Illinois Mennonite Conference is excited to introduce you to the second of our new three member Conference Minister Team.  Cal Zehr began his role as a member of the team on November 1, 2024. He most recently engaged in ministry with Willow Springs MC, Tiskilwa, as their pastor for the last 33 years.  Cal has served in many IMC roles over the decades including the Church Life Team (Leadership Commission) and Missional Leadership Team.  He served as the IMC Moderator for six years.

Cal’s other pastoral experience includes Associate Pastor of Silverwood Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana and The Indiana Michigan Mennonite Conference Youth Minister.  He served on the MSUCA Leadership discernment Committee as well.

He grew up on the farm outside of Manson, Iowa and remembers significant nurturing of faith in his family, Manson Mennonite Church and the IA/NE Conference.  At first Jesus was expressed around him in many ways.  Then, in Cal’s faith decisions, Jesus was in his life as Savior.  Later Cal says, “Jesus is life” in the faith journey as “Jesus is Lord.”  Cal’s wife, Carol, grew up near Sterling, Illinois.  They have four adult daughters.  One in Newton, Kansas, one in NW Ohio and two in Northern Indiana along with three grandchildren.

Jesus’ loving and entering into our world keeps Cal inspired and motivated to live in the purposes and mission of God in his ministry and day to day journey.  Cal expresses that the Spirit of Jesus is alive for us to share His Light and expand the Reign of God as individuals, congregations, IMC and MCUSA. “I look forward to the wisdom of the Spirit guiding the Conference Minister Team to work with IMC congregations and leadership in the years to come.”  That is our hope for IMC, too. We pray that, as this team forms and utilizes their gifts and passions, IMC will be shaped by bonds of connection that unite, or re-unite, us in our stated purpose together.

Join us in welcoming Cal to help equip, support, and encourage us to speak and live God’s reign through our congregations and ministries. He joins our two other CM Team members, Bryan Miller (began on September 1) and Eric Potter beginning in a couple of months.