David Boshart of Wellman, Iowa, is the nominee for moderator-elect for the 2015–17 biennium of Mennonite Church USA. (Photo provided)
NEWTON, Kan. (Mennonite Church USA)—The Leadership Discernment Committee of Mennonite Church USA announces David Boshart of Wellman, Iowa, as the nominee for moderator-elect of Mennonite Church USA for the 2015–2017 biennium.
The denominational Delegate Assembly will vote on the nomination in July 2015 during the biennial convention in Kansas City, Mo. Boshart serves as executive conference minister for Central Plains Mennonite Conference. He also is currently in his seventh year of service on Mennonite Church USA’s Executive Board.
“David’s experience in leading the church at the local level, the area conference level and the national level make him uniquely positioned for this role,” said Terry Shue, Mennonite Church USA director for leadership development and the staff member assigned to work with the Leadership Discernment Committee. “Anyone who has served on a board with David becomes aware of his ability to listen to those around him and to lead with clarity and courage. His pastoral heart and his keen mind have served the church well through some very important stages, and I believe that these experiences will continue to be used by God in very positive ways.”
If affirmed at the Kansas City 2015 assembly, Boshart will serve two years as moderator-elect and two years as moderator and chair of the Executive Board. He would succeed the current moderator-elect, Patricia Shelly of North Newton, Kan. The present moderator is Elizabeth Soto Albrecht of Lancaster, Pa.
Prior to being appointed as executive conference minister in 2010, Boshart served as a pastor of local congregations for more than 25 years. He has a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies with an emphasis in Missional Theology from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., and is the author of the books Becoming Missional: Denominations and New Church Development in Complex Social Contexts and Sex and Faith, a Bible study guide on male sexuality from the Closer than a Brother series published by Faith and Life Press. Boshart also serves as an adjunct professor at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind., and Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Va.
In his current role, Boshart provides leadership for the overall mission, vision and direction of Central Plains Mennonite Conference. He works with local congregations to help them focus their vision for ministry in their local contexts, and also to help develop partnerships among congregations to expand their capacity for witness and mission.
Boshart has accepted this nomination with the unanimous support and affirmation of the Executive Committee of Central Plains Mennonite Conference. During their Sept. 25–27 meetings in Kansas City, Mo., Mennonite Church USA’s Executive Board members unanimously affirmed Boshart’s nomination, and this broad support was echoed by members of the Constituency Leaders Council at their Oct. 6–8 meeting in Schiller Park, Ill.
“I have worked intermittently with Dave for the past 15 years,” said Sharon Waltner, former Mennonite Church USA moderator and member of the Leadership Discernment Committee. “Dave creatively speaks, thinks and writes within a missional framework. He is deeply committed to unity in our church by seeking God’s Spirit and direction through our many disparate voices. Dave is a leader Mennonite Church USA needs at this time.”
Boshart is married to Shana Peachey Boshart, who serves as Central Plains’ conference minister for Christian formation, and they have three sons. They are part of Wellman Mennonite Church.
The Leadership Discernment Committee consists of Horace McMillon (chair), Jackson, Miss.; Dionicio Acosta, Lititz, Pa.; Kim Vu Friesen, Minneapolis, Minn.; Paula Brunk Kuhns, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Edie Landis, Telford, Pa.; Sharon Waltner, Parker, S.D.; Louise Wideman, Bluffton, Ohio; Terry Shue (staff), Kidron, Ohio; and Kathryn Rodgers (staff), Elkhart, Ind.
###
—Mennonite Church USA staff
Image available:
ftp://ftp.e.mennonites.org/public/NewsPhotos/Boshart_David_2014.jpg
David Boshart of Wellman, Iowa, is the nominee for moderator-elect for the 2015–17 biennium of Mennonite Church USA. (Photo provided)