Smiling members of Hillcrest Mennonite Church in New Hamburg, Ontario, posing in front of a festive Christmas backdrop.

Who are we

We are an Anabaptist Christian community who believe in God, imitate Jesus Christ, are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and strive to live out the Great Commission.

Our vision

Gathered to grow. scattered to serve.

We do these things in order that we might become a community of belonging that reflects God’s love to everyone we meet and with whom we serve.

Hillcrest Mennonite Church members sharing a meal together in the fellowship hall.
Hillcrest Mennonite Church members sharing a meal together in the fellowship hall.
Hillcrest Mennonite Church members sharing a meal together in the fellowship hall.

Our purpose

Green icon of an open book with a lightbulb, representing learning and teaching.

We exist to learn and teach...

Green icon of Jesus with open arms, representing living and serving in the way of Jesus.

...how to live and serve in the way of Jesus...

Green icon of a plant, representing disciples growing disciples.

...to be disciples growing disciples.

Leadership capacities and priorities

In 2020 we began a “year of listening.” Over the course of eighteen months, we worked together as a congregation by asking participants at the conclusion of every one of our gatherings, “What might you hear God saying to us?” As people responded, these comments were recorded and then regularly collected, summarized, and given back to the congregation for our mutual discernment and reflection. The following Leadership Capacities and Priorities emerged from that discernment process, were affirmed by our congregation in January of 2022, and then reaffirmed this past year.

Discerning God’s Dream – Encouraging people to discern God's dream for the world and then help make it happen.

Coaching and Mentoring – Developing people and growing a discipling culture, focused on following the way of Jesus.

Equipping for Life – Equipping people to pay attention, cultivate resilience, and serve in their own neighborhoods and daily lives.

Fostering Avenues of Belonging – Encouraging and supporting a variety of opportunities for people to foster their sense of belonging with God and the church.

Practising Community – Nurturing conversations and connections in our communities, growing closer to Christ by encountering and loving our neighbours.