The First President and CEO of MB Foundation Remembered
MB Foundation remembers Lynford Becker, the first president and CEO of the organization, who recently passed away at the age of 94 on January 9, 2025.
Becker’s leadership helped shape the future of MB Foundation and continues to influence its growth and commitment to generosity.
In 1991, Becker was appointed the first president and CEO of MB Foundation, a role he held for 7 years before stepping down to serve as vice president from 1998 until 2003.
Prior to receiving this position, Becker served for 25 years as a pastor of Mennonite Brethren churches. He also worked as a personnel manager for an industrial company and directed the Campus Development Campaign in the Institutional Advancement Office at Tabor College from 1982-1985.
Becker’s service to the Mennonite Brethren continued, serving the USMB Conference as Secretary from 1983-1986, Conference Minister from 1986-1988, and Administrative Secretary until the year 2000.
During this time, he was hired by the Trustees in 1985 to serve as the representative for Central, Southern, LAMB, and North Carolina Districts, and his work focused on enhancing stewardship among Mennonite Brethren churches. These experiences shaped his passion for stewardship and opened his eyes to the generosity of the Mennonite Brethren.
At the 1985 Board of Trustees meeting, just as Becker’s work as a representative was beginning, he shared, “Our people are generous; however, they need information before enlightened giving can be expected.”
Becker knew his work would be rewarding because he believed in helping people experience the blessings of stewardship. In his role as a representative, Becker led numerous stewardship seminars and engaged with churches across the country.
Becker served on MB Stewardship Ministries at a time when the US Conference Trustees were assessing the need to update and adapt the legal status of MB Stewardship Ministries through incorporation to more effectively serve its constituency.
During Becker’s time as Administrative Secretary, the board continued to work towards incorporation. Finally, in December 1990, MB Foundation was established, and Becker became its first president in January 1991.
In the years following incorporation, the ministry experienced steady growth and development. While the Mennonite Brethren learned how to steward their money, the ministry’s assets grew, and its constituency expanded geographically. MB Foundation became more effective partners with various Conference ministries as charitable distributions increased. This season came with much responsibility, including miles of travel, marketing, investing in relationships, and preparing reports for the board.
As Becker decided his time as president was coming to an end, he transitioned to the role of vice president in January 1998, serving constituents through planned giving until 2003.
Becker’s decision to step down opened the position as president. After serving as vice president for just over a year, Jon C. Wiebe became the second president and CEO of MB Foundation, a position Wiebe continues to hold today.
Reflecting on Becker’s legacy, Wiebe shared, “Lynford’s leadership was pivotal in laying the foundation for our mission today. His faith, dedication to stewardship, and love for the Mennonite Brethren community continue to inspire us. I was blessed to be mentored by him and honored that he was willing to bring me alongside to learn from him.”
MB Foundation extends its condolences to Lynford Becker’s family and all those who were touched by his faith and dedication to stewardship and generosity.
Becker’s legacy and contributions to the Mennonite Brethren community, and to MB Foundation, will be remembered for generations to come.