By Jessica Griggs for Mennonite Church USA
ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Church USA) — Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) hired Warren Yoder as the director of constituent engagement. In this new position, Yoder will work from a dispersed location to help the denomination connect more fully with its member churches, organizations and individuals.
Iris de León-Hartshorn, associate executive director of operations for MC USA, said, “We are excited to have Warren join MC USA. Warren comes with a vast amount of experience working for nonprofits. He is a people person, and I believe he will do a great job communicating with our constituency about the work MC USA is doing, as well as listening to their concerns and receiving feedback about what we are doing well.”
Yoder graduated from Jackson (Mississippi) State University, with a bachelor’s degree in social work, and Temple University, in Philadelphia, with a Master of Social Work. Previously, he worked as the executive director of two faith-based nonprofit organizations relating to community services and family advocacy in his home state of Mississippi. His most recent work was in the clinical setting, where he helped counsel patients whose lives were disrupted by chronic diseases. Yoder also brings experience leading inclusive development programs that engaged supporters from diverse racial and religious backgrounds.
Yoder said, “Constituency engagement is not only a responsibility; it is also a tremendous personal gift. People are willing to share their heart, tell me what they love and plan their unique engagement with the work of the church. I am deeply grateful for that blessing every time someone shares their story, as we walk together in the ways of Jesus.”
Yoder is a member of Open Door Mennonite Church in Jackson.
Mennonite Church USA is the largest Mennonite denomination in the United States with 16 conferences, approximately 540 congregations and 56,000 members. An Anabaptist Christian denomination, MC USA is part of Mennonite World Conference, a global faith family that includes churches in 59 countries. It has offices in Elkhart, Indiana and Newton, Kansas.mennoniteUSA.org