Any former/current Mennonites and Amish out there?

[Ailanthus]

I'm just curious to know if there are many current/former Mennonites and Amish on the forums?

At the age of about 14, my mother and I started attending a Fellowship Mennonite church, where we stayed for about 5 years. It was a very interesting experience. At times, there are parts that I really miss. For example, the church community was always there to help another church member in need; whether it be building a house or painting a barn. Health insurance, or any type of insurance (with the exception of auto insurance), wasn't needed because the church as a whole would pool their money together to help out other church members in need.

On the other hand, there are many things that make me thankful that I am no longer a part of that church. They live by such a tight law that it is nearly impossible for a person who was raised in the "world" to settle into their ways. Plus, I never got around to asking any of them, but I'm almost positive that they think they will be the only ones in heaven. If I was still with the Fellowship Mennonites, I would not be allowed to have a computer (unless for a buisness purpose), internet connection, a TV, or a simple radio. My vehicle would have to be black. I would have to adhere to strict dress codes, but not near as strict as the women of the church.

It would be nice to find a church that had all the good qualities of the Fellowship Mennonites, without any of the bad parts. But, there is no such thing as a perfect church.

 

[BT]

I'm not a Mennonite but at my church we have many Mennonite families who have been exactly where you're at. I would suggest looking for an Independent Baptist church and attending there for a bit. I think it would offer what you're looking for. If you happen to be in Waterloo, Ontario.. then I have a good suggestion as to which church to attend

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

I think a lot of the Mennonite principles are good, but I do not necessarily agree with the way they choose to enact them. Some would consider me Mennonite though.

 

[BT]

I think a lot of the Mennonite principles are good, but I do not necessarily agree with the way they choose to enact them. Some would consider me Mennonite though.

Yes I agree, although often you will find Mennonite doctrines that are "salvation by works" oriented..... this of course does not apply to every Mennonite...

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Yes I agree, although often you will find Mennonite doctrines that are "salvation by works" oriented..... this of course does not apply to every Mennonite...

Yes. I believe in works by salvation, just not salvation by works

 

[Crazy Liz]

Pastor George (aka Nehemiah Center) is Mennonite. I grew up Mennonite Brethren. I think you might find the Mennonite Church or the Mennonite Brethren more to your liking. No rules about dress or technology, although modest dress is encouraged. Insurance is not prohibited, but communities help each other a lot.

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Pastor George (aka Nehemiah Center) is Mennonite. I grew up Mennonite Brethren. I think you might find the Mennonite Church or the Mennonite Brethren more to your liking. No rules about dress or technology, although modest dress is encouraged. Insurance is not prohibited, but communities help each other a lot.

Thanks. I am for the most part non-denom, but I may in the future try out some specifically aligned churches

 

[P_G]

I am indeed Mennonite! Say now!


I think you were involved with the OOM as opposed to MCA.
And our OOM brothers do very much have a sense of seperatism to them.
But good folks none the less.

The MCA tends to be a good deal more liberal about things like dress and
custom. I have a red car and a white truck. I still prefer a black buggy though. It is not required in most churches I wear a plain suit but some it would be expected. The number of ladies that wear a cover grows less by the year in our church but still strong in Lancaster.

We still take care of our own and as many of the world as we can best we can.

Did you have a specific question I can help you with?


Blessings

Pastor George

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Sure, is there a sarch engine for Mennonite churches?

 

[Crazy Liz]

Apparently, Mennonite Church USA has a search by city or zip code feature on their website.

You can order a directory of Mennonite churches in Canada from their website.

The Canadial Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches website has a "find a church" button.

The US Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches has a directory of churches on their website, although it may not be complete.

I didn't look for churches outside the US or Canada, or for other denominations than Mennonite Church or Mennonite Brethren, but I was able to google these in just a few minutes.

 

[J.A.I]

So what exactly is a Mennonite ???

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

I think most like a funadamentalist anabaptist. http://www.bethelmennonite.org/ has good info on the "What is a Mennonite?" link.

 

[Crazy Liz]

bump

 

[fanatiquefou]

I think most like a funadamentalist anabaptist.

Oh, please no, not THAT word! Sorry, I have a knee-jerk reaction to the word 'fundamentalist.' In my highly-biased opinion, a lot of fundamentalism, at least of the American sort, has done incredible damage to Christianity. But I digress...I'm not sure if you really understand how diverse Mennonites can be.

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Oh, please no, not THAT word! Sorry, I have a knee-jerk reaction to the word 'fundamentalist.' In my highly-biased opinion, a lot of fundamentalism, at least of the American sort, has done incredible damage to Christianity. But I digress...I'm not sure if you really understand how diverse Mennonites can be.

From what I have read about from other Mennonite churches, we all seem to regard the Bible as inerrant. As far as "other" fundamentalism, what do you mean?

 

[Crazy Liz]

From what I have read about from other Mennonite churches, we all seem to regard the Bible as inerrant. As far as "other" fundamentalism, what do you mean?

Which Mennonite denomination do you belong to?

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Which Mennonite denomination do you belong to?

I am technically a non-denom. Mennonite is just about my closest denominational match, but I prefer to be more ecumenical about things, so I just stay out of the whole "denominational rat race" in general

 

[Athanasian Creed]

Yes. I believe in works by salvation, just not salvation by works

Hey, i like that !! Gotta remember it - well done "Bizzlebin Imperatoris"


Ray