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Basic History
The Mennonites trace their origins to Anabaptism, one of several Reformation movements in Switzerland and Holland during the early part of the 16th century. Anabaptists broke with both the Catholic Church and the reform movements inspired by Luther and Calvin. The Anabaptists held that church membership should be a matter of adult decision, rather than infant baptism. Their view of the Bible led them to decide that they could not swear allegiance to any earthly ruler, or serve in an army. They were consequently seen as a threat by both Catholic and Reformed rulers, and heavily persecuted. In order to preserve the movement, the survivors went into hiding. From 1575 to 1850, membership grew primarily when adults passed their faith to their children.

Among the groups descended from the Anabaptists are the Hutterites, the Amish and the Mennonites. The Mennonites are named after an early Dutch Anabaptist leader, Menno Simons.

Institutions of the Mennonite Church USA are found in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Kansas. The Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries and many of the boards of the Mennonite Church USA are in Elkhart, Indiana. The Archives of the Church and the Mennonite Historical Library are on the Goshen College (Indiana) campus. Mission, service, Christian education and publishing boards are located in Newton, Kansas and Scottdale and Akron, Pennsylvania. Harrisonburg, Virginia is the location for Eastern Mennonite Seminary and Mennonite Media.

Mennonite Church USA is one of nearly 20 formally organized groups of Mennonites in North America that vary in lifestyle and religious practice but all stem from the Anabaptist movement.

Basic Beliefs
Mennonites hold that the Word of God is central and that new life in Christ is available to all who believe. Adults "believers" baptism is practiced, symbolizing a conscious decision to follow Christ.

Though their streams of faith may differ, Mennonite groups hold common beliefs: Jesus Christ is central to worship and to everyday living. Behavior is to follow Christ's example. The Bible is considered the inspired word of God.

Mennonites take seriously Christ's commandment to witness in word and deed. They stress that Christians need the support of a faith community for encouragement and growth. They view the teachings of Jesus as directly applicable to their lives.

Mennonites are known for their peace stand, taken because they believe Jesus Christ taught the way of peace. Many members choose not to participate in military service.

Some take their belief further by objecting to government military expenditure; a few choose not to pay the percentage of their annual income tax that would go for military purposes.

Mennonites are also known for their strong commitment to community; interest in social issues; service to those who have experienced hardship and loss in floods, tornadoes and other disasters; and mission outreach.

Leadership
Moderator - Lee Snyder
Moderator-elect - Ervin Stutzman
Secretary - Duane Oswald
Member at Large - James M. Harder
Member at Large - Roy Williams
General Secretary - James Schrag

Leadership
Mennonite Church
421 S Second St.
Suite 600
Elkhart, IN 46516-3242
Phone (219) 294-7131