Mennonite Publishing Network & Third Way Media plan to merge

Dynamic, innovative, fully integrated and multimedia—that’s the goal of a new organization to be formed out of an integration of Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN) and Third Way Media (formerly Mennonite Media), a department of Mennonite Mission Network (MMN). Their merger will bring together strengths in publishing, video, radio, and the internet. The planned merger, approved during board meetings in Pittsburgh, Pa., is subject to affirmation of Mennonite Church Canada and MC USA’s Executive Board.

“We believe this integration is in the best interest of the church,” says MPN Board Chair Phil Bontrager. “Both organizations are focused on serving the needs of the church and extending its witness to the world.” Stanley Green, executive director of MMN adds: “We’re excited to be seeing the creation of a new high-quality multimedia organization that can continue to provide resources for the church and reach out to new audiences in new ways.”

The integration plan, co-authored by business consultant Allon Lefever and Goshen College professor Duane Stoltzfus, calls for a new name and consolidation in Harrisonburg, Va. The merger is designed to achieve sustainability through cost savings, new products and services, and new marketing initiatives. Interim Third Way Co-director Sheri Hartzler agrees, adding, “Working together will bring financial stability and, at the same time, reach a wider audience with the good news of the Gospel.”