They sang without harmony (parts), restricting the singing to a melody only.
The bishop and ministers possessed most of the authority in the conference, allowing for little local autonomy.
A new emphasis was placed on Christian education, with the addition of Bible studies, Sunday school, Sunday evening services, and young people's programs.
Although all land and property is owned by the conference, each congregation is nearly autonomous and presides over its ministerial elections, spiritual matters, ministries, and budget.
The conference, which has its main office in Steinbach, Manitoba, prints The Chronicle as its official publication and has a radio program ministry that ministers to German-speaking Mennonites in South America, Mexico, and Canada.