Annual Credentials Renewal

First Year Implementation

May 2025 

RE: Annual Credentials Renewal - First Year Implementation 

Dear MCBC Pastors, 

After almost 1.5 years of gathering feedback, updating our ethics policy, and reviewing the Ministerial Leadership Information (MLI) process, we are pleased to announce that our credentials annual renewal process begins now. 

There is no longer an up-front professional fee for the MLI (previously charged for new applications and updates), as we are transitioning to an annual renewal of credentials, like most professions, networks and denominations. 

This annual fee will cover: 

  • Costs associated with maintaining the database where all clergy records and credentials are kept 
  • Administrative costs of maintaining current records of credentialed leaders who affirm the code of conduct 
  • Supporting the cost of boundary training (now required every three years) in each regional church 
  • Supporting the cost of a nationwide access point so that people with concerns regarding misconduct can report them with greater ease 
  • Create a reserve to help offset the cost of misconduct investigations and processes, along with offering support for counselling for complainants and respondents, and training for those who lead these processes. 

Our Regional Church will issue you an annual credentials card as well as a reminder of your covenanted call to ministry. Our Credentials Coordinator, Katrina, maintains records of your boundary training status. We offer this training annually in MCBC, and the requirement cycle has now changed from every 5 years to every 3 years. 

Important Information: 

  • Deadline: All holders of any MC Canada/MCBC credential must complete registration and payment by June 30th for this first year. In following years it will be during a window of April 1 to May 30th of each year. 
  • Credential Period: The active status year will normally run from April 1 through March 31 of the following year after this first year.  
  • If you have already paid an MLI fee in 2025 January 1st forward, we will waive the annual registration fee until April 1 of 2026. 
  • If you are active, your church may reimburse you for the annual active credential as part of your professional expenses. 

Accountability and Ethics Covenant Reminder: 
As part of your annual renewal, you are covenanting to uphold the ethics outlined in the Guiding Ministerial Leadership in Mennonite Church Canada (GMLC). Please review Part 1, Section I and Part 1, Section VI of this document, which cover the ministry ethics you will annually affirm. 

As an MCBC pastor you are also affirming Part 1 of the Covenant Between Pastor and Congregation. MCBC Covenant Between Pastor and Congregation  

You can download the GLMC here: https://www.commonword.ca/ResourceView/82/28071 

If you have any questions about the renewal process or need assistance, please contact the MCBC office. 

Thank you for your continued ministry and commitment to MCBC. 

In Jesus our Centre and Unity, 

 

Shelby Boese. Rev. Dr. 

Executive Minister and Church Leadership Minister for MCBC: The Westcoast Anabaptist Network