News & stories EMM’s Director of Discipleship Ministries moves to new management role SALUNGA, Pa. – For 17 years, Keith Blank has poured himself into short-term missions and the development of young leaders through Eastern Mennonite Missions. He first came on board as a 25-year-old when he directed the Summer Training Action Teams (STAT) program for EMM. Then in 1989, Blank moved his young family to Philadelphia, where he directed the Philadelphia Discipleship Center until 1993. Three times a year the center filled with groups of 20-30 young adults, who received three months of discipleship training before going out in six- to twelve-month global Youth Evangelism Service (YES) assignments. Then in 1993 Blank moved back to Lancaster to begin directing the YES program. Two and half years later, he became director of Discipleship Ministries, the role he is laying down at the year’s end to devote half his time to administration of EMM’s long-term work in Europe and half to a new role at EMM: he will work at strategic planning and implementation of corporate goals and priorities. “These have been incredible years of learning and ministry,” Blank commented. “But this year I began to sense that the anointing to lead Discipleship Ministries had lifted. I’ve spent almost two decades in the DM context, and I think it’s time for some ‘new blood’!” Blank told EMM staff that one of his most important learnings during his years of involvement with short-term missions is the importance of teamwork. He has also come to understand the very vital role short-term mission work plays in broader mission mobilization and the importance of connecting short- and long-term work. EMM is now seeking a short-term missions director to serve as vision carrier for EMM’s short-term discipleship training and missions. Qualifications include experience in short- or long-term missions, leadership abilities, strong interpersonal skills with the postmodern generation, strong initiative, and passion for EMM’s vision. A college degree is preferred. Dave Harnish, mission internship director at EMM, will serve as interim director of Discipleship Ministries until a new director is hired.