Church of God in Christ, Mennonite This is an unofficial web-page.An Introduction to the Church of God in Christ, MennoniteThe Church of God in Christ, Mennonite,is a relatively small group among the variouschurches known by the Mennonite name.Our vision is to follow faithfully theteachings of Jesus Christ and His apostlesin all matters of faith and practice. The faithas practiced by the Novatians, Donatists,Paulicians, Waldenses, and Albigenses, whowere also at various times called Anabaptists,is our faith and practice today. Because of this standard, we are oftenlooked upon as holding a peculiar anddistinctive place apart from main-line Christianity. We certainly profess to be Christiansin the essential meaning of the term (Acts11:26), but are more commonly known asMennonites. Among contemporary Mennonites we are often referred to as HoldemanMennonites due to the leadership of theevangelist-reformer John Holdeman. Several major beliefs of the Church of Godin Christ, Mennonite, set it apart from otherdenominations. The foundation of our faithis personal salvation through the new birth.This experience involves faith in Jesus Christas Savior, repentance, forsaking our sins, anda resulting change of life from sin to servingChrist. We believe the Bible teaches that Christians are to be a separate people, not conformed to the world about us in spirit (ourattitude and outlook) and life-style. Webelieve in simplicity and modesty in clothing, homes, and all other personal possessions. In addition to simplicity in dress, webelieve men should wear a beard, and Christian women should wear the devotional head-covering. The Christian belongs to a heavenlykingdom. We believe Christ teaches Hisfollowers to live peacefully. We do not takeany part in politics, government offices, orthe military establishment.Origin of the Mennonite Church The Mennonites are largely descendants ofthose known as Anabaptists during theReformation of the 1500's. The Anabaptists(meaning re-baptizers) were so namedbecause they rejected infant baptism and insisted on a believer's baptism. In doctrineand practice they carried on the faith of theapostles of Jesus. Theirs was also the faithof the pre-Reformation Waldenses and othernonconformist groups of the Middle Ages.They were neither Catholics nor Protestants,and they were bitterly persecuted by both fortheir independence from the state-controlledchurches. Of the various groups of Anabaptists that sprang up all over Europe, it waslargely the rural Swiss-German Anabaptistswho preserved the faith. Because of intense persecution, they fledtheir homelands, often leaving well-established farms and businesses, choosingto obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Intime many of them immigrated to America.The Name Mennonite In 1536, Menno Simons (1496-1561), aCatholic priest in Holland, came under conviction of sin and began studying the Bible.His repentance and surrender to God resulted in spiritual new birth. As a convertedChristian he renounced Catholicism andunited with the persecuted Anabaptists bybeliever's baptism. A gifted, humble man, Menno Simonsardently studied the Bible and became a veryable teacher during those times of severe test.The Church called him to serve as minister,which he accepted after prayerful consideration. He was powerfully used by the Lord.With the help of other faithful ministers hebrought together the brethren in fellowshipand unity of doctrine and practice. He baptized many people and helped organize congregations. By his keen discernment andskillful pen he defended the faith against theerrors of Catholicism, the compromisingreformers of Protestantism, and false teachersamong other Anabaptists. Under Menno Simons' influential laborsin Holland, the Anabaptists became knownas Mennonites. Gradually the Anabaptistswho were scattered over Germany,Switzerland, France, and elsewhere came tobe called Mennonites. These early Anabaptist-Mennonites were known by their application of Christ's teachings in every areaof life: pure speech, modest apparel, diligentbusiness, social and moral purity, separationfrom worldliness, and nonresistance in timesof war and in everyday life. Their insistenceon experiencing a change of heart througha true conversion to Christ was the basis oftheir whole way of life.The Mennonite Church in America The earliest permanent settlement of Mennonites in America was at Germantown,Pennsylvania, in 1683, almost a centurybefore the New England colonies became theUnited States of America. The coming of theearly Mennonite settlers was brought aboutby personal invitation of William Penn, anEnglish Quaker, who sought to fill an extensive tract of land granted him by the kingof England. Other immigrations to America occurredfrom 1704 until the French and Indian Warin 1754. There were an estimated three to fivethousand Mennonites in America by thetime of the Revolutionary War. Anothermigration to America (1815-1861) began afterthe time of Napoleon. Among the Mennonites who fled Europeduring times of persecution in search ofpromised freedom in the New World werethose who were faithful in maintaining thefaith of the apostles. In America they bravedthe dangers of frontier life and were confronted by new challenges. They becameknown as quiet, God-fearing people, soberand devout in faith, and industrious andtemperate in everyday life. The Mennonite Church, sometimes referred to as the Old Mennonite Church,faithfully maintained the high standard of thegospel through the early history of theUnited States. A strong conservatism in doctrine and way of life characterized them intheir communities. In times of war theysteadfastly refused to bear arms and fight,in obedience to the Lord's teaching onnonresistance. Their consistent standthrough the French and Indian War, theRevolutionary War, and the Civil War gainedfor them the reputation of being a historicpeace church. The power of the Holy Spiritwas evident in their personal lives. Theyobserved discipline as taught in Matthew18:15-18. Through careful observance of thisprinciple a scriptural separation from theworld was maintained. However, times of test and spiritual declinecame upon the Old Mennonite Church. Itis saddening to note that over the last century many of the descendants of these earlyMennonites deviated broadly from the doctrines of their forefathers.The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite In spite of the drift away from sound doctrine, there were those who sought to "earnestly contend for the faith which was oncedelivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Amongthese was John Holdeman (1832-1900), whowas born of Mennonite parents in WayneCounty, Ohio. Although he was convertedat twelve years of age, he was not baptizeduntil he reconsecrated his life to Christ at theage of twenty-one years. He gave himselfwholeheartedly to the study of the Scripturesand pledged unwavering loyalty to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In the years that followed he became increasingly aware that the Old MennoniteChurch had drifted from the faithful practiceof true doctrine. Some issues of concern werethe apparent traditionalism and lack ofspiritual life; the baptism of people who werenot converted from worldliness; the lack ofdiligent child training; and default in practicing the doctrine of church discipline. JohnHoldeman appealed to church leaders andvisited conference assemblies, seeking understanding and support. Although someagreed with his evaluations, few shared hisconcerns to the point of taking action. Heand a few others began holding separatemeetings in 1859. This small beginning eventually resulted in permanent separation fromthe Old Mennonite Church. In time this group organized as the Churchof God in Christ, Mennonite. John Holdeman was a Spirit-filled preacherand evangelist, and he was soon recognizedas a minister called of God to shepherd thelittle flock. He also became a prolific writer,both in German and English. His mostoutstanding work is the Mirror of Truth, a collection of doctrinal writings and practical Bible teachings still regarded as edifying andinstructive by the Church today. Besides doing so much writing, JohnHoldeman traveled widely. As individuals experienced spiritual rebirth and came to thefaith, congregations were formed in variousstates and provinces of the United States andCanada. These congregations functioned in unity.Conferences were held to discuss matters ofdoctrine and practice. Growth continued,both in membership and in outreach. TheGerman periodical Botschafter der Warheit waspublished on a regular basis for many years. Publication of the English Messenger of Truthwas begun in the early 1900's. This paper isstill being published. Growth brought about the need fororganization to coordinate different aspectsof the work. Committees have been appointed by the conference for the publication of books and doctrinal materials, forprinting and distributing evangelistic tracts (learn more about available free tracts at the end of this page),for voluntary peace service, disaster assistance, humanitarian aid at home andabroad, mission work, the operation ofschools, and other administrative responsibilities. Evangelism and mission outreach havebeen carried out from the beginning by individual members and by the Church on anorganized basis. The Church of God inChrist, Mennonite, following the teachingand example of the apostolic church, invitespeople of every culture, race, and nation tocome to Jesus to be saved. This invitationis extended by literature in the form of tractsto many countries, in many languages. Missionboards are responsible for directing the domestic and foreign mission activities, and indigenous churches have been established invarious countries. The cry for the gospel inmany nations presents an opportunity andresponsibility of great magnitude to carry outChrist's great commission: "Go ye thereforeand teach all nations . . . teaching them toobserve all things whatsoever I have commanded you" Matthew 28:19-20).The Church Today Since the days of John Holdeman, theChurch has weathered many storms, both intimes of prosperity and adversity. In World Wars I and II, the doctrine ofnonresistance was tested. Although pressures were great to join the national war efforts, the faith of Jesus Christ endured in theChurch. Religious and secular movementsrose and fell around the Church, but hertestimony remained constant. Since the 1930's the mission program hasbeen active and expanding. The Church hasestablished mission work within the UnitedStates, Canada, Belize, Brazil, the DominicanRepublic, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Mexico,Nigeria, the Philippines, and Europe. With the largest concentration of membersin the United States (12,450) and Canada (4,260), the Church has a world-wide membership of about 18,900 (January 2001). Since the early 1970's, almost every congregation has operated a Christian school.It is our goal to provide a basic educationin a Christian environment for our children.It is a concern of the brotherhood to maintain a sound vision of education-to safeguard our schools against misleading orworldly influences, and yet to prepare ourchildren adequately for life in today's world. Despite the wickedness of the world whichsurrounds us, we face the future with a living hope that God's grace is sufficient for ourvictory over the world (1 John 5:4). We facethe future with confidence in a providentialGod who over-rules the world with divinepurpose, and with watchfulness to be readywhen he comes (Matthew 24:44; 25:13).Summary of Fundamental Bible Doctrines of the Church of God in Christ, MennoniteSalvationWe believe that man is saved by the graceof God through the atoning sacrifice ofChrist; that he is justified by the blood ofChrist on meeting the conditions of faith,repentance, and obedience; that through thenew birth he becomes a child of God, issaved from condemnation of sin, and partakes of eternal life. It is man's blessing tohave the inward assurance of peace with Godand knowledge of sins forgiven on conditionof faithful obedience by the grace of God(Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:20-26; John1:12-13; John 3:16; Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5; James2:14-26; Matthew 24:13; Romans 2:7).The Church We believe the Church is the visiblerepresentative of Christ's spiritual kingdomon earth, composed of those who are regenerated and baptized into her fellowship.Christ established one true, visible Church, and through her He has preserved His faithand doctrine through the ages. It is theChurch's divinely appointed mission to proclaim the faith of the gospel to the world,nurture the redeemed by teaching obedienceto Christ's commandments, and show fortha pattern of good works for the glory of God(Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:23-27; 4:11-13;Jude 3; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 2:12).Church Order and Discipline Jesus, as head of the Church, has delegatedto the Church the authority and responsibility:[1] to call and ordain faithful, able leadership (2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Timothy 3: Acts 6).[2] to regulate the observance of the ordinances (1 Corinthians 11:2).[3] to exercise discipline, including excommunication, for the purity of the Church andto redeem the fallen (Matthew 18:15-18; Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; Titus 3:10).[4] to hold scriptural avoidance of the excommunicated (Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians5:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15).Peace and Nonresistance The kingdom of Christ is peaceable andnonresistant and must remain separate fromthe kingdoms of this world: [1] Church and state should be separate(John 18:36). a) The Church is called tomaintain the gospel standard of the spiritualkingdom for the regenerated children of God(Romans 12:17-21; Matthew 5:38-44). b) Thestate represents God's providential arm ofjustice within society (Romans 13:1-7), butit is not the responsibility of Christians toenforce that justice.[2] The true Christian may not hold civiloffice, vote in civil elections, nor sit on civiljuries (John 18:36).[3] Biblical nonresistance is based ondivine love for all mankind and requires thata Christian may not: a) quarrel with hisfellowmen. b) use the law in retaliation ortake part in lawsuits. c) return evil for evil.d) take part in the armed forces or war inany form. e) serve in civil law enforcement.(2 Corinthians 10:3-4; Matthew 5:38-44; Romans 12:17-21).[4] It is the Christian's duty to pay his taxes(Romans 13:6-7), pray for the civil rulers(1 Timothy 2:1-4), and be subject to the stateas long as it does not conflict with his Christian calling (Romans 13:1-7; Acts 5:29).Nonconformity to the WorldA true Christian may not love the worldnor conform to the ways of the world. He isto be separate and live a holy life )Romans12:1-2). Therefore, fashion, pleasure andentertainment, professional sports, politics,prestigious business, idolatrous art, etc., areavoided. The Christian must remain separatefrom television, radio, movies, popular music, dancing, alcohol, illicit drugs, smoking,and all manner of immorality (Luke 16:15;1 Peter 4:1-4).New Testament OrdinancesWe believe it is vitally important to observethe ordinances as taught by Christ and theapostles:[1] Baptism should be administered onlyupon the confession of faith as an outwardsign of an inward cleansing and infilling ofthe Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts2:38).[2]Communion should be observed as amemorial of Christ's death, symbolizing theblood and body of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23-33), preceded by self-examination(1 Corinthians 11:28). [3] The washing of feet is observed withthe Communion service, symbolizing botha cleansed walk of life and the humility ofserving one another in Christian brotherhood (John 13:1-17).[4] A headcovering is required for sisterswhile they are praying or worshipping. Thissignifies their submission to man accordingto God's order (1 Corinthians 11:3-12).[5] Holy matrimony is an ordinance involving the marriage of two believing peopleunited in the Lord, symbolizing the holy relationship of Christ and the Church (Genesis2:18-24; Ephesians 5:22-25). We believe it iswrong for a Christian to marry an unbelieveror one from another church (2 Corinthians6:14). We believe that divorce and remarriageof divorced people are a violation of Jesus'commands, and contribute to the moralbreakdown of society (Mark 10:9-12).The End of This Present WorldWe believe this present world will come toan end with the glorious appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:31-46; Titus2:13; 2 Peter 3:10-14).[1] Jesus will come to judge the world(2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:31-46).[2] Jesus is coming to claim His own (John14:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17).[3] It will be a literal return (Acts 1:9-11;Revelation 1:7).Hell We believe that hell is the place ofeverlasting torment prepared for the deviland his angels, and that the wicked shall suffer with them forever and ever (Matthew25:41,46; Daniel 12:2; Revelation 19:3; 20:10;21:8).HeavenWe believe that heaven is the final restingplace of the righteous, where they will abidein the fullness of joy with God and the holyangels forever (John 14:1-3; Psalm 16:11;1 Corinthians 15:50-54; Matthew 6:19-20;Revelation 7:9-17). God desires that all mayhave an opportunity to be saved (2 Peter 3:9;Revelation 22:17).For More InformationOfficial Bi-weekly PeriodicalMessenger of TruthPO. Box 230Moundridge, Kansas 67107Books:Bible Doctrine & PracticeConcise History of the Church of GodKeeping the FaithMirror of TruthQuestions and Answers on Christian DoctrineThirty-Three Articles of FaithComplete Works of Menno SimonsBibles and Religious Books:Gospel PublishersP.O. Box 230Moundridge, Kansas 67107620-345-2532FAX 620-345-2582orGospel PublishersRt. 1, Box 181Ste. Anne, ManitobaCanada R5H 1R1204-355-4568FAX 204-355-4107Gospel Tracts and Literature: Gospel Tract and Bible SocietyP.O. Box 700Moundridge, KS 67107620-345-2533FAX 620-345-2528Email to Gospel Tracts. orGospel Tract and Bible SocietyRt. 1, Box 180Ste. Anne, ManitobaCanada, R5H 1R1204-355-4975FAX 204-355-4107Contact one of the above offices for moreinformation or for the location of thenearest congregation of the Church ofGod in Christ, Mennonite.The above is from An Introduction to the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, a small booklet published by the Gospel Tract and Bible Society, with updates.This Church has no e-mail address or official Web page.Learn here about GOD'S WONDERFUL PLAN OF SALVATION from a tract.Learn here about other free Tracts.This page is still being worked on. Send comments and suggestions to: WebmasterFor more information on the Anabaptist-Mennonites visit bibleviews.com, the Home Page of this article. There you will find many Articles giving the biblical bases of our faith. You are welcome to make copies of the above article provided you show the copyright information and bibleviews.com source. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Send them to the Webmaster. This page is presented by:Biblical Viewpoints Publications63100 County Road 111Goshen, IN 46526Phone: 574-875-8007Back to the Articles page. Return to Home PageMay God's grace and peace be with you as you study His Word. June 22, 2000document.write("Last Modified: "+document.lastModified); |
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