“Discernment together begins with love for one another and is informed by knowledge and insight,” said keynote speaker , executive director of the . “We put the interests of others above ourselves, yielding ourselves to the group and to God. If we already know the answer, we are not in the place of discernment.”

Under the topic “Discerning Together, Shaping the Future,” the seminary’s attracted a record number of 340 registrants, who could partake of 15 workshops and talks Jan. 20-22.

The topic had gained momentum in the previous few months within MC USA congregations and conferences, partly fueled by two new developments: (1) 91¶ĚĘÓƵ’s announcement of a regarding hiring practices for non-celibate homosexuals and (2) a decision by the to .

The pressing need for discernment on same-sex questions was broached in a surprisingly touching way – with an , in which participants quietly offered their fears and hopes to God in a ritual that brought tears to the eyes of many.

One of the featured speakers, – author, teacher and founder of the in Wheaton, Ill. – described discernment as 75 percent preparation, 25 percent practice. “A common mistake in discernment processes is to take undiscerning individuals and expect them to be discerning,” she said. “Just because a person is a successful lawyer or business owner does not mean they have the skills for discernment. Discernment begins with spiritually formed leaders who are intentionally attuned to the Holy Spirit.”

Barton said that corporate discernment needs leaders who spend time in prayer, scripture, solitude, self-examination, and their own personal discernment. These leaders should share with each other their individual experiences of discernment as they prepare for corporate discernment.

“No matter what else we do,” said Barton, “we exist to do the will of God.” She said discerning leaders are able to pray the prayer of indifference, being willing to let go of their own agenda in order to seek God’s will.

“Spiritual discernment is a concrete activity that opens us to what is beyond ourselves,” Barton said. “Many aspects of God’s will are already clear, like unity, love, truth-telling, kindness, respect and confession of sin. These serve as guiding principles and values for discernment.”

Barton outlined a process for discernment in meetings that is very different from secular models of decision-making like Roberts Rules of Order.

“Discernment is like standing outside before the sun comes up,” said Ervin Stutzman. “You see something in the distance. Is it a dog? Is it a coyote? Is it a wolf? You need to shed light, to distinguish what it is. Discernment is seeking the light to distinguish what is best.”

Barton and Stutzman agreed that the process begins with information gathering, as with most decision-making processes. However, then the group spends time listening to God and to each other through honest sharing, listening, prayer, and time spent in silence.

Often, according to Barton, the time spent in intentional silence is key to the decision-making process. “After 30 minutes of silence when each member of the group spends time seeking God, often a way forward emerges,” said Barton.

“If the group is ready to respond, each member is asked to voice their level of agreement, either completely agree, agree with some reservations, don’t agree but will defer to the process of the group, or don’t agree at all. If people don’t agree, then the process begins again. Unity is the marker that God’s will is being done.”

“Discernment processes can be difficult, messy and very painful,” said Stutzman. “But they can also be very rewarding and exciting.”

In her new role, Gerber will provide resources for and facilitate connections between youth and young adult groups and ministries across the church. She will partner with the youth ministry council, and Mennonite Church USA Convention Planning staff in working on churchwide priorities such as Christian formation and leadership development.

“In her many experiences of working for the church, Rachel has developed a positive track record in collaborating to bring about results with youth around faith formation,” says Terry Shue, director of leadership development for Mennonite Church USA. “Her skill set and passion for Christian formation fit right in with the [Christian formation] priority.”

Gerber has a bachelor of arts degree in education from Goshen (Ind.) College and a from EMS. From 2000-01, following her college graduation, she served as interim minister of youth and young adults at . From 2005-08, she was minister of faith formation at , where she was ordained by .

Gerber has also served as summer program director at Amigo Centre, Sturgis, Mich.; a youth and young adult consultant at , Waynesboro, Va.; worship planner/leader for the Mennonite convention at San José in 2007; and a youth curriculum writer for ’s ’Gather Round Sunday School curriculum. Recently she finished her first book, Ordinary Miracles, a memoir on the ministry of parenthood to be published through Herald Press in the spring of 2014.

She is married to Shawn Gerber, and they have three children. After living in Charlottesville, Va., for several years, the family relocated to Bloomington in August. In Virginia, the Gerbers attended ; currently they are part of the .

“I feel incredibly humbled to be able to serve the church in this capacity as denominational minister of youth and young adults,” says Gerber. “This position seems to be a beautiful culmination of my previous experiences and education. I look forward to collaborating with other leaders as we together discern the Spirit’s call for the future of youth/young adults in this unique time in history.”

Cedric Roth, a member of both the youth ministry council and the search committee for the position, affirms the energy, creativity and passion for faith formation and worship that Gerber brings.

“She has a wide range of skills and excels in communications and worship planning,” he said.

Courtesy Mennonite Church USA Communications,

Mountain States Mennonite Conference has confirmed Herman H. (Herm) Weaver, Jr., as its conference minister. He will begin this ministry position Aug. 1, 2006.

Dr. Weaver and his family reside in Harrisonburg, Va., and attend Community Mennonite Church of Harrisonburg. They plan to move before he begins in August.

Weaver was associate professor of at 91¶ĚĘÓƵ, serving in that role from 1992 until last year.

Weaver