Introduction

The vision of Mennonite Church USA and its mission agency, Mennonite Mission Network, is that:

Every congregation and all parts of the church will be fully engaged in God’s mission.

It is our desire that all Mennonite Church USA congregations have the opportunity to be informed about how we together as a denomination are participating in God’s work and to have the opportunity to be actively engaged in mission.

Face-to-face contacts with the staff and international workers of Mennonite Mission Network provide communication opportunities that neither printed materials nor multimedia presentations can match. The staff and mission workers of Mission Network appreciate opportunities to visit in the congregations, area conferences and other Mennonite gatherings to meet people and discuss with them what God is doing across the street and around the world and how they may be partners in that mission.

This Speakers Guide lists Mennonite Mission Network staff that may be available not only to preach on a Sunday morning, but to give a wide variety of presentations. Each of the speakers brings a particular focus and emphasis to his or her presentations, as you may note from the types of presentations and themes indicated for each. Please feel free to initiate an invitation for a speaker at or by clicking on the link “Request an event with...” with each speaker’s information.

Unfortunately, due to travel costs our speakers are not available outside of the United States. If you have questions about connecting with local Mennonites in your country, please contact our International Ministries department at

Online instructions

1. Use the left hand navigation menu to search for speakers by type of presentation or theme. You can also search the complete speakers list.

2. When reviewing speakers, click on the speaker thumbnail photo or "more info..." link to see expanded information on the speaker.

Available features on the speaker page include:

• Speaker photo downloads for promotional use
• Extended biographies for press releases
• A listing of upcoming speaker events
• Speaker request inquiry form
• “Enhance the time with your mission speaker” resource
• Evaluation by congregation form

Using the directory

1. Think about your goal for your mission emphasis or worship service. Who is the primary audience? What are your expectations of the speaker? This will help determine the most appropriate speaker. Some speakers, like Stanley Green and James Krabill, are much in demand and their schedules fill quickly. If possible, schedule a mission speaker on a Sunday when your pastor is present so that the pastor will also be informed about missions.

2. Think about having a missions speaker who will help your congregation focus on what it means to be a missional church. Many of the Mennonite Mission Network staff are prepared to address that subject. If your congregation is envisioning a new ministry or a new partnership in ministry, staff from the Missional Church Development department is especially qualified work with you.

3. Plan and make your request early. Three to six months ahead is recommended. Speaker requests for the fall months sometimes cannot be confirmed until May or early summer. Be patient, but feel free to check with the contact person to ask about the status of your request.

4. Be creative in your use of speakers. Most are willing to be involved in multiple situations and appreciate opportunity for dialogue as well as input. If you schedule someone to speak in a worship service, try to also schedule them to relate to a Sunday-school class or a small group, plan their meals with a group, etc. The most common highlight of a church contact is the time spent in informal settings.

5. Consider sharing a speaker with a nearby congregation, especially if you want someone for only one service or if your congregation is small. We encourage planning for a speaker to have a minimum of two or three involvement times in a church or combination of several churches.

6. Encourage younger adults and families to become more interested in missions by arranging for them to host the speaker for lodging or meals. This provides an opportunity for all ages to interact.

Hosting a speaker

1. Make a request for a speaker using one of the following options:

• Select a speaker from the online guide and click the "Request an event with..." link and follow the instructions.
• E-mail:
• Phone: toll-free 1-866-866-2872 (1-866-To-MC USA)
• Write: Speakers
  PO Box 347
  Newton, KS 67114
  

2. The congregational relations team will work with you to arrange the appropriate speaker.

3. After you receive a confirmation form, please contact the speaker directly to plan the details of the visit.

4. Host the speaker, providing meals and lodging as needed.

5. After the visit, complete and return an evaluation form that will be provided.

6. We request that you send the Mission Network a contribution to cover the costs of the speaker’s travel and an honorarium. You are not expected to give the speaker an honorarium at the time of the visit as speakers are paid as part of their salary from Mennonite Mission Network. Rather, send the check to Mennonite Mission Network, noting the speaker's name and “church contact” on the memo line. (For example: "Stanley Green church contact")

7. If you receive a special offering for Mennonite Mission Network, please designate what portion is for speaker expenses and what portion is a contribution for Mennonite Mission Network in general or for a specific fund.