Why are MC USA and Everence considering this change in agency status?
This proposal is part of an ongoing conversation initiated in 2022 by
Mennonite Church USA Executive Board leaders, with the leaders of Everence
® and
MHS Association, as they explored ways to enhance the effectiveness of organizational relationships amid the significant shifts and changes in how people are approaching church life and ministry.
What’s the difference between a program agency and a program entity (ministry partner)?
In short, as an agency, Everence and our Board of Directors are accountable to the MC USA Executive Board. Program entities (ministry partners), however, are self-governing and relate to MC USA through formal or informal agreements.
How many agencies does MC USA currently have?
MC USA currently has five program agencies: Everence,
MennoMedia,
Mennonite Education Agency,
Mennonite Mission Network, and MHS Association.
Does MC USA have ministry partner relationships with other organizations?
Yes. MC USA has similar ministry partner models of affiliation with organizations like
Mennonite Central Committee and
Mennonite Disaster Services.
What makes Everence different from the other MC USA program agencies?
The MC USA Executive Board considers Everence and MHS Association as ministry services program groups, whereas the other agencies (Mennonite Education Agency, MennoMedia, and Mennonite Mission Network) are categorized as theological and formational program groups.
Additionally, Everence is subject to extensive federal and state regulatory requirements and serves large groups outside of MC USA. We’re a mission-driven enterprise made up of 16 not-for-profit and for-profit entities, with approximately $5.8 billion in combined assets under management and some 78,000 clients and members (many of whom belong to the 30+ Anabaptist and like-minded denominations and church networks Everence serves).
What are the benefits of repositioning Everence as a ministry partner of MC USA?
Repositioning us as a ministry partner will offer mutually beneficial advantages for Everence and MC USA, such as:
- Clearer differentiation between theological and formational-related program groups (Mennonite Education Agency, MennoMedia and Mennonite Mission Network) and ministry services-related program groups (Everence and MHS Association).
- Improved alignment of the governance structures for MC USA and Everence.
- Better suitability for the scope of the MC USA Executive Board’s leadership capacity, especially given the legal complexity of governing institutions in highly regulated industries.
- Greater programming flexibility for MC USA and Everence, to serve the best interests of our constituents and members.
Are there disadvantages for Everence to shift from an agency to a ministry partner?
Adopting a new ministry partnership between us and MC USA may require new and intentional ways to connect, communicate and collaborate with the MC USA Executive Board, MC USA agency directors, and other denominational colleagues. However, these are important and valued connections, and we are committed to ongoing relationships and collaboration.
Is this a signal that Everence is moving away from Mennonite Church USA?
No. Everence relates to Mennonite Church USA on a variety of levels, including with individuals, families and their businesses, congregations, conferences, agencies and other organizations, and the larger denomination. We deeply value these connections and are committed to remaining in relationship. Adapting our ministry partnership between MC USA and Everence will not diminish this significant relationship.
How will Everence retain its Anabaptist heritage and focus if it is no longer an MC USA agency?
Our organization exists to
serve individuals, organizations and congregations that share the stewardship principle that all we are and all we have are from God (Psalm 24) – a historic biblical belief of Mennonite and other Anabaptist Christians. Our products and services, member benefits, and corporate practices are – and will continue to be – designed around values and beliefs rooted in the Anabaptist faith tradition. Additionally, we will continue selecting board members who share our Anabaptist faith traditions and values.
Will becoming a ministry partner change the Everence emphasis on stewardship?
No. Anabaptist beliefs about Christian stewardship are at the core of who we are as an organization, and that will not change. It is what establishes our uniqueness as an organization.
Will MC USA congregations and constituents have access to the same Everence services?
Yes. Everence will continue administering
Mennonite Retirement Trust, Jubileo Ministerial, and
The Corinthian Plan (MC USA-sponsored retirement and health plans), as well as the
Pastor Salary Guidelines program. Additionally, we will continue equipping MC USA members and churches through our
stewardship advocates,
Sharing Fund program,
Pastoral Financial Wellness Program,
Safe Church grant program,
church banking and loans,
endowments,
stewardship education resources,
socially responsible investing options, and other financial products and services.
Will this change how Everence works with MC USA conferences?
The relationship between Everence and MC USA conferences will not change. We intend to relate to conferences in similar and/or new ways as a ministry partner to MC USA. Working together helps to build healthy financial stewardship cultures which, in turn, helps congregations experience greater spiritual vitality and resources, pastors gain improved capacity for ministry, and individuals and families grow closer to God.
Didn’t MC USA establish Everence?
Everence has existed for much longer than MC USA. Originally known as Mennonite Mutual Aid Inc. (or MMA), we were established in 1945 by the (Old) Mennonite Church General Conference (“Mennonite Church”) as a new way of extending mutual aid to church members. But it wasn’t until the Mennonite Church and the General Conference Mennonite Church merged to create Mennonite Church USA in 2002 that MMA’s relationship to the denomination was defined as the stewardship agency of MC USA. More about our history can be found on our website at
everence.com/heritage.
When will a decision regarding this proposal be made?
Per MC USA bylaws, the MC USA Executive Board first will bring this proposal to the Delegate Assembly at MennoCon23 for their counsel. If their feedback is supportive, then the delegates will vote on a resolution to authorize the Executive Board to make the necessary bylaw changes. A 2/3 vote will be required to affirm the resolution. Based on these affirmations, the MC USA Executive Board could make a final decision on the change in agency status for Everence at its fall 2023 meeting.
Where can I find additional information about this proposed repositioning of agency status?
The proposed resolution and bylaw change is available on
MC USA's 2023 Delegate Assembly Resources webpage. You may also review MC USA's
accompanying FAQs.
