MWC appoints David Chow as North America regional representative

David Chow, a Mennonite Brethren pastor from Calgary, Alberta, has been appointed as the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) regional representative for North America. His appointment marks the completion of a process that had stalled earlier in the year. MWC had initially planned to appoint Stanley Green, an executive conference minister from Mennonite Church USA, to the role. However, concerns were raised by three of MWC’s five U.S. member denominations. These groups were uncomfortable with the idea of having an MWC representative who is affiliated with MC USA, due to a 2022 denominational statement perceived as judgmental toward churches with more conservative stances on LGBTQ inclusion.

Green, who served as executive director of Mennonite Mission Network and executive conference minister of Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference, was set to take on the role. The decision to appoint Chow instead reflects the ongoing tensions within the Anabaptist movement regarding theological diversity and denominational alignment. Chow, a member of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, succeeds Gerald Hildebrand, who served as the previous North American representative from 2018 until his retirement in June.

Chow’s background includes a deep commitment to Anabaptist beliefs, which he embraced during his theological studies at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary. He earned a master of divinity degree and has served as a pastor for over two decades, with a particular focus on building intercultural congregations. He and his wife, Charlene, also served with the MB church in Japan for two years. “I love the church — local and the global fellowship,” Chow said in an MWC release. “Over the course of my theological studies, I firmly embraced Anabaptist beliefs and committed my life to embodying and living them out.”

Chow began his MWC role on April 1, connecting with the 10 North American member churches of MWC. Danisa Ndlovu, a former MWC president and recently appointed manager of church relations, noted that Chow is “known as a natural networker and deep listener.” She expressed confidence that he will apply his skills and passion for the mission of God to strengthen relationships among member churches in North America.

The appointment highlights the complex dynamics within the Anabaptist movement, where theological diversity and denominational unity often intersect. As Chow begins his role, his focus on intercultural ministry and global fellowship aligns with the broader mission of MWC to foster communication and collaboration among its member churches. This appointment underscores the ongoing efforts to navigate theological differences while maintaining a shared commitment to the Anabaptist tradition.

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