Every organization has a purpose; an answer to the deceptively simple question, “Why?” At Mennonite Mission Network, that “why?” is to lead, mobilize and equip the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ — across the street, all through the marketplaces and around the world.
In this Q&A series, Mission Network asks staff members to think about the role they play in the agency, and how they see their daily work joining into what God is doing around the world.
In this installment, Elizabeth Eby reflects on her role as Ministry Support Team Coordinator.
What brought you to your role with Mennonite Mission Network?
My biggest priority when looking for a job was to find an organization whose values and practices brought about a positive impact in the world.
In school I had studied conflict transformation and Bible and religion hoping to apply that knowledge to my future work. I grew up hearing about Mennonite Mission Network and their work through my church and had a great appreciation for it. When I was in high school, I had two opportunities to participate in their Youth Venture program. These experiences positively broadened my world view, helping me envision how my own life could serve the global community. As a senior in high school, I even job shadowed Arloa Bontrager for a day at the Elkhart Mission Network offices, never suspecting that six years later I would end up working here myself.
In the beginning of 2024, I heard rumors that Mission Network might be hiring. As part of my job search, I regularly checked their website to see if anything was available. I applied and then started my role as Ministry Support Team Coordinator in April of 2024.
What is your favorite part of your role with Mission Network?
In my role, I get to work with international workers and their chosen Ministry Support Teams to ensure that each worker’s ministry is supported both financially and holistically. While I do enjoy tracking data on spreadsheets or otherwise, my favorite part has been hearing directly from workers about the passion they have for their work. The Ministry Support Team system is intended to connect individuals and congregations with the work of the global church in meaningful ways. When I hear workers talk about their ministry and its breadth of impact, I feel excited for the ways each support network promotes a two-way mission in which the church can support and be supported by passionate kingdom work.
How has your perspective on your role with Mission Network changed over your time with the agency?
I’ve only been here for a bit over a year, and my understanding of my role has shifted a lot. I’ve grown to more deeply understand how my work connects with the overall work of the organization. There have also been opportunities to analyze and review the Ministry Support Team system to make sure it’s operating well, including making adjustments and offering additional resources. I think both the role and my perspective of it will continue to shift as we work to make this system the best it can be.
How do you view your role with Mission Network fitting into God’s mission for the church?
My role is like support “inception.” We make sure workers have a close-knit group of support and then connect them to an expanded support network of friends, family, acquaintances, and former strangers receiving and supporting each respective ministry. Each level of this support trickles up to support the broad ministry which itself supports God’s global vision of good news in the world.
It can be tempting to think that we are isolated from those who are far away from us or think differently from us. It sometimes feels that so much bad is going on in the world that our only choice is to focus on the problems right in front of our faces. But we are called to expand our worldview and to see the many ways “isolated” communities come together to tackle the same problems so that the world can be a better place.
What is something that has surprised you about your role with Mission Network?
I have been surprised with how many opportunities I’ve had to connect with my coworkers across the country. I work from my home in Virginia and have been blessed with our staff prayer meetings and connection breaks that allow me to feel like my whole person is accepted and seen by my colleagues at Mission Network.
