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ANABAPTIST - MENNONITE
The Mennonites are largely descendants of those known as
Anabaptists during the reformation of the 1500's. The
Anabaptists (meaning re-baptizers) were so named because
they rejected infant baptism and insisted on a believer's
baptism (adult). In doctrine and practice they carried on
the faith of the apostles of Jesus.
Central to Mennonite teachings is the belief that Jesus
Christ is the model for life. As such, Mennonites believe
that Christianity is more centrally a matter of lived faith
than it is a matter of propositional beliefs. Mennonites
believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead in order that
people might live in union with God. In relating to each
other and the world in the same loving, forgiving way that
Jesus practiced, they aim to continue the ministry Christ
began, living in simple obedience to the Word of God. The
believe that the life and teachings of Jesus as recorded in
the Bible serve as a key to the interpretation of the Bible
in the context of today's world.
Mennonites believe that following Christ means loving the
enemy and refusing to use violence. Many conscientiously
refuse to participate in military service. They try to live
peaceably with others at all levels. They understand that a
life oriented to God's work in the world will necessarily be
a life of service to the poor, the needy, and and the
marginalized, and are willing to take risks in working
actively for justice and mercy in the world.
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Mennonites recognize that all people sin -- they do wrong,
failing to do good and thus losing touch with God. They
believe that God sent Jesus Christ to the world to defeat
the powers of evil, to confront injustice, and to free
people from their sins and from their enslavement to
lifestyles of self-preservation. Mennonites believe that all
those who believe in Jesus Christ and who orient their lives
to the Reign of God receive forgiveness for their sins, a
more whole life, and the promise of living forever with God.
They practice "believers baptism" to symbolize the decision
of an adult to make a public commitment to live as a
disciple of Jesus Christ. Mennonites try to follow Jesus'
call to the church to bring good news to all persons. They
are concerned with both the spiritual and the physical needs
of the world. Essential to Mennonites is the strength of
community. They gather together to encourage one another, to
reaffirm their life orientation toward God's work in the
world, to worship God, and to help one other discover God's
ways in the world today.
As one of the historic peace churches, Mennonites are committed
to nonviolence, nonresistance, and pacifism.
There are several Mennonite-related denominations. They include the
Mennonite Church, the General Conference Mennonite Church,
and the Mennonite Brethren. The first two of these are moving
toward integration in the years ahead.
Mennonites today number more than one million people in over 60
countries around the world and speak 78 different languages.
Doing together what we cannot do
apart.
Mennonite Motto
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