Mennonite Church Eastern Canada’s Executive Council regretfully announced the resignation of Leah Reesor-Keller, executive minister on Sept. 28.
“We are grateful for Leah’s service and leadership over the last two years,” says Arli Klassen, chair of the Executive Council. “We remain committed to the identity, purpose, values, vision and priorities that were heartily approved at the annual church gathering earlier this year in April.”
In spite of the pandemic, Reesor-Keller strengthened relationships across the regional church’s diverse family of faith, listening and connecting with leaders from many different communities, as well as with Mennonite church leaders across Canada. As the world tilts and changes with church playing a different role in Canadian society, she led MC Eastern Canada in a “Courageous Imagination” strategic visioning process, encouraging reflection about who God is calling the regional church to be as a movement instead of as an institution.
“It has been an honour to serve in this role through many joyful and challenging experiences over the past two years,” writes Reesor-Keller in her recent letter to MC Eastern Canada’s family of faith. “Though I am finishing my leg of the race and passing along the baton of leadership, I continue to believe deeply in the church and in the gifted and passionate leaders on . . . Executive Council and staff. I have confidence that the Spirit is up to something among us, moving in visible and invisible ways.”
John Reimer, MC Eastern Canada’s operations director, will become the acting executive minister as the regional church seeks an intentional interim executive minister.
“We have confidence in John’s steady presence as we move through this leadership transition,” says Klassen.
Over the next year or so, the intentional interim executive minister will continue to work with MC Eastern Canada’s strategic planning process.
Reesor-Keller concludes her ministry on Oct. 14. A farewell event will be held in October.
“We offer to Leah our deep appreciation for her leadership over the last two years and our best wishes for wherever she will share her considerable gifts and talents,” says Klassen. “We ask for your prayers and your support . . . as we navigate our way forward through these leadership transitions in the coming months.”
Leah Reesor-Keller resigns as MC Canada Executive Minister. (Photo courtesy of Leah Reesor-Kellor)
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