Who are Mennonites?

Mennonites are Christians who hold to the historical beliefs which are common among most Christian, Protestant denominations.  

We emphasize Jesus-like living, especially that which is recorded in the 'Sermon on the Mount' from Matthew 5-7.  We can also trace our heritage of faith back to the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation. 

An Anabaptist Movement

Our European ancestors were nicknamed 'rebaptizers' (Anabaptists) during the Protestant Reformation because they stressed believer's baptism.  They did not believe that infant baptism or violence (of any kind) was consistent with the teaching of Jesus.  

Many of these beliefs were considered 'radical' and 'heretical' and therefore punishable by excommunication, exile or death.

Other core beliefs included the priesthood of all believers, shared leadership, restorative church discipline, simple living and mutual aid.

Menno Simons

Menno Simons was a Roman Catholic priest living in the Netherlands.   Upon reading Scripture, he became convinced that infant baptism was 'no baptism at all' and questioned claims of transubstantiation during the Eucharist.  He left the priesthood, was baptized and got married.  

Menno was ordained as an Anabaptist pastor and focused his theology on separation from this world, and baptism by repentance.

After his death in 1561, Dutch Anabaptists became known as 'Mennonites.'    

Faith and Love

Menno Simons emphasized a 'living faith' - one which is visible within a community for the glory of God.  

Here is one of his most famous quotes:

"For true evangelical faith is of such a nature that it cannot lie dormant; but manifests itself in all righteousness and works of love; it dies unto flesh and blood; destroys all forbidden lusts and desires; cordially seeks, serves and fears God; clothes the naked; feeds the hungry; consoles the afflicted; shelters the miserable; aids and consoles all the oppressed; returns good for evil; serves those that injure it; prays for those that persecute it; teaches, admonishes and reproves with the Word of the Lord; seeks that which is lost; binds up that which is wounded; heals that which is diseased and saves that which is sound. The persecution, suffering and anxiety which befalls it for the sake of the truth of the Lord, is to it a glorious joy and consolation."

We seek to make our faith visible in a way which models Jesus-like living and cares for those around us.