The Leadership Council is excited to announce our new Conference Minister, Paula Snyder Belousek.

The conference identified three qualifications that had high importance for our new Conference Minister: strong communication skills, committed to Anabaptism, and a bridge-builder between people of diverse perspectives. Paula excels in each of these areas and brings administrative gifts as well.

Paula brings extensive experience to the role. After a 6 year career in non-profit leadership, including significant human resources work, Paula has served as a pastor since 2005, the last 14 years at Salem Mennonite Church in Elida, Ohio. She has served in Ohio Conference leadership as Assistant Moderator and Moderator since 2019.

Paula says, “I am humbled and honored to step into the role of Conference Minister for the Ohio Mennonite Conference. I have a deep affection for this community of congregations and trust that the Spirit of Jesus will guide us with wisdom and grace on this journey together.”

Paula has a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Mennonite University, and a Master of Divinity from the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, following some masters work at Conrad Grebel University College.

The search committee was comprised of Andrew Blount (chair), Dr. Rosalind Young, Bill Seymour, and Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach. Leadership Council conducted the final interview and unanimously agreed to call Paula to be our Conference Minister.

Andrew Blount, Search Committee Chair, says, “Paula has served Ohio Mennonite Conference capably in numerous leadership roles, and we are delighted to have her as our new Conference Minister. Paula brings a heart for ministry, leadership gifts, and a deep commitment to the church that will serve the Conference well.”

Paula will begin work as Conference Minister on June 16.

Please welcome Paula into this role with warm wishes and prayer for a good transition.