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2026 Board Listening Sessions Report

Over the spring and summer, the Mosaic Conference Board hosted a series of listening sessions to hear responses to the conference’s growing network of partnerships and to gather hopes, concerns, and ideas about Mosaic’s future. In February through July, sessions were held in Tampa, FL, Lansdale, PA and South Philadelphia, southern California, and on Zoom. Forty-six Mosaic congregations (more than 80% of member congregations) were represented across the sessions.

The input time in these conversations centered on Mosaic’s commitment, affirmed by delegates in Fall 2025, to cultivate healthy mutual partnerships with Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite World Conference, and other Anabaptist communities. See the slides from the partnership presentation here.

Partnership Work Inspires Hope

Participants expressed appreciation for the breadth of relationships Mosaic has maintained and developed during this transitional period.

Staff highlighted ongoing collaboration with Anabaptist colleges and seminaries, Mennonite Church USA leadership development initiatives, Everence, Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Central Committee, MennoMedia, Mennonite World Conference, GRACE, and others.

Several participants expressed excitement about possibilities for additional partnerships, including expanded Spanish-language ministry collaboration, leadership development opportunities, and new connections across the broader Anabaptist family.

Many participants were encouraged that Mosaic has remained connected to a wide range of Mennonite and Anabaptist organizations while creating new opportunities for collaboration. Several also expressed excitement about strengthening relationships across regions and cultures, including expanded Spanish-language ministry, partnerships with international congregations, and greater connection among youth from different parts of the conference.

“Having two-way relationships to build partnerships should give us more joy than worries, precisely because this is work to be shared by everyone,” reflected Pastor Tomás Ramírez of Iglesia Menonita Luz y Vida (Orlando, FL) during one of the sessions. “Mosaic has expanded its wings, and when there are joys and when there are problems, all glory must be given to God.”

Desire for Stronger Relationships Within Mosaic

Across the sessions, participants repeatedly emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships within the conference itself.

Many expressed a desire for deeper connection among congregations and between congregations and conference leadership. Participants spoke about the need for more opportunities to build trust, learn from one another, and engage in meaningful conversation across differences.

Suggestions included more congregational visits, accessible communication, opportunities for churches to share ministry stories, and additional forums for conversation and learning. Participants also envisioned regional gatherings, retreats, worship services, and local ministry partnerships that would help neighboring congregations know one another better, particularly recognizing that part-time pastors often have limited capacity to build those connections on their own.

Michael Bishop, associate pastor at Blooming Glen (PA) Mennonite, reflected on the importance of these gatherings: “The main benefit for me has been relational. While the topics change over time, fellowship, vulnerability, listening, prayer, and mutual accountability remain at the heart of why I participate.” Bishop noted that conversations revealing either celebrations or frustrations helped strengthen trust and mutual understanding through face-to-face relationships.

Discernment, Identity, and Shared Purpose

Participants wrestled with questions about what holds Mosaic together amid significant diversity.

Many affirmed Mosaic’s desire to create space for congregations with differing perspectives while remaining centered on Jesus and participating in God’s reconciling work. At the same time, participants expressed a desire for greater clarity about the conference’s shared commitments and how discernment happens when disagreements arise.

Questions included:

• What beliefs and practices are central to Mosaic’s identity?
• How should congregations navigate differences while remaining in relationship?
• How can the conference foster genuine discernment rather than simply debating positions?
• What role should delegates, congregations, and conference leadership each play in shaping the conference’s direction?

Participants emphasized the importance of listening well, creating space for difficult conversations, and seeking mutual respect even when consensus is not possible. Several participants emphasized the importance of spiritual formation and biblical literacy, encouraging Mosaic to remain attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit while equipping congregations to grow as disciples of Jesus. Others encouraged continued teaching about Anabaptist history and identity, so newer leaders and members better understand the tradition that shapes the conference.

“The Holy Spirit is revealed more completely when we discern together in the midst of our differences than when we discern alone because of our differences,” reflected Assistant Moderator Janet Panning (Plains Mennonite [Hatfield, PA]).

Questions About Inclusion and Belonging

Questions of belonging emerged in multiple sessions, from different perspectives.

Some participants expressed concern about whether congregations with differing theological convictions will continue to find a place within Mosaic. Others raised concerns about whether LGBTQ+ people, pastors, and affirming congregations can fully belong and flourish within the conference.

In some sessions, the increased challenges for immigrants in the U.S. was a primary focus. Participants shared about the work their congregations are doing to build resilience and support immigrants and expressed appreciation to Mosaic for financial support through mutual aid, and recent pastoral letter.

As the conference continues to grow, participants also asked how Mosaic can ensure that relationships remain strong. Questions were raised about supporting international congregations, strengthening regional connections, sharing best practices across the conference, and ensuring that growth never comes at the expense of care, accountability, or mutual support.

Participants consistently emphasized the importance of listening well, practicing hospitality, and building trust through ongoing relationships.

Becoming More Fully a Mosaic

Participants also reflected on Mosaic’s intercultural vision and identity. Some asked what it would mean for Mosaic to become more fully a mosaic of cultures and communities. Participants wondered which cultural assumptions and power dynamics may still dominate conference life, and how every community could more fully see itself reflected in leadership and decision-making.

A recurring hope centered on younger generations. Participants encouraged continued investment in youth leadership development, spiritual formation, and opportunities for young people from different congregations to build relationships across regions. Some envisioned expanded support for the Ambassadors program, additional regional resources in California, and stronger connections among youth throughout the conference.

While perspectives differed on particular issues, several shared themes emerged:

• Appreciation for the conference’s expanding partnerships.
• A desire for stronger relationships and communication within the conference.
• A commitment to remaining in conversation across differences.
• A commitment to investing in youth, leadership development, and spiritual formation.
• Questions about discernment, belonging, shared identity, and healthy growth.
• Hope that Mosaic can continue growing as a diverse, Christ-centered community.

Throughout the listening sessions, participants expressed gratitude for opportunities to be heard and encouraged conference leaders to continue creating spaces for dialogue, relationship-building, and mutual learning as Mosaic moves forward.

There will be a final listening session in South Texas at the end of August. The Mosaic Board will use these themes, and ongoing conversations across the conference, to continue shaping priorities for the years ahead.