Canadian Mennonite
Volume 12, No. 9
April 28, 2008
New denominational minister announced
WINNIPEG
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Karen Martens Zimmerly has been appointed to the position of denominational minister with Mennonite Church Canada. She brings to this role the wisdom and experience of more than 20 years of ministry.
A Saskatchewan native, Martens Zimmerly grew up in what she describes as the active, vibrant congregation of Fiske Mennonite Church, where everyone was encouraged to play a role in church life. “I was always involved,” she says. “I preached my first sermon at 17.”
Still, entering ministry was not a conscious goal at the time. She received her bachelor of education degree from the University of Saskatchewan and taught school for three years before beginning theological studies at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
Throughout her ministry, Martens Zimmerly has co-pastored with her husband Terry. They spent five years at West Abbotsford (B.C.) Mennonite Church and almost 16 years with their current congregation, Grace Mennonite Church in Regina. Sharing a ministry allowed them to respond to their calling and to care for their growing sons, now aged 16, 18 and 20. “It was wonderful for family life,” she says.
Walking with people through celebration and challenge, mentoring individuals and working with church leaders at every level to realize the mission of God’s church, bring her personal satisfaction. “The most rewarding aspect of ministry for me is relationships with people and seeing God at work,” she says.
Martens Zimmerly is looking forward to her new role, but leaving Grace Mennonite won’t be easy. Although sharing the news of her appointment with the church was an emotional experience, she received strong affirmation for her decision.
“We’re pleased for Karen and for Mennonite Church Canada. Karen has some real gifts,” says Peter Neufeldt, Grace Mennonite’s congregational chair. “We’re sad to lose them, but at the same time pleased for them and this opportunity for their careers, and for MC Canada.”
Dave Bergen, executive secretary of MC Canada Christian Formation, welcomes Martens Zimmerly, saying she brings “a churchly wisdom gained through significant participation in area church re-visioning processes, and a passion for growing a church whose leaders are attuned to and prepared for leadership in the challenging cultural environment of the 21st century.”