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Who We Are
Linden MB Church began in March 1926 when a number of families gathered together to worship, pray and seek God. Some time later the church joined the Alberta Mennonite Brethren Conference of Churches.
The Alberta Mennonite Brethren Conference of Churches is part of the larger Mennonite Brethren Conference of Churches. The Mennonite Brethren are ordinary people, old and young, ethnically diverse. You may be surprised to learn that there are MB churches in Africa, Europe, Asia and South America as well as in Canada and the United States. The MB church began in Russia on January 6, 1860 when a group of 18 families within the Mennonite Church called for a return to a passionate walk with God. They called themselves Mennonite "Brethren" (Brothers) because of the intimate Christian fellowship they developed. They treated each other as members of the same loving Christian "family" Back then God worked in the lives of a group of men and women to revitalize their faith.
Linden MB Church is also made up of ordinary people, old and young, from all walks of life. Our desire as a church is to see God at work in each of our lives, whether it is starting a walk of faith or revitalizing it, all through the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
As part of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches we hold the same values, namely:
- We are a believers church: we emphasize personal salvation and discipleship for each of our members.
- We are a biblical movement: we encourage study and knowledge of the Bible.
- We value covenant community: we stress the importance of individuals belonging to a local church, and belonging together as a conference for mutual accountability and "spurring each other on to love and good deeds."
- We are a missionary church: we emphasize sharing the good news of God's Kingdom in local and global settings.
- We value peace and reconciliation: we emphasize our need to be peacemakers in all levels of relationship.
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How We Are Structured
We see the church as a community of faith. Entrance into its membership occurs through confession of faith in Christ and baptism upon that confession. In this community people are accountable to one another. Our congregational church government grows out of this sense of accountability. So does our desire to live in such a way that our personal witness does not compromise the witness of others within the church. We see ourselves responsible to support and encourage others in their journey of faith. We cannot become mature believers without other parts of the body of Christ. The notion of a people of God distinct from our society puts us in tension with the kingdoms of this world.
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What Is Important To Us?
Here at Linden MB Church our vision is to know and respond to the love of God (1 John 4:7-12). The mission that God has placed on our hearts is "Inviting people to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2a)."
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What Do We Believe?
- We believe in God as eternal Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created and sustains the universe. The eternal purpose of God the Father is to create a people who will bring glory to God forever. God alone is worthy of worship.
- We believe that God became human in Jesus Christ. Jesus came to restore the world because humans have rejected God in disobedience. Jesus taught and modeled the way of God's kingdom. He died on the cross, making it possible for us to accept a renewed relationship with God. He rose from the dead, broke the power of sin and death, and frees us to live in obedience to God's will.
- We believe that God the Holy Spirit invites all people to be reconciled with God and to join the global family of faith. Believers confess their faith, are baptized, and join in the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and guided by the Bible, members of the church seek to live as followers of Christ and invite others to experience this new life.
- As Christians we look forward to the day when God will once again send Jesus to bring all things under God's eternal rule.
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What Can You Expect?
Grace and Love
We acknowledge that accepting God’s grace and love causes us to extend it to those around us, regardless of where they are in their relationship with God. Colossians 4:6; 1 John 4:7-21
Teaching
We acknowledge that each of us needs weekly teaching from God’s Word. Ephesians 4:11-16
Encouragement
We acknowledge that each of us needs regular encouragement in our journey with God. Hebrews 10:23-25
Guidance and Direction
We acknowledge that each of us is in need of guidance and direction as we make life decisions. Acts 20:28-35
Discipleship
We acknowledge that we are all on a spiritual journey where more one-on-one teaching takes place. Matthew 18:15-20
Fellowship and Caring
We acknowledge that each of us is in need of intimate relationships where we receive and give care. Acts 2:42
Assistance in Times of Need
We acknowledge that each of us encounters times where we are in need, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional. Acts 6:1-7; 11:27-30
Opportunities to Serve
We acknowledge that the church functions the best as we serve each other and the community around us. We will assist you in discovering where you might best put your gifts, abilities, and passions to use, both in and outside the church. Acts 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
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Leadership Team
The Leadership Team consists of the following:
Kurt Ratzlaff, Moderator
Elvin Blosser, Assistant Moderator
Ken Toews
Hugh Sjostrom
Donna-Lynn Ratzlaff
Hugh Kung
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Staff
The staff consists of the following:
Gary Burke, Pastor of Care and Coaching
Gary and his wife Beverly became part of the church family in September 2005. Gary joined the staff in September 2007. He is a graduate of Ontario Bible College.
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Conny Neufeld, Administrative Assistant
Conny grew up in the Linden area and joined the staff in 2000. Conny and her husband Ernie have three children, Marni, Julie, and Nicole (pictured).
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