MB Seminary Celebrates the Class of 2020

For all that the MB Seminary class of 2020 has accomplished, they might be most remembered for what they have not yet experienced.

April commencement ceremonies in British Columbia and Manitoba were postponed this year from their usual dates in April due to social gathering restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the uncertainty of this crisis, there was significant disappointment in missing the public celebration of this much-anticipated academic milestone.

The commencement ceremony for MB Seminary graduates at ACTS Seminaries, the Graduate School of Theology at Trinity Western University (Langley, BC), has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2020. Convocation for the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry at Canadian Mennonite University (Winnipeg, MB) has also been rescheduled for the fall, with a potential date in September. We eagerly anticipate both of these opportunities to celebrate and honour our graduates’ achievements together.

Twelve MB Seminary students graduated in 2020. We wish them God’s richest blessings as they continue serving Him.  

2020 Graduates, Langley (ACTS)

T Anderson, Master of Arts in Christian Leadership, is the first person within the ACTS consortium to graduate with a degree in Christian Leadership. T is continuing to coordinate the ACTS World Campus on behalf of MB Seminary and plans to pursue a doctoral degree. She attends Ross Road Community Church (Abbotsford, BC).

Chris Christiansen, Master of Theological Studies, will be teaching at the Richmond campus of Trinity Western University this upcoming fall. He continues to work on a manuscript that is scheduled to be published in 2021. He attends Northview Community Church (Abbotsford, BC).

Paul Foth, Master of Theological Studies, is working for an agency that provides settlement assistance and resources to immigrants and refugees. He and his wife live in Creston, BC, and attend St. Aidan Orthodox Church (Cranbrook). 

Peter Koteles, Master of Arts in Christian Studies, serves as a project manager for Power to Change. He attends Mountain Park Community Church (Abbotsford, BC) where he serves on the Board of Elders.

DarLee-Ann Macphail, Master of Arts in Christian Studies, serves as Kids Pastor at Central Heights Church (Abbotsford, BC).

Andrea Pastoor, Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, is pursing a career that provides services for families impacted by adoption, specializing in couples and children’s therapy. In the future, she plans to work overseas in Romania to establish a woman’s and children’s home by those impacted by trauma and abuse.

Jeff Peters, Master of Theology, serves as Associate Pastor at Bakerview Church (Abbotsford, BC). He is also a sessional instructor at Columbia Bible College where he teaches a course on 1 Corinthians.

Stephen Sesink, Master of Divinity, completed his degree while living in Alberta. He is currently pursing job opportunities in the Edmonton area.

2020 Graduates, Winnipeg (CMU)

Moni (Karen) Isaak, Master of Arts in Theological Studies, is the program director for an immigrant youth services organization that assists people from a variety of faith perspectives. She lives in Abbotsford, BC and attends King Road MB Church.

Jonathan Muehling, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, serves as Associate Pastor at Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church (Winnipeg, MB). His primary responsibilities include preaching, congregational care, and pastoral team support.

Stefan Klassen, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, will be serving as the Associate Pastor at Steinbach MB Church beginning in August 2020.

Johnny Dodsworth, Certificate in Christian Ministry, serves as the Discipleship and Life Groups Pastor at Eastview Community Church (East St. Paul, MB). 

[MB Seminary is the national seminary of the MB churches of Canada.