Layton Friesen Leaves EMC for SBC Role

STEINBACH, Man.—We are saddened to report that Layton Friesen will be concluding his time as Conference Pastor with the EMC.

Layton has served with the EMC as Conference Pastor since 2017. He will be taking on the role of Academic Dean at Steinbach Bible College (SBC).

Layton has contributed significantly to the life and growth of the EMC during his tenure as Conference Pastor. He has introduced many improvements that enhance the functioning of the Ministerial, and he has invested himself in the lives of the pastors and church leaders across Canada. He will be sorely missed.

Dr. Layton Friesen

But EMC’s loss is SBC’s gain. With the role of Academic Dean at SBC, he will help to nurture and disciple young people for service in God’s kingdom. We are grateful for the time that he has committed to the EMC, and we wish him much success in his ministry at SBC.

Layton will conclude his time with EMC at the end of June. We want to bless Layton and Glenda as they transition into this exciting new opportunity.

– EMC Personnel Committee

Layton Friesen named Academic Dean of SBC

STEINBACH, Man.—Steinbach Bible College is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Layton Friesen as the new Academic Dean.

Friesen has served with the Evangelical Mennonite Conference (EMC), one of the four supporting conferences of SBC, as Conference Pastor since 2017. He is an SBC alumnus with master’s degrees in Theology and History from Regent College in Vancouver, and a PhD from the University of St. Michaels College in Toronto. He has also served as Pastor of the Fort Garry EMC Church and Associate Pastor of Youth at Crestview Fellowship Church, both situated in Winnipeg.

“I’m excited to welcome Layton to the SBC Administration Team,” Dr. Terry Hiebert, Interim President of SBC, shared. “His vision for Bible college education is evangelical, Anabaptist, and rooted in the broader church, which will shape the way we empower servant leaders to follow Jesus, serve the Church, and engage the world.”

“As Academic Dean I would anticipate resourcing and coaching the faculty,” Friesen stated. “Pastoring is near to my heart, and I would look forward to being a pastor to teachers. I lead through friendship, team-building and courageous ventures.”

Friesen replaces Hiebert, who served as SBC’s Academic Dean for 16 years before becoming Interim President.

He is married to Glenda, who is a worship and youth pastor at the Fort Garry EMC Church. Together they have two children, who both recently graduated from SBC with mission and theology degrees.

“I am excited to explore new curriculum opportunities and strengthen existing initiatives,” Friesen stated. “I want to further SBC’s vision to be a community of disciples preparing for mission in all manner of contexts.”

God bless you, Layton, on your new role, and we look forward to the contributions you will make in the years to come at Steinbach Bible College.

– SBC