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Bergen, David Isaac (1929–2020)

Proper Title

David Isaac Bergen fonds

Dates of Creation

1962–2020

Physical Description

140 cm of textual materials

Biographical Sketch

David Isaac Bergen (GRANDMA ID: 31627) was born on November 2, 1929, to Isaac and Anna (Pauls) Bergen at Riverhurst, Saskatchewan. During the Depression years, the family moved to a farm north of North Battleford, Saskatchewn, near the town of Glenbush. He enjoyed helping with the farming chores during his youth.

As a young man, David made a decision to follow the way of Jesus and was baptized at age 16, becoming a member of the Glenbush Mennonite Brethren Church. In 1954, he married Laurena Harms (GRANDMA ID: 31628); they had four children—Maryann, Kenneth, Elizabeth, and Clarence.

At Bethany Bible School (1948–1952) in Hepburn, Saskatchewan, David sensed a call to Christian ministry. After four years of farming, he decided to take further education in preparation for a life of Bible teaching and pastoral ministry, a calling which he shared with his wife, Laurena. Following two bachelor's degrees (BA and BTh), he complete a Master's degree in Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon (1984). During these education years, he also taught at Bethany Bible School and served as a congregational minister, first at Arlee Mennonite Brethren Church and then at Brotherfield Mennonite Brethren Church.

His Bible teaching career spanned 21 years at Bethany Bible Institute (1964–1985) and nine years at Winkler Bible Institute (1988–1997). The three years between these two postings, he served as pastor of the Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church in Brandon, Manitoba (1985–1988).

In retirement, he and Laurena moved back to Saskatchewan, settling first in Waldheim and eventually in a Saskatoon condominium. David continued an itinerant preaching and teaching ministry during retirement. He also edited his teaching and preaching notes from his long career into books of collected meditations, totaling more than 900 meditations of 600 words each. There were seven such manuscripts, which he self-published for distribution among family and friends.

David Bergen was a well-respected Bible teacher known for his systematic and comprehensive lectures and sermons, which paired well with this compassionate interest in the lives of his students and parishioners. He passed away on July 19, 2020, at the age of 90.

Custodial History

In 2021, Maryann (Bergen) Thiessen -- David and Laurena's daughter -- deposited six banker boxes of David's meditations, sermons, lectures, and notes with CMBS for preservation and description.

Scope and Content

The David I. Bergen fonds consists of documents written by David (lectures, syllabi, workshops, course materials, correspondence, and manuscripts) over the course of his 40-year ministry of Bible teaching. He taught at both Bethany College in Hepburn, Saskatchewan, and at Winkler Bible Institute in Winkler, Manitoba. He also served as a pastor in congregations in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The file folders in the fonds are organized by genre (sermons, lectures, papers, course materials, and meditations). The fonds documents the assumptions, motivation, vision, and everyday life of one Mennonite Bible teacher, David I. Bergen, and the particular organizational culture of the Mennonite churches and educational institutions in which he served.

Notes

  • Title based on contents of fonds.
  • Accession number: 2021-10.
  • Volume Nos.: 1521–1524.
  • Finding aid consists of a description and a file/folder list.
  • See also images preserved at https://archives.mhsc.ca/index.php/david-bergen-photo-collection
  • Description created by Jon Isaak, July 2022.
  • No restrictions to access.
  • Language: English and German.

File List

Volume 1521

11. David I. Bergen (1929–2020): personal testimony, resume, news release, and obituary. -- 1983, 2011, 2020.

Sermons

12. The home a place of renewal. -- 1993, 1994.
13. Challenges and resources for daily living. -- 1978–1987.
14. Renewal in the Christian life. -- 1983–1991.
15. Experiencing a new kind of life by overcoming the World. -- 1998.
16. Worshiping God: the key to vitality and vibrancy in the Christian life. -- 1987, 1992.
17. Authentic Christianity. -- 1996.
18. God's growing Creation. -- 1999.
19. Growing up into Christ. -- 1995, 1996.
20. Empowered for life. -- 1993.
21. In Christ: new people, new power. -- 1992.
22. Caring and loving involves pain, suffering, and sacrifice. -- 1980–2008.
23. Molded by the master. -- 1988–2009.
24. Building strong families. -- 1994, 1996.
25. Let the children come to me. -- 1985, 1986.
26. Growing in the grace of Jesus. -- 1986, 2000.
27. Growing a child with God. -- 2002.
28. The family altar. -- 1987, 1996.
29. Attaining Christian maturity in our devotion to God. -- 1962–1969.
30. To be all that I can be--series of three sermons. -- 1987.
31. Christian home a place of witness and world mission. -- 1994.
32. The Christian home in God's design. -- 1983–1996.
33. God's design regarding human sexuality. -- 1987.
34. God made meaningful (or real). -- 1969–1999.
35. Biblical values that shape life. -- 1981, 1985.
36. Being world Christians. -- 1999–2002.
37. Christ as seen in Proverbs. -- 1975.
38. Understanding the heart of the gospel. -- 1989–1999.
39. God's answer to individualism. -- 1958–2002.
40. Defending the truths of the Bible. -- 2004.
41. Self examination: condemnation or commendation. -- 1996.
42. Why do church? -- 1995.
43. Characteristics of a healthy, growing church. Disciple Making 1985. -- 1985.
44. Unity in Diversity in the local church. -- 1986, 1996.
45. Love in the pew. -- 1994.
46. The church = the "called out" people of God -- 2001.
47. A dynamic church. -- 1991.
48. The church and the kingdom. -- 1989–2010.
49. Anabaptist-Mennonite Brethren discipleship. -- 1980.
50. For God and country. -- 1963–1986.
51. Easter sermons. -- 1959–1976.
52. Palm Sunday sermons. -- 1960–1993.
53. Lord's Supper sermons. -- 1962–1996.
54. Christmas sermons. -- 1958–1981.
55. New Year's sermons. -- 1960–1885.
56. Mother's Day sermons. -- 1960-1990.
57. Father's Day sermons. -- 1959–1984.
58. Baptism sermons. Includes list of those baptized by David Bergen. -- 1957–1970.
59. Jesus demonstrates love and greatness. -- 1996–1998.
60. His wonderful name. Christmas sermon. -- 1974–2001.
61. Jesus is the prince of peace. -- 1970–1988.
62. Disciples of Jesus described. -- 1993.
63. Sermons on Christian salvation. -- 1958–1964.
64. An approach to miracles in the New Testament. -- 1988.
65. Praise be to God. -- 1970–2006.
66. Jesus gives his life. -- 1961–2006.
67. Chosen and appointed by Jesus. -- 1983–2005.
68. Jesus as Messiah: Peter's confession an its implication/meaning. -- 2004.
69. Hearing the call of Jesus. -- 1985–2004.
70. Believing and confessing for a full salvation. -- 2001.
71. Jesus' ascension: parting challenge and promise. -- 1959–2005.
72. The real lost son: understanding lostness and making heaven glad. -- 1993–2000.
73. The sower, the seed, and the soils. -- 1982–2001.
74. Confessing Jesus as Lord. -- 1982–2010.
75. The dynamic, practical value of knowing who Jesus is. -- 2000.
76. Jesus as the Son of Man. -- 1991, 1999.
77. Jesus as the Messiah, a king like David. -- 1991–1999.
78. Infancy and birth narratives of Jesus. -- 1999.
79. Mary's song: Magnify the Lord. -- 1980–2003.
80. Jesus's birth: the Holy Spirit and us. -- 1973–2010.
81. Who is in yonder stall? -- 1976–1997.
82. New beginnings for a new year. -- 2001–2009.
83. What is eternal life. -- 1985–2008.
84. The mark of a Christian. -- 1986–1992.
85. A life that God approves. -- 1984–2011.
86. The conflict of the ages. -- 2003.
87. Financial peace: living with more, some thoughts. -- 2006.
88. Love your neighbour as your self. -- 1973–2008.
89. A Christian concept of work. -- 1974–1985.
90. Service of praise and worship: Scripture readings and hymns. -- 2003.
91. Seeing through God's eyes. -- 1997–2000.
92. Follow me. -- 1992.
93. Without spot or wrinkle. -- 1965–2004.
94. That I may know him. -- 1965–2000.
95. Jesus as the truth, the way, and the life. -- 2004.
96. Experiencing the resurrected (living) Jesus. -- 2007.
97. The relevance of Jesus's resurrection for us today. -- 1988–2005.
98. The triumph and implications of Jesus's resurrection. -- 1987–1996.
99. A Valentine for Jesus. -- 1988–2000.
100. Contemplating who Jesus is. -- 2011–2012.
101. Understanding the resurrection. -- 1982–1986.

Volume 1522

102. Forgiveness. -- 1986–2008.
103. Celebrating God's love and faithfulness. -- 1986–1987.
104. Security in our salvation. -- 1984–2000.
105. Perseverance: committed to the long haul. -- 1991.
106. Sanctification. -- 1977–1993.
107. Conversion. -- 1977–1992.
108. Walking with God. -- 1988–2011.
109. Spiritual warfare: we wrestle not against flesh and blood. -- 1984–1995.
110. Stewardship of material wealth: the biblical tithe is not one tenth. -- 1986–2000.
111. The important ingredients of time management. -- 1988.
112. Prayer. -- 1962–1980.
113. Intercessory prayer in God's design. -- 1984–2007.
114. Prayer and the promises of Scripture. -- 2000–2007.
115. A vision for sharing the good news in our world. -- 1988.
116. The biblical basis for mission. -- 1997.
117. Sermons about God's mission. -- 1961–1988.
118. God's encouragement in the midst of difficulty and fear. -- 1989–1999.
119. The dynamics of relationships/friendships. -- 1991.
120. The biblical story of Israel, an example for us. -- 1964–1979.
121. Preparation precedes blessing. -- 1966–1981.
122. Building a relationship with God. -- 1981–1983.
123. The greatness and sovereignty of God. -- 1986–1990.
124. Encouraging one another, building up one another. -- 2003–2005.
125. Thinking about God as father. -- 1999–2013.
126. Developing a healthy fear of God. -- 1995.
127. Who cares about the underdog: God, the poor, and us. -- 2003.
128. Celebrating God's good creation. -- 1996.
129. German sermons. -- 1962–2011.
130. Miscellaneous sermons. -- 1982–1986.
131. Miscellaneous sermons. -- 1987.
132. Chapel talks at Winkler Bible Institute. -- 1988–1991.

Lectures, teaching notes, course syllabi, and tests

1. Baptism: lesson plans and sermons. -- 1962–1993.
2. Mennonite history and thought: course lecture notes and overhead transparencies. -- [199-].
3. History of Mission in Korea, Japan, and island world: course lecture notes. -- [197-].
4. History of Mennonite Brethren Missions: syllabi and course lecture notes. -- [197-].
5. History of Missions: syllabi, outlines, and course lecture notes. -- [196-]–[197-].
6. History of Mission in Africa: course lecture notes. -- [197-].
7. History of Mission in China: course lecture notes. -- [197-].
8. History of Mennonite Brethren Missions: course lecture notes. -- [196-].
9. History of Missions: course lecture notes and test. -- 1968–1969.
10. Great Missionaries: course lecture notes and text. -- 1974.
11. Mission principles and practices: course lecture notes. -- [196-].
12. New Testament evangelism: course lecture notes and a sermon. -- 1971.
13. Materialism and stewardship: lecture notes, sermons, and conference paper. -- 1964–1986.
14. Angelology: course lecture notes and overhead transparencies. -- [199-].
15. Why encounter--an evangelism event in Brandon, Manitoba: preparation materials. -- 1987.
16. Correspondence with inmates at the Brandon Correctional Institute. -- 1987.
17. Correspondence related to infant baptism, including study paper by Bob Pankratz. -- 1987.
18. Capital punishment: lecture notes and article clippings. -- 1987.
19. Concluding sections of the theses authored by Bergen. -- [198-].
20. Conference minister Henry Brucks collection of papers on various topics sent to pastors--pornography, capital punishment, rock music, leadership, charismatic movement. -- [198-].
21. Current trends and issues: course lecture notes, articles, and overhead transparencies. -- [199-].
22. Contemporary cults: syllabus and course lectures notes. -- 1972.
23. Contemporary theology and thought: syllabus and course lectures notes. -- 1984.
24. Systematic theology course lecture notes and overhead transparencies: introduction. -- [199-].
25. Systematic theology course lecture notes and overhead transparencies: bibliology. -- [199-].
26. The authority of the Bible: lectures notes. -- [196-].
27. Systematic theology course lecture notes and overhead transparencies: existence of God. -- [199-].
28. Systematic theology course lecture notes and overhead transparencies: soteriology. -- [199-].
29. Systematic theology course lecture notes and overhead transparencies: ecclesiology. -- [199-].
30. Short theology course (Theology 1 & 2) with lecture notes. -- [199-].
31. Pauline Epistles #1: syllabus, course lecture notes, tests. -- [197-].
32. Pauline Epistles #2: syllabus, course lecture notes, tests. -- [197-].

Volume 1523

1. Preaching through the Epistle to the Romans: outlines, sermons, overhead transparencies. -- 1987.
2. Meadow Lake weekend preaching series (Romans 6–8). -- 1982.
3. Richmond Park preaching series (Romans 9–11). -- 1987.
4. Manuscript of 18 sermons on Romans prepared for publication. -- 1997.
5. The life of Christ: course lecture notes and overhead transparencies. -- [199-].
6. Overview of the life of Christ: lecture notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1992.
7. The Sermon on the Mount: lecture notes and sermon notes. -- 1962–1984.
8. The Sermon on the Mount overhead transparencies. -- [199-].
9. John the Baptist: lecture notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1986.
10. Jesus's teaching regarding his return: sermon notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1987–1993.
11. Funeral sermon--Our Blessed Hope: sermon notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1984–2009.
12. Articles on the Millennium by Peter Klassen, Abe Dueck, Travis Reimer; plus Bergen's sermon notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1977–1988.
13. Filled with the Holy Spirit: sermon notes and articles. -- 1960–1981.
14. Two sermon manuscripts. "Experiencing God's Love and Healing" and "The Holy Spirit and Witnessing." -- 1987.
15. Walking by the Holy Spirit: sermon notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1984–1999.
16. Discovering your Spiritual Gifts: notes, assessment tool, overhead transparencies. -- 1979–1981.
17.  Jesus the Comforter through the Holy Spirit: sermon notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1996–2001.
18. The Holy Spirit: course syllabus and lecture notes with overhead transparencies. -- 1996.
19. Old Testament Poetry: course lecture notes. -- 1971.
20. The Epistle of I John: course lecture notes and overhead transparencies. -- [199-]–2001.
21. I John 1:1–4. Experiencing God's new kind of life through knowing what it is: sermon notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1994–2009.
22. I John 1:5–7. Experiencing God's new kind of life through knowing God: sermon notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1994–2009.
23. I John 1:8–2:2. Experiencing God's new kind of life through dealing with sin: sermon notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1994–2009.
24. I John 2:3–14. Experiencing God's new kind of life through the conduct of this new life: sermon notes and overhead transparencies. -- [200-].
25. I John 2:15–27. Experiencing God's new kind of life and aware of the threats to new life: sermon notes and overhead transparencies. -- [200-].
26. Worldliness: What is it? Sermon notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1982–2009.
27. Epistle to the Hebrews: course lecture notes with overhead transparencies. -- [199-].
28. Epistles of James and I Peter: course lecture notes with overhead transparencies. -- [199-].
29. Mennonite History and Thought: syllabi, course lecture notes, and student papers. -- 1990–1993.
30. Christian living and personal evangelism: syllabi, course lecture notes, sermon notes, and overhead transparencies. -- 1985–1988.
31. New Testament evangelism: course lecture notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1967–1977.
32. Christian education of the child (Child Psychology): syllabi and course lecture notes. -- [197-].
33. Life of Christ: course lecture notes. -- [198-]–[199-].
34. Life of Christ: overhead transparencies. -- [198-]–[199-].
35. The book of Acts: Adult Sunday school lecture notes and overhead transparencies. -- 2008.
36. The Epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians: syllabi, tests, and course lecture notes. -- [198-]–[199-].
37. I and II Thessalonians: syllabi, tests, course lecture notes, and overhead transparencies. -- [198-]–[199-].
38. Pastoral Epistles (I and II Timothy and Titus): syllabi, tests, and course lecture notes. -- [198-]–[200-].
39. Pastoral Epistles (I and II Timothy and Titus): overhead transparencies. -- [199-].
40. The Epistles of James, I–II Peter, and I–III John: course lecture notes. -- [198-]–[199-].
41. Epistles of Hebrews, James, and I Peter: syllabus and overhead transparencies. -- 2002.
42. Epistle to the Hebrews: syllabi, course lecture notes. -- [198-]–2003.
43. Adult Quarterly: Studies in John 1–12, written by David I. Bergen. -- 1985.

Volume 1524

1. Christian Apologetics: syllabi, tests, course lecture notes, and student papers. -- [198-]–[199-].
2. Christian Apologetics: overhead transparencies. -- [199-].

Personal papers, essays, and correspondence

3. Letter from Walter Wiens re. invitation to preach. -- 1998.
4. Letter from Henry Patkau re. invitation to preach. -- 1996.
5. Correspondence with Marvin Dyck re. James 2:10. -- 2009.
6. Correspondence with Victor Dantsev re. trip to Ukraine. -- 2007.
7. Correspondence with Ted Goossen re. Bible teaching during Family Camp at Simonhouse Bible Camp. -- 1994.
8. Winkler Mennonite Church Couples Retreat at Winkler Bible Camp: teaching notes and handouts. -- 1995.
9. Correspondence with Abe Klassen re. worship music at Forest Grove Community Church. -- 2009.
10. Special Sunday School series reviewing three articles of confession: Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and Women in Ministry: teaching notes and overhead transparencies. -- 1993.
11. Women in Ministry Leadership: lecture notes, presentations, and overhead transparencies. -- [199-]–[200-].
12. Position statement on Women in Ministry Leadership by David I. Bergen, along with a chronology of the key decisions along the way. -- 2006.
13. Interaction with the material Mark Baker presented at the 2009 conference on Atonement. -- 2009.
14. Correspondence with various people re. Board of Faith and Life issues (e.g., military chaplaincy and women in ministry leadership). -- 2005–2007.
15. Divorce and Remarriage: lecture notes, discussion questions, and presentation. -- 1986.
16. Documentary Hypothesis of the formation of the Old Testament Pentateuch: David Bergen's personal encounter with the theory in grad school and the position he developed through the engagement. -- [198-].
17. Book review by David Bergen of Richard Dawkins's book, The God Delusion. -- 2008.
18. Chapter summaries by David Bergen of Jame Sire's book, The Universe Next Door. -- 2008.
19. Correspondence with Clay Bergen re. Speaking in Tongues. -- 2010.
20. Correspondence with Metropolitan Joseph re. Ukrainian Orthodox Church beliefs. -- 2008.
21. CKLQ radio spots. -- 1985–1988.
22. Readers Digest submission. -- 1998.
23. Writing for Rejoice! -- [199-].
24. Emcee tributes and prayers given at Saskatoon Condo events. -- 2007–2018.
25. Marriage license, notes for marriage preparation sessions, and notes for officiating at several wedding ceremonies. -- 1980–1989.
26. Presentation on how David Bergen prepares a sermon. -- [199-].
27. Correspondence with several churches looking for a pastor: application letters, resume, and replies -- 1984–1985.
28. Brotherfield Mennonite Brethren Church: church stats, membership list, and sermon notes. -- 1965–1970.
29. "Brotherfield Jottings": personal reflections on congregational life at the church, a contribution to the Brotherfield History Book. -- 1986.
30. Brotherfield Historical Society's project to refurbish the Brotherfield Memorial Chapel: drawings, materials, costings, and plans. -- 2002.
31. Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church: candidating visit, offer to pastor, telephone directory, employment agreement, annual reports, survey of ministry results, and letter of resignation. -- 1985–1988.
32. Dealing with "inactive church members": a collection of several papers, including one by David Bergen. -- 1986–1988.
33. Statistical report of pastoral visits during David Bergen's ministry with Richmond Park M.B. Church. -- 1985–1988.

Academic papers

34. "The Bible," a college paper written for Mr. H.R. Baerg's Biblical Theology course, along with class notes. -- 1957.
35. "The Teachings of Jesus," a college paper written for Mr. J.H. Quiring's Life of Christ course, along with class notes. -- [1957].
36. "Man in the Old Testament," a grad school paper written for Prof. M.W. Leesenberg's Old Testament Theology course. -- 1978.
37. Comparative Book Review: Muilenberg's Way of Israel and Duff's Theology and Ethics of the Hebrews. -- 1978.
38. "Detailed Analysis of Mark 14:32–42," a grad school paper written for Prof. Erwin Buck's Passion Narrative course. -- 1978.
39. "The Relationship of Philosophy and Theology in Paul Tillich," a grad school paper written for Prof. W.E. Hordern's Contemporary Secular Thought and Christian Faith course. -- 1978.
40. "Bonhoeffer's Worldly Christianity," a grad school paper written for Prof. W.E. Hordern's Major Contemporary Theologians course. -- 1979.
41. "Kierkegaard's attack on Christendom." -- [1979].
42. "The Historical Basis of Pannenberg's Theology," a grad school paper written for Prof. W.E. Hordern's Major Contemporary Theologians course. -- [1979].
43. "My Theological Position," a grad school paper written for Prof. W.E. Hordern's Contemporary Theology course. -- [1979].

Collections of meditations drawn from sermons and teaching notes

44. Outline of six meditation books prepared for publication; correspondence with publisher. -- 2009–2014.
45. Manuscript #1: Bible Teaching Meditations for Christian Festivals: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, and the Lord's Supper. -- 2009, 2013.
46. Manuscript #2: Bible Teaching Meditations in Christian Apologetics. -- 2011.
47. Manuscript #3: Bible Teaching Meditations in Christian Theology, one. -- 2012.
48. Manuscript #4: Bible Teaching Meditations in Christian Theology, two. -- 2012.
49. Additional meditations, not included in Christian Theology, two. -- 2012.
50. Manuscript #5: Bible Teaching Meditations in Christian Theology, three. -- 2012.
51. Manuscript #6: Bible Teaching Meditations in the Sermon on the Mount. -- 2014.
52. Manuscript: Bible Teaching Meditations on Important Bible Subjects, 2014–2016. -- 2017.

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