May 10, 2010 issue
Leading theologian, professor dies
Ewert was president of MB Bible College
Canadian MB Conference staffABBOTSFORD, B.C. — David Ewert, a leading Mennonite Brethren theologian whose teaching career spanned 65 years, died April 23. He was 87.
“Probably no other biblical theologian has had a greater impact on the past generation of MB leaders,” said Abe Dueck, executive secretary of the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission.
During the second half of the 20th century, Ewert addressed many theological issues facing Mennonite Brethren.
The most influential years of Ewert’s calling took place during a transitional period for MBs in North America — a time when evangelistic outreach, church-planting and multiethnic congregations began to emerge and gain popularity.
The impact of Ewert’s ministry and service as a Bible teacher, preacher, scholar and writer extends beyond the MB community in Canada to the United States, Europe, South America, India, Africa and Russia.
Ewert’s teaching career included seven years in Bible schools; 25 years at Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg, where he served as president; three years at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Va.; and nine years at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif.
Ewert wrote more than 20 books. A chapter commemorating his life and ministry appears in a new book, The Leaders Who Shaped Us, edited by Harold Jantz and published by Kindred Productions.
Ewert was born in Ukraine in 1922 and came to Canada with his parents in 1926. The family settled on a farmstead in Coaldale, Alta., in 1929.
He is survived by his wife, Lena; four daughters, Eleanor Martens, Marianne Worcester, Grace Ewert and Doreen Ewert; a son, Ernest Ewert; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Margaret, Abe, Elizabth and Henry.
A memorial service was held at Bakerview Mennonite Brethren Church in Abbotsford. Burial was in Maclure Road Mennonite Cemetery.
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