MMB Announces Conclusion of Noffsinger’s Service, Appointment of Interim General Secretary


Dale Minnich

The Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren has reached agreement with Stanley J. Noffsinger that he will conclude his service as general secretary on Friday, Feb. 12.

Dale Minnich will begin as interim general secretary on a one-quarter-time basis on Jan. 12, and transition to three-quarter-time upon Noffsinger’s departure. Minnich will serve until a new general secretary is in place, or until another mutually agreed upon time.

During the March 13-16, 2015, meeting in Lancaster, Pa., the board and Noffsinger had decided that Noffsinger’s service would not continue beyond his current contract, which ends June 30, 2016. Noffsinger has served nearly 13 years in the position. (See the Newsline report at www.brethren.org/news/2015/general-secretary-concludes-service-at-end-of-contract.html .)

At the 2015 Annual Conference in Tampa, Fla., Noffsinger was recognized and thanked for his service before the delegate body and in an informal reception. (See the Newsline report at www.brethren.org/news/2015/ac/conference-celebrates-general-secretary.html .)

“We have reached the stage now,” said Mission and Ministry Board chair Don Fitzkee, “where we think it is mutually beneficial for Stan and the board to move to an interim leader. This step frees Stan to actively pursue next steps in his journey, while also enabling the board to more fully enter into a time of transition. We remain grateful for the servant leadership Stan has provided for the church.”

Minnich, of Moundridge, Kan., served nearly 20 years on the denominational staff, and chaired the Mission and Ministry Board from 2009-11, during a key transitional time when the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers Board merged to form the Mission and Ministry Board. The Strategic Plan currently guiding the board’s work was created during Minnich’s tenure as chair. He has remained close to denominational ministries, serving as a volunteer consultant for interpretation for the Haiti Medical Project.

“We believe Dale brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the interim position and will be a tremendous asset in this role,” said Fitzkee.

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