Join Mission Network at MennoCon Follow Jesus 25, the biennial convention of Mennonite Church USA, in Greensboro, NC, July 8-12, 2025. We’re hosting eight engaging seminars exploring peacebuilding, mission, and Anabaptist identity. All times are in EDT.
In addition to our staff presenting throughout the week, we invite you to a reception:
A Gathering with Purpose
July 10, 8 – 10 PM | Imperial Ballroom A
Share updates and stories, and celebrate our shared calling to peace, justice and faith. Whether you’re an alum, a friend, or simply interested in our mission, connect with mission workers, staff, and others passionate about global impact (and enter a prize drawing!).
Seminar Schedule
Broad Spectrum Peacemaking: MMN Partners in West Africa
July 9, 2:30 PM | Heart Track | Adult
Discover La Casa Grande, an MMN partner in Benin, evolving from a Spanish Mennonite-funded orphanage to a multifaceted ministry. Now including a regional school supported by MMN, a farm backed by German Mennonites, and a for-profit recycling program funded by European grants, it’s launching job training and entrepreneurial mentorship. Learn how this global Mennonite project addresses justice across the community’s life cycle.
Presenters: MMN partners (names TBD)
What Are We Doing Here Anyway?
July 9, 3:30 PM | Heart Track | Youth
Explore the purpose and impact of mission work in today’s context with fresh perspectives on living out faith.
Presenter: Eric Frey Martin, Director of Constituent Engagement
Afrocentric Anabaptists
July 10, 10:15 AM | Heart Track | Intergenerational
Dive into a documentary project highlighting the journeys of Anabaptists of Africa and African descent in the Americas. Learn the value of culturally competent mission encounters and their impact on the Mennonite church.
Presenter: Wil LaVeist, Senior Executive of Advancement
What You Do Next Matters
July 10, 10:15 AM | Body Track | Youth
Reflect on actionable steps for living out faith and justice in your community and beyond.
Presenter: Eric Frey Martin, Director of Constituent Engagement
Mission Committee of Today
July 10, 11:15 AM | Body Track | Credentialed Leaders
Reimagine the role of mission committees in today’s changing landscape. Explore ways to shift from colonial approaches to true partnership and reinvigorate mission work for the modern church.
Presenters: Alexander Mace, Program Director for Mennonite Voluntary Service; Eric Frey Martin, Director of Constituent Engagement; Joani Miller, Director of Training and Resources
A Year of Serving: MVS and Service Adventure Panel
July 10, 3:30 PM | Heart Track | Youth
Hear from Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) participants and Service Adventure leaders as they share their experiences of peacebuilding and justice through MMN’s service programs.
Panelists: Christian and Leigha Stoltzfus, Leaders, Colorado Springs; Emily Keefer, Alamosa; Mir Knego, Leader, Anchorage, Schyler Entz, Tucson. Alexander Mace, Program Director for Mennonite Voluntary Service, will moderate.
What Is an Anabaptist Christian? Refreshed
July 11, 10:15 AM | Mind Track| Youth
Do you attend a Mennonite church but wonder what it means to be Mennonite? Have you heard the word “Anabaptist” but wonder what it means? This seminar will shed light on these questions by sharing perspectives from Palmer Becker’s influential booklet, What is an Anabaptist Christian?, and from Anabaptist Christians from Africa, Asia, and Latin America–where the majority of Christians live today.
Presenter: Joe Sawatzky, Training and Resources Facilitator
Prophetic Peacemaking: Community Mediation in South Africa
July 11, 11:15 AM | Heart Track | Adult
Join Oscar Siwali of SADRA to learn about his transformative work in peacebuilding and community mediation in post-apartheid South Africa.
Presenters: Oscar Siwali, Director of SADRA (Southern African Development and Reconstruction Agency); Sibonokuhle Ncube, Regional Director for Africa and Europe
Why attend?
These seminars offer a unique opportunity to engage with global Mennonite mission work, from West Africa to Latin America and beyond. Join us to explore peacemaking, service, and culturally competent mission. Be inspired to take the next step in your faith journey!
