Our Beliefs
At the center of Mennonite teachings is the need to believe in Jesus
Christ as the one who died and rose from the dead in order that people
could live in union with God. Mennonites believe that the life and teachings
of Jesus guide our daily living. They believe that the church should
keep Christ's life and ministry alive in the world,
just as though Christ was still living on earth: that's why they refer
to the church as the "body of Christ". Mennonites believe that
the church is made of people whose sins have been forgiven and who
choose to follow Christ's teachings. Mennonites believe that Christians
should try to relate to each other and the world in the same loving,
forgiving way that Jesus practiced. Here are highlights of seven basic
beliefs:
The Bible is Central
The church tries to live in obedience to the Word of God -- the Bible.
Mennonites believe that God's spirit, or "Holy Spirit," helps the community
of believers understand that Word. The life and teachings of Jesus as
recorded in the Bible help in interpreting the meaning of the "Old Testament"
part of the Bible: "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that
which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (I Cor. 3:1 1, RSV). The Holy
Spirit uses the written Word to give new life to the church and to help
people grow in faith.
New Life in Christ
Because we are human beings, we all sin: we commit wrongs, we don't
do the things we should, and we're out of touch with God. In history,
God sent Jesus Christ to the world so that all those who believe in
Jesus Christ could receive forgiveness for all their sins, as well as
the gift of a more whole life today and the promise of living forever
with God. Taking part in a regular worship service enables Christians
to respond to God with praise and thanks, and to live for Jesus through
the week.
Voluntary Membership and Commitment to Christ
A church is strong when its members experience God's love and are wholeheartedly
committed to its purposes. For that reason, "believer's baptism" is
practiced to symbolize the decision of an adult to make a public commitment
to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. in baptism, the believer shows
willingness to share the good news about Jesus by words and actions.
Reaching Out to the World
Jesus Christ said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you" (John
20:21, RSV). He sends the church to bring "good news" to all persons
throughout the world. Jesus wants his followers to help each other.
As Jesus put it, "The Spirit of the Lord ... has anointed me to preach
good news to the poor, ... freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of
sight for the blind" (Luke 4:18, RSV). Mennonites also believe it's
important to be concerned for both the "spiritual" and "physical" aspects
of life.
Belonging to Each Other
"In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to
all the others" (Ro. 12:5, NIV). Mennonites feel that Christians need
each other for encouragement and growth, for confronting one another
in a supportive way, and for help in time of crisis. The church grows
in faith, unity, service, and witness when it is a caring and loving
community.
Living Peacefully
As disciples of Jesus, Mennonites try to live under Christ's rule: for
many this means loving the enemy and refusing to use violence or participate
in military service, living peaceably with others at all levels, serving
the poor and needy, and including taking risks to work actively for
justice and mercy.
Helping Each Other
As members of the body of Christ, Mennonites try to care for the spiritual,
emotional, and physical health of other members. "Mutual aid" takes
many forms, including giving time, money, and goods in times of crisis. |
