Abundant Life Conference

Classification scheme:

XV-64

Title: Abundant Life Conference fonds

Date(s) of creation: 1974-2000

Physical description: 7 cm of textual records

Administrative history: The Abundant Life Conference was begun by a renewal group primarily based in the former Western Ontario Mennonite Conference. The group had an ecumenical charismatic orientation, and focused its efforts on an annual multi-day conference that included teaching sessions during the day, and mass worship services in the evening. A key leader throughout the conference's history was Mahlon Roes.

In its earlier years relationships between the Abundant Life Conference and the Mennonite Church (MC) area conferences were occasionally strained, but work at communication resulted in positive tolerance, albeit not enthusiastic endorsement. The early years saw attendance of several thousand at mass services; this gradually dropped by the end of the conferences. Financial difficulties began to appear in the mid-1990s.

Initially the conference was held at the Stratford Coliseum (1974-1980) in Stratford, Ontario, then moved to Bingeman Park in Kitchener. The last conference was held in July 2000.

Custodial history: The fonds was donated to the Mennonite Archives of Ontario by Mahlon Roes in December 2002.

Scope and content: The fonds consists primarily of planning committee minutes.

Notes: Original description created by Sam Steiner 6 January 2003