After more than 70 years in the community, Carman Mennonite Church is preparing to step into a new era with a new name and renewed sense of mission.
The congregation has officially approved a name change to Carman Christian Fellowship, a shift Pastor Rev. Desmond P. Penner says reflects both the church’s independence and its desire to welcome people from all backgrounds.
“It aims to show our community that this place is a place of fellowship for everyone — not just Mennonites,” Penner said. “And that our fellowship revolves around Christ.”
The idea of renaming the church emerged in early 2025 after the congregation hired a new pastor and began clarifying its vision and mission. Members noted that the church had recently separated from the Mennonite General Conference, prompting discussion about whether the long-standing name still fit.
“With a new pastor hired, the church set out to define its vision and mission moving forward,” Penner said. “Since we left the Mennonite conference, members suggested that maybe the name should change. Becoming an independent congregation offered the perfect opportunity to reflect on what we valued.”
The church board held several discussions before bringing the proposal to the congregation for a vote. Once the change was approved, members submitted suggestions. The board narrowed the list, and the final decision again went to the congregation.
“The members are happy with the change and believe it suits our congregation,” Penner said.
The church’s roots stretch back to the 1950s. Until 1953, the group operated as a mission station with leadership from the Bergthaler Church of Manitoba. In 1954 it became known as the Graysville-Carman congregation, and by 1962 the Carman portion carried the name Carman Bergthaler Mennonite Church.
After the Bergthaler Church of Manitoba decentralized and dissolved its corporation, the congregation adopted the name Carman Mennonite Church, which it has carried for several decades.
While the congregation is no longer affiliated with Mennonite conferences, Penner said its statements of faith remain firmly rooted in traditional Anabaptism.
Penner said the new name — Carman Christian Fellowship — is meant to highlight the congregation’s commitment to biblical teaching, community, and accessibility.
“We believe that the Bible is true, that God sent his son to redeem us through his death and resurrection, and that we are commissioned to bring that good news to the nations,” he said.
“Our goal is to show the love of Jesus to all who seek him, and in turn, serve our community in whatever way necessary.”
The church hopes the new name will help newcomers and those exploring faith feel more comfortable attending.
“That would be the hope, yes,” Penner said. “We are praying that those seeking a loving community would see us as an option.”
New signage has already been installed, and the church will begin using its updated communications and website on Jan. 1.
Penner hopes the wider community will receive the change positively.
“We hope that the community sees it as a good and positive change — and sees us living the life Christ called us to,” he said. “We want to make Jesus known to our community.”
As the church enters this next phase, Penner said the doors remain open to all.
“We just want to encourage the community to come by and say hello,” he said. “Sunday services start at 10 a.m., and Wednesday prayer meetings are at 7 p.m. We’re really looking forward to getting to know everyone.”
