Mesach Krisetya may have been on a sabbatical. But his keen eyes and mind weren't resting. The President of Mennonite World Conference had come to the U.S. for a six-month break from his teaching and leadership duties in Indonesia from April-October, 2000.Krisetya spoke gently, but with conviction, about what he has seen in the churches he has visited.
"In North America, Mennonites are giving so much attention and money to old people. Their retirement communities are like palaces. But where is their effort for young people?
"Young people need a place. When I attend North American churches, I see old people and families with little children. We Mennonites have worked so hard at evangelizing others. But what about our own children?
"We must learn from and work with our neighboring churches. We must increase our ecumenical connections and work together to keep our young people. We have to listen to young people's ideas. We must make them feel at home. I can't always tolerate their music, but people like me must adjust!
"The Mennonite churches in North America are full of rich old people. When people become affluent, they become most concerned about themselves; they have little interest in the world beyond." That reality, Krisetya believes, threatens another development he sees in Mennonite churches everywhere.
"Mission now depends on lay persons rather than clergy. The role of the pastor has changed from being primarily an evangelist to being primarily an equipper of lay members."
Krisetya sees hope in that shift, in part because of his experience in his own country. "In Indonesia, we have formed a 'Vision of Big Cities,'" he says, explaining that the churches intend to work where many of their members live and are employed, rather than focusing on villages. But the effort, he emphasizes, "depends on lay members."
"Start in your urban areas; become partners in mission with MEDA," he challenges. (MEDA is Mennonite Economic Development Associates, a North American effort to support businesses that assist the poor.) "Break your Mennonite shell; reach out to your neighboring churches. Otherwise you will continue to decline." It is a word of encouragement, offered as a brother.