Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective
Sunday school reading, before the 9:30
What we believe
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
We are a peace church. It's the part of being Mennonite people notice first, and the hardest part to live.
Anabaptist convictions
What we'd say across a kitchen table
We hold to the 1995 Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. This is the shorter version.
Jesus is the center of our faith
We read the whole Bible through Jesus, and we try to follow how he lived as well as believe what he taught.
Hebrews 12:2 · 1 Corinthians 3:11
Community is the center of our lives
Following Jesus is not a solo project. We share decisions, money in hard times and Saturday mornings.
Acts 2:44–47
Reconciliation is the center of our work
With God, with each other and with enemies. That is why we refuse violence and military service, and why we fix porches.
2 Corinthians 5:18
Baptism for those who ask
We baptize people old enough to choose it, usually in their teens or later, after a class with the pastors.
Matthew 28:19 · Acts 2:38
Simple living
We try to live on less so others can have enough. We're not always good at it.
Luke 12:15
Scripture read together
We interpret the Bible in community, in Sunday school and around the table, not alone.
2 Timothy 3:16
Hard questions
What people ask us about peace
Are Mennonites pacifists?
Most of us would say we're nonviolent, which is more active than it sounds. We refuse to kill, and we try to make peace in practical ways: mediation, prison visiting, the work crew.
What about members who served in the military?
We have veterans in the congregation, and they are fully part of it. We disagree honestly, and we eat together afterwards.
Do you really wash feet?
Yes, on Maundy Thursday evening, in pairs, with towels and basins. Nobody is required to take part, and almost everyone does.
Why don't you say the Pledge of Allegiance?
Our first loyalty is to Christ's kingdom, which crosses every border. We pray for this country instead, every Sunday.
Read more
For anyone who wants the long version
Print them, borrow them from the church library or ask a pastor to walk through one over coffee.
Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective
Baptism class workbookHistoryWho are the Anabaptists? A two-page history
PeaceA congregational guide to conscientious objection
For young people thinking about the draft question, and their parents.
Peace202514 pages
PDF · 780 KBDownload
Nothing matches that search.