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- What is MEA’s place within the organizational structure of Mennonite Church USA?
In the summer of 2001, a significant process of discernment by the former General Conference Mennonite Church and the former Mennonite Church resulted in the creation of a new denomination, Mennonite Church USA. In the consolidation and configuration of denominational structures, six offices of ministry were created and numerous agencies were reorganized, including Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Publishing Network, MMA Stewardship Agency and Mennonite Education Agency. In work leading up to this, the Education Integration Committee, with representatives from both the General Conference and Mennonite Church educational agencies, worked to envision the new educational agency, with the benefit of the experience of educational leadership from Mennonite Board of Education (Mennonite Church) and Higher Education Council (General Conference Mennonite Church), and a new agency structure emerged. A board of directors, which reports to the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board, was appointed and officially took leadership in 2002.
- Who is part of MEA?
Elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities and seminaries are part of MEA. Altogether, these educational institutions serve over 14,500 students (headcount). The schools of the Mennonite Schools Council are located throughout the United States including Puerto Rico, and two schools in Canada (see map). The leadership boards of each higher education instutiton and of Mennonite Schools Council relate to the MEA board and staff according to mutually agreed-upon statements of arrangements. The MEA board of directors appoints members to institutional boards.
Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Bethel College
Bluffton College
Eastern Mennonite University
Goshen College
Hesston College
- Mennonite Schools Council (A related link is www.mennoniteschools.org.)
- What is MEA's leadership structure?
The MEA Board of Directors is composed of knowledgeable, experienced persons from throughout Mennonite Church USA who also have passion for education from a Mennonite perspective. The MEA executive director reports to the board. The MEA leadership team includes an executive director, associate directors and other staff members. (see board of directors, staff)
- Does MEA serve only those who attend Mennonite schools or Mennonite education programs?
MEA’s mandate is to facilitate all levels of education for Mennonite Church USA – early childhood and preschool programs; elementary and secondary schools; colleges and universities; seminaries and graduate programs; and lifelong learning opportunities. The Hispanic Pastoral and Leadership Education office of MEA has a mandate to expand leadership education opportunities for Hispanic Mennonites. In addition, MEA is finding ways to connect with other Mennonite institutions and students.
- How is MEA addressing issues of diversity?
Within the broader framework of the missional, inclusional Mennonite Church USA , we are committed to identifying and providing for the education of Racial/Ethnic people, people who live in urban areas and people who live in areas where there are no Mennonite educational institutions. The number of Racial/Ethnic students is slowly increasing while the number of Racial/Ethnic church members is the fastest growing part of Mennonite Church USA. Addressing this issue is a key component of MEA's strategic plan.
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