to Mosaic communities, the board spent time discussing a series of Spring Listening Sessions to continue two-way communication across the conference. These gatherings will be intentionally small, with 20 to 25 participants each, to create space for meaningful dialogue.

Scheduled sessions include May 16 at the Mosaic Conference office, May 19 at Philadelphia Praise Center, and May 26 via Zoom, with a gathering to be determined in California. A session was already held in Florida on February 21 during a pastors’ cluster meeting, with the Board Moderator and Assistant Moderator present. More information and registration is available here.

The board also spent time with Scripture and in prayer. Assistant Moderator Janet Panning offered a devotion on Philippians 1:9-10, highlighting the importance of discernment shaped by love, knowledge, and insight.

In board business, members acknowledged with appreciation letters received from Salford Mennonite (Harleysville, PA) and Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life in response to “A Letter of Care and Commitment from Mosaic.” The board also reviewed and approved the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss statements for the February 2025 through January 2026 fiscal year. The board expressed gratitude for the work of staff and acknowledged the positive financial situation.

In the Executive Minister report, Stephen Kriss shared updates on congregational transitions toward and away from Mosaic, summarized themes from annual staff conversation, and noted the interest among some staff in increased hours. He announced the addition of Rev. Dr. Calenthia Dowdy (Ambler [PA] Mennonite) as Director of Collaborative Ministries. Kriss also noted that Mosaic is preparing to apply for another Lilly Endowment, Inc. Grant.

“The fact that the board occasionally meets face-to-face and can eat and fellowship is important to me,” shared Conference Moderator Roy Williams (College Hill Mennonite [Tampa, FL]). “It is not as efficient from a programmatic point of view, but we need some of those inefficient experiences to bond together as a team.”

The retreat concluded with a spirit of laughter and connection.

Strengthening Shared Mission with Mennonite Partners

March 26, 2026 by Cindy Angela

Mennonite Mission Network and Mosaic Mennonite Conference have set new pathways for partnership as Wil LaVeist, PhD, senior executive for advancement at Mission Network has been appointed as the liaison between the two organizations.

LaVeist is responsible for the Mission Network division that includes the Development and Marketing and Communication departments. A former journalist before joining Mission Network, LaVeist has executive level experience in community relations and outreach with major companies, nonprofits, and churches. He is also a member of the board of trustees at the Lincoln University of Pennsylvania.

“We are grateful for our ongoing relationships with Mission Network and look forward to continuing shared mission and engagement,” states Stephen Kriss, executive minister for Mosaic Mennonite Conference. “Mission Network has been a long-term trusted partner with Mosaic communities.”

Marisa Smucker, executive director for Mission Network comments, “We have been in close partnership with Mosaic Mennonite Conference and its congregations for many years. It is a blessing to be able to continue on this missional journey together.”

A Spirit-Filled 2025 Assembly – Be My Witnesses

November 6, 2025 by Cindy Angela

“I am grateful for a God who gathers us in together. I am grateful for a conference who is willing to wrestle together, who is willing to speak, invite, challenge, and be honest,” shared Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation Danilo Sanchez in his opening remarks at Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s Annual Assembly on November 1, 2025.

Leadership Minister of Intercultural Transformation Danilo Sanchez opens the worship in prayer.

“I don’t know how the Spirit will show up today, but we are grateful for your presence here and the God that we serve,” he continued.

The morning began with vibrant worship led by a team representing seven nations and at least nine languages. The team sang in each other’s languages, embodying the rich diversity of the conference. Worship leader Makinto wrote a new song for the gathering, “We Are Your Witnesses.”

The Assembly’s theme, Be My Witnesses (Acts 1:6-8,), was introduced through Scripture read in six of the conference’s languages—Cantonese, Russian, Indonesian, Kirundi, English, and Spanish.

(The worship livestream is available here; more photos are available here).

The worship team led songs of praise in many of Mosaic’s worshipping languages.

In her sermon, Rev. Dr. Meghan Larissa Good cast a vision for renewed Anabaptist witness, rooted in Jesus as the center of everything. Reflecting on the temptation for Anabaptists to “be proud of our humility,” she reminded participants that it is Jesus’ kingdom that matters, not our particular brand.

“If there is one thing that will be the death of our witness in the next 50 years, it will be trying to save our own lives,” Good challenged. “A church equipped for witness is one that is postured and prepared to give its life away for something better.”

“God excludes nobody. God wastes nobody. If you want to be part of the mission of Jesus, the answer is ‘yes,’” she encouraged.

Executive Minister Stephen Kriss prays for Assembly preacher Rev. Dr. Meghan Larissa Good.

The time of worship included a welcome and prayer for three new member congregations: Iglesia Menonita del Cordero (Brownsville, TX); Iglesia Menonita Fuente de Agua Viva (Los Fresnos, TX); and Redemption Church of Bristol (PA).

Iglesia Menonita del Cordero (Brownsville, TX) was one of three congregations welcomed as Mosaic members during worship.

Participants also honored five credentialed leaders who had died in the past year and recognized two congregations (Salem Mennonite [Quakertown, PA] and Vincent Mennonite [Spring City, PA]) and a Conference-Related Ministry (Spruce Lake Retreat [Canadensis, PA]), that had left Mosaic.

Sixteen Mosaic leaders—newly credentialed, newly ordained, transferring credentials, and credential reaffirmed—were anointed and then offered anointing for all who wished to receive it.

Newly credentialed and ordained leaders receive anointing and then anoint those who came forward.

During the morning session, 165 delegates committed to guidelines for respectful communication, and shared communion, and engaged in conversation around the board’s recommendation around denominational affiliation.

Lunch followed, offering time for fellowship and connection with leaders from Mosaic’s Conference-Related Ministries (CRMs) and other partner agencies.

In the afternoon, Makinto and Mukarabe Makinto, Associate Pastors of LA (CA) Faith Chapel and Co-Directors of CRM Amahoro International, led the group in an embodied peacebuilding and drumming ritual guided by Acts 1:6-8.

Participants were invited to reflect in table groups on Mosaic Conference’s new Centering Document (see: A Mosaic Identity: Clarifying our Center) and offer verbal and written feedback.

Beny Krisbianto, pastor of Nations Worship Center (Philadelphia, PA) noted that his table group emphasized that keeping Jesus at the center of Conference life will bear much fruit, and that listening to one another amid many differences will lead to a “rich theology.”

At the close of the discussion on the Centering Document, Emily Ralph Servant, Leadership Minister for Strategic Priorities, shared, “All of your table feedback is shared with the board. This is a living document. As they continue to receive your feedback, they’ll continue working on expressing who we are.”

The conference recognized board members who are completing their terms at the end of the year: Kiron Mateti (Plains Mennonite [Hatfield, PA]), Angela Moyer Walter (Ripple Church [Allentown, PA]), Herman Sagastume (Healthy Niños Honduras), and Rodger Schmell (Deep Run West [Perkasie, PA]).

Beyond Saturday’s main gathering, the weekend included “Witness Together,” on Friday night: an evening of worship, intercultural relationship building, and equipping on Mosaic’s three core priorities of formational, missional, and intercultural transformation. On Sunday, numerous Pennsylvania congregations received visits by Mosaic leaders and guest preachers from Mosaic pastors and partner agencies.

Delegates Affirm Mosaic Board’s Recommendation to Leave MC USA with 74% Support

November 6, 2025 by Cindy Angela

Over 300 people gathered for Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s annual Assembly on November 1, 2025, at Souderton (PA) Mennonite’s meetinghouse. Centered on the theme “Be My Witnesses” (Acts 1:6-8), the day opened with worship and opportunities to deepen relationships (a report on more of the Assembly, including worship, is available here).

Those gathered shared in communion during the morning delegate session.

During the morning delegate session, attendees shared communion, recognized board and committee members, and affirmed incoming board members and committee chairs:

Roy Williams, Conference Moderator (3-year term, beginning Jan. 2026) (College Hill Mennonite, Tampa, FL)
Janet Panning, Assistant Moderator (3-year term, beginning Jan. 2026) (Plains Mennonite, Hatfield, PA)
Jim Musselman, Board Secretary (3^rd term, beginning Jan. 2026) (Zion Mennonite, Souderton, PA)
Haroldo Nunes, at-large member (1^st term) (Resplandece Mennonite, Florida, Colombia and hybrid)
Jenny Fujita, at-large member (1^st term) (Blooming Glen [PA] Mennonite)
Lucy Hananto Parsono, at-large member (2^nd term) (International Worship Center, San Gabriel, CA)
Michael Howes, Ministerial Committee Chair (1^st term) (West Swamp Mennonite, Quakertown, PA)
Lindy Backues, Conference-Related Ministry Committee Chair (1^st term) (Philadelphia [PA] Praise Center)
Emmanuel Mwaipopo, Intercultural Committee Chair (1^st term) (Nueva Vida Norristown [PA] New Life)

Mukarabe and Makinto (LA Faith Chapel) led those gathered in a drumming and peacemaking ritual focused on Acts 1:6-8.

Board Recommendation on Affiliation

The Mosaic Executive Committee shared with delegates the rationale for the recommendation “to discontinue Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s membership with Mennonite Church USA and cultivate healthy mutual partnerships with Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite World Conference, and other Anabaptist communities.”

“The board does not make this recommendation lightly,” said Conference Moderator Angela Moyer Walter. “For some of us the relationship has been healthy, and we are experiencing significant loss and disorientation, and for others of us it has been painful, and we were ready to discontinue membership last year. Our task as your leaders is to make a recommendation on what is best for the whole of Mosaic.”

Moyer Walter noted that efforts to explore new partnership structures with MC USA revealed significant tensions. “Our current membership excludes too many and cuts us off from relationships that are emerging and flourishing,” she said. “When we addressed these issues with MC USA, we were met with dismissiveness, minimization, and rigidity rather than creative collaboration.”

“MC USA counseled reconciliation, and that requires all parties involved to be willing to be honest, listen to understand, and make the necessary changes for healing to take place. MC USA has remained rigid in their responses to us, telling us what to do rather than finding solutions together, and writing letters rather than speaking to us face to face.”

Assistant Moderator Roy Williams added, “This has been a sad year because MC USA is no longer what I helped put together in the late 90s. From the start, it needed tending and updates because there were so many concessions that were made for it to get off the ground. But they never happened. Now they are in desperate need to update their structures, but rather than working with us to find solutions, they chose to stick with those structures….We cannot allow their rigidity and unwillingness to navigate the changing demographics in the church and world to negatively influence the health and life we find in Mosaic.”

Delegates engaged in table conversation around the board’s recommendation around affiliation, and table leaders were invited to report back what was shared within their groups.

Sonya Stauffer Kurtz (Zion Mennonite) reports back from her table group.

Delegates who gathered in southern California. Photo courtesy of Hendy Matahelemual.

Danilo Sanchez reports back for the virtual table group who participated via Zoom.

“It is decision time,” shared Jeannine Adams of Garden Chapel (Victory Gardens, NJ), “Going forward, we need to listen, whatever happens, and the leadership at all levels needs to listen and be supportive.”

In the afternoon, delegates were asked to vote on the board’s recommendation, using a green-yellow-red system. Of the 165 delegates from congregations and Conference-Related Ministries (CRMs), 64% of delegates voted “green” (affirm the recommendation); 10% voted “yellow” (yield to the recommendation); 23% voted “red” (do not affirm); and 3% abstained (according to Mosaic Conference bylaws, abstentions are counted as “no” votes).

With 74% overall support, the vote passed—exceeding the two-thirds majority required for bylaw changes.

Before announcing results, Leadership Minister for Missional Transformation Noel Santiago invited reflection, “Our story together is larger than any one decision. Whatever we may feel—joy, grief, anger, uncertainty—God welcomes that and holds us in mercy and grace. When the results are announced, we invite everyone to hold this time gently, letting our response be quiet and prayerful, so we can stay attentive to God and to one another.”

Conference Moderator Angela Moyer Walter and Board Secretary Jim Musselman announce the results of the two delegate votes.

Moving Foward

Following the vote, Williams, who begins his term as Moderator in January 2026, affirmed his commitment: “I am trained to serve where I am called, and I will do that with Mosaic.”

Executive Minister Stephen Kriss thanked delegates for their discernment and acknowledged the gravity of the moment. “We have done serious and historic and painful work today,” he said. “I am committed to us living into our vision and mission, and to creating space where you all can flourish as communities and individuals.”

Kriss emphasized that congregations who wish to maintain a connection to MC USA should inform their leadership minister. “We will work alongside congregations who wish to maintain that connection, and I am committed to helping those congregations who wish to maintain dual memberships to have that option even though it does not currently exist in our bylaws.”

He highlighted the spirit in which Mosaic hopes to move forward: “We will continue to be people of Christ’s peace. We will continue to have to work at difficult things. This gives us space and challenge to continue to navigate who God is calling us to be.”

Calling the outcome a “both/and vote,” Kriss noted that the decision was not only to end membership but also to build new, healthy partnerships. “The work for us now is to stay at the table and extend those relationships further.”

Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s formal discontinuation of membership with MC USA took effect on November 3, 2025.

Mosaic Board Recommends Discontinuing Membership with MC USA, Affirms New Centering Document and Financial Strength

September 18, 2025 by Cindy Angela

September 15, 2025 Board Meeting

At its meeting on September 15, 2025, the Mosaic Mennonite Conference Board voted to recommend that the Conference discontinue its existing membership with Mennonite Church USA (MC USA). This recommendation will be brought to delegates for discernment and a vote at the 2025 Mosaic Delegate Assembly.

The approved ballot language reads:

To discontinue Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s membership with Mennonite Church USA and cultivate healthy mutual partnerships with Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite World Conference, and other Anabaptist communities.

Mosaic board members carefully considered the clarity and translatability of the wording before approving it. At the Assembly on Nov. 1, 2025, Mosaic delegates will vote using a red (does not affirm), yellow (yield to the recommendation), or green (affirm) scale. Per Mosaic’s bylaws, any abstentions will be counted as “does not affirm.”

Mosaic’s relationship with MC USA has been challenging for years. Despite years of conversation, Mosaic and MC USA have been unable to reconcile significant differences around polity and intercultural practices—issues that affect Mosaic’s day-to-day realities.

“Due to our connections in other places, Mosaic has been growing quickly, organically, and in relational ways in Colombia, Mexico, and beyond,” said Mosaic board member Haroldo Nunes.

“When we share these realities with MC USA, including the challenges that our non-English speaking pastors have, they are not readily responsive to our needs. By staying within this limiting structure and continuing to wait, our vision and mission is being impacted.”

The board’s decision follows years of prayerful discernment and attempts at dialogue and understanding with MC USA. Mosaic Conference’s Moderator Angela Moyer Walter reached out in late July requesting further conversation with MC USA’s executive committee and was informed that the executive committee was not available for such a meeting.

“We deeply value our history and the relationships we’ve built with our sibling Conferences and church agencies,” Conference Moderator Angela Moyer Walter said.

“MC USA leadership has shown minimal willingness to address structural issues related to polity, intercultural practices, and global partnerships that significantly impact Mosaic. While the denomination was once open to change, that momentum has stalled. Our existing status within MC USA is not healthy, and the board believes moving toward a mutual relationship will allow Mosaic to flourish.”

Moyer Walter noted that Mosaic’s Pathway Steering Team recognized and discerned the need for a more mutual way of relating to MC USA.

“We took an additional year to explore new possibilities, asking for a partnership relationship in which Mosaic would become a ‘program entity’ within MC USA,” she said. “I lament that MC USA did not see this as a possibility. I look forward to the ways in which healthy and mutual partnerships will emerge with Mennonite World Conference, MC USA, and other Anabaptist communities.”

Centering Document Clarifies Identity and Direction

As Mosaic looks to the future, the board also unanimously affirmed a new Centering Document (read in English, Spanish, Indonesian or Haitian Creole) to help articulate the Conference’s identity, and relational posture as “centered set,” with Jesus as our center. This document was informed by other work that Mosaic Conference has done this year to work toward the Clarity/Identity pillar of our strategic plan, including the Respectful Communication Guidelines and the Priorities Guide that will be released in full during the Friday Equipping Event at Assembly weekend.

Reflecting on the new document, Leadership Minister Josh Meyer said, “This document calls us back to the center—Jesus—and invites us to embody both gracious hospitality and high expectations. My hope is that together we live this out, so our communities become living witnesses to Christ’s reconciling love.”

The Centering Document will serve as a guiding framework for how Mosaic engages within its own diverse community and in its relationships with other Anabaptist bodies. It orients towards the Seven Shared Convictions of Mennonite World Conference and Palmer Becker’s Anabaptist Essentials.

“This document is important so we can know who we are as Mosaic Conference and align with our purpose,” said Leadership Minister Aldo Siahaan. “It’s also important that this document be understood by everybody, from every background, culture, faith tradition, and theological perspective, so that we can share the same perspective even amid differences.”

In both the recommendation on discontinuing membership with MC USA and in the creation and affirmation of the Centering Document, the Mosaic board requested and took staff and Leadership Minister feedback seriously.

Financial Health and Stewardship

Mosaic Conference continues to operate from a position of financial strength, due to property acquisition, funds from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. for Vibrant Mosaic, the growth of investments, and continued strong congregational giving.

At the September board meeting, Bruce Thomas of Detweiler Hershey presented the results of the recent financial review, which was formally approved by the board.

“We are grateful for the thorough work of the accounting firm, the Finance Committee, and the Conference staff,” shared Cory Longacre, Chair of the Finance Committee. “Solid stewardship and transparency have positioned Mosaic well to support its vision going forward.”

Additional Updates

The board approved the 2025 Assembly schedule for the docket.
The board reviewed and finalized delegate preparation meeting dates and agendas
The board approved minutes from several committees and previous meetings without changes.

The board meeting opened with devotions led by Assistant Moderator Roy Williams, centered on Philippians 2:1–5, encouraging board members to reflect on the strength and comfort found in Christ and the call to care for one another.

As Mosaic enters a pivotal season, the board’s actions reflect a commitment to spiritual discernment, clarity of mission, and a hopeful vision for the future.

“We lamented, we laughed, we cried, we listened, and we prayed,” reflected Executive Committee member Maati Yvonne. “What would the Lord have us to do? As believers in Christ, we trust the Holy Spirit to lead and to guide as we continue to pray and live into this decision.”