MCC names new director of international programs

Mennonite Central Committee
Friday, 12 January 2001

An administrator with a long history of church service and international experience has been named by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as new director of international programs. Ron Flaming, current executive secretary of the Commission on Overseas Mission (COM), will assume his new role in early 2002.

Flaming is "an optimist who sees the possibilities in an organization and then develops a consensus to move forward," said Ron Mathies, MCC executive director.

Flaming said his vision includes strengthening MCC's partnerships with other North American church institutions and continuing to develop mutual relationships with overseas partners.

In light of increased regional conflict around the world, "I expect that there will be a new urgency for God's message of reconciliation, justice and peace in the world," he said. "This is a special calling for our historic peace churches."

Under Flaming's leadership, COM is part of the "Transformation" of church institutions in the current merger of the General Conference and Mennonite Church. Previously, Flaming served through COM at Woodstock International School in India, including six years as the school principal.

Flaming has also served as dean of students at Bethel (Kan.) College; pastor of Southern Hills Mennonite Church in Topeka, Kan.; admissions counselor at Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind.; and youth director for the Western District Conference.

He is an ordained minister with course work toward a doctor of ministry degree at Phillips Graduate Seminary, Enid, Okla.; a master of divinity degree from Mennonite Biblical Seminary; a master of arts in education from Indiana University, South Bend; and a bachelor of arts in Bible and religion from Bethel College.

Flaming and his wife, Patrice, currently live in Newton, Kan. They have two college-age daughters.

Flaming will begin at MCC after the completion of the mission boards' merger. He will succeed Edgar Metzler, who will remain in the position until Flaming begins. Metzler has served as director of international programs since June 1998.

For more information, or to contact Mennonite Central Committee, see their website at: www.mcc.org