Jesus’ Name Was Lifted High

Assembly 2026 was an inspirational rally to mission for the Saskatchewan M.B. Conference. Some 175 event participants enjoyed a Friday banquet and program and then a full day of worship, connecting breakouts, communion and AGM. Assembly 2026 was the second time the new format for this annual event was used, and it received a virtually unanimous positive response from delegates. Event organizers stated that the purpose of the Assembly is to worship, inspire, fellowship and train those who attend. The days of non-stop on-stage reporting are over; reporting still takes place, but it is done through written reports that delegates can read over before the event and also through several breakout sessions where a more in-depth engagement can take place between delegates and facilitators.

After the Friday banquet, delegates and guests heard a rallying declaration from the SKMB Director of Ministry (Rev. Phil Gunther):

“Welcome to our 80th Conference gathering. We have gathered for Assembly to MAKE KNOWN THE NAME OF JESUS. THIS IS OUR MISSION. We have gathered for Assembly to BECOME LIKE JESUS. THIS IS OUR DISCIPLESHIP. May the Spirit of Christ prepare, prompt and pilot our hearts during Assembly 2026.

The state of our family of churches and camps is unified and striving to always be on the mission of making disciples. SKMB is not putting out fires of conflict or challenges to our Confessional integrity. SKMB is not distracted from our mission and ministry by drama. SKMB is bolstered by the Spirit-fueled prayers, fired-up workers and faithful giving of its family of churches and camps. We are Christ-oriented, together on mission and focused on being a gospel witness.

My gratitude goes out to those in our family of churches who have genuinely leaned into our collective mission and ministry. To those of you who are somewhat reticent, somewhat timid or somewhat inward-focused, start a fresh path with SKMB. Lean in to praying for our collective work. Lean in to financially supporting our collective mission. Lean into opportunities to serve on our ministry teams for a greater cause. Lean in in 2026, lean in as you have never done before! You, my friends, are SKMB. SKMB was created by you, is sustained by you, and only by your will and work does it have a future. Lean in.” 

Rev. Gunther then introduced several new leaders to the SKMB family:

Nik Amadeo – Anchor Church (Regina)

Bruce Kashuba – Northwest Community Church (Meadow Lake)

Austin Christianson – Faith River Christian Fellowship (Saskatoon)

Bree Young – Forest Grove Community Church (Saskatoon)

Jamie Ramer – Chaplain Candidate, CDN Air Force Base (Moose Jaw)

Daniel Markin – Church Planter Candidate (Moose Jaw)

Daniel Markin, a church planter candidate for Moose Jaw, shared his testimony of God’s faithfulness during some very difficult years and how he carries a passion and vision for planting an MB church in Moose Jaw. Markin hails from Northview Community Church (Abbotsford) and several years ago moved to Moose Jaw where his wife’s family resides. Markin stated, “I love the prairies! This place is an unknown treasure in Canada. It is a great place to live and raise a family!” SKMB continues to partner with Markin on his vision for a church plant in Moose Jaw.

Pastor Matthew Blackaby (Forest Grove Community Church) brought the evening’s address on the Assembly theme: All of Us, All the Time, For Jesus. In sum, Blackaby called delegates to cut off anything that hinders us from living lives pleasing to God and to strengthen our relationship with Jesus. He proclaimed the gospel as being our source of genuine forgiveness; Jesus forgives, restores, redeems and heals. He called churches to be places of healing where people are welcomed, introduced to Jesus and encouraged to honestly deal with their struggles and troubles. The church is not a palliative care center, but a healing center. 

On Saturday, delegates again enjoyed celebrating Jesus with West Portal Church’s worship team led by Pastor Andrew Klassen. Pastor David Berg (West Portal Church) delivered the second theme address, urging delegates to fix their eyes and hearts on a heavenly vision of the resurrected and glorified Jesus. When we face trials and troubles in this life, our focus should be on the one who conquered death and rose to life. We are resurrection people, and our minds and hearts are to be securely fixed on our risen Saviour and Lord. Though we may encounter trouble in this life, Jesus in us is greater than any foe in this world. Jesus gave everything for the forgiveness of our sins, which brought Him to the cross. Now, our response, out of love and gratitude, is to give Him all of ourselves—heart, mind, body, and soul.

Connecting breakouts included:

Ken Esau – Peacemaking and the Confession of Faith.
Britten Banerjee – Oh Canada! The Church and Politics in 2026.
Glen Madden – Re-Think Giving
MB Seminary, Horizon College & Seminary, Columbia Bible College - Finding Leaders For Tomorrow’s Churches.
Cam Stuart – The M.B. Church of Canada
Rita Mae and Gary Braun – Prayer Walk
Tony Marten – Equipping, Professional Development and Coaching
Mike Engbers – The Church in an AI World
Bruce Enns – Rebooting Local-Global Missions In My Church

The CCMBC National Director, Cam Stuart, led delegates in communion, calling them to be bold and faithful witnesses of peace because we serve a living Prince of Peace. Our world needs our witness. Our world needs to see the church as a non-anxious, life-transforming reality where real hope and healing can be found.

Notable Assembly 2026 quotes:

“We are meant to be living testimonies of the life-transforming power of the gospel. Our consecration is our greatest testimony.”

Matthew Blackaby

“ ‘All of us for Jesus’ means both our whole self being for Jesus and our whole family of churches being for Jesus, all the time.”

David Berg

“We must be bold and obedient people of faith.”

Gord Schroeder

“Communion is a tangible reminder that in Jesus we find hope, help and healing.”

Cam Stuart

 “This event is so inspiring! I am re-energized to plug back into ministry.”

Assembly Delegate

 “The demographic of those attending is getting younger and younger every year. Encouraging.”

Assembly Delegate

SKMB Communications