The Mennonite Brethren is a small Christian denomination made up of individuals who recognize their sinfulness and are saved by grace, believing in Christ’s work on the cross for their salvation. They are committed to following Jesus daily in a life of discipleship. However, there is a beautiful story behind this faith. The Amish are a Mennonite sect. This is also their history.
The roots of the Mennonite Brethren trace back to the sixteenth century during the Reformation, a time when the Bible was printed and made accessible to the public. People began to read the Bible for themselves and realized that God’s authority comes from Scripture alone, not from the words of a priest or pope. They understood that a relationship with Jesus is established through faith alone, rather than through church tradition and ritual.
During this period, a group known as the radicals sought to reform the church and return to the teachings found in the New Testament. Among them were Conrad Grebel, George Blaurock, and Felix Mantz, who believed that infant baptism does not make one a Christian. Instead, they advocated for believers’ baptism, which is an expression of faith. In 1525, these three men baptized each other in the river Limmat in Zurich, Switzerland. This act was seen as treason by both the church and the state, leading to their persecution.
Felix Mantz, when captured, was ordered to recant his faith. Upon refusal, he was sentenced to death by drowning. As he was taken to the river, he saw his family on the shore, signaling him to stay true to Christ. He was drowned that day in the very river where he had been baptized. This incident sparked a wave of persecution against many Anabaptists, who were often drowned or burned at the stake. Despite this, the movement continued to grow.
Menno Simons, a former Catholic priest from the Netherlands, became sympathetic to the Anabaptist cause and began preaching their radical faith. His followers were called “Mennonites,” derived from his name. One of his notable works, “True Evangelical Faith,” emphasized that true faith cannot remain dormant; it must manifest in acts of compassion and service to others.
To escape persecution, many Mennonites accepted an invitation from Catherine the Great of Russia to settle in Ukraine, where they could farm and worship freely. The initial years were difficult, but they eventually prospered, leading to what some called the “golden years” of the Mennonites. However, this prosperity was accompanied by a spiritual decline.
Seventeen men, influenced by a traveling preacher, sought to return to the Scriptures and true discipleship. They eventually broke away from the Mennonites, becoming known as the Mennonite Brethren.
In 1874, a migration of over 10,000 Mennonites and Mennonite Brethren began, seeking a better life in North America. They settled in agricultural regions such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, with some moving to California and Oregon. The Mennonite Brethren have since grown to over 230 churches and more than 70,000 believers in the United States, contributing significantly to the broader Christian community.
The Mennonite Brethren emphasize following Jesus and are known as people of the book, taking Scripture seriously as their authority for faith and practice. They believe in the obedience of faith, where true faith in Jesus requires obedience, and vice versa. They affirm that Jesus is God’s Son and that His teachings, including loving enemies and praying for persecutors, are to be taken seriously and applied in daily life.
The Mennonite Brethren also embrace the Great Commission, believing in the call to make disciples of all nations. Their faith commitment grows into a life of daily discipleship, living as if Jesus is present within them. They proclaim the good news of Jesus through both words and actions, leading to a mission-minded approach that has resulted in a significant presence of Mennonite Brethren Christians globally, particularly in India and Africa. This tiny denomination continues to make an impact worldwide through its commitment to following Jesus.
Menno Simons made several significant contributions to the Mennonite faith:
- Leadership and namesake: As a former Catholic priest from the Netherlands, Menno Simons became sympathetic to the Anabaptist cause and began preaching their radical faith. His followers were called “Mennonites,” derived from his name.
- Theological writings: One of Menno Simons’ most notable works was “True Evangelical Faith,” which emphasized the practical application of faith in daily life. This work helped shape Mennonite theology and practice.
- Emphasis on active faith: Simons taught that true faith cannot remain dormant but must manifest in acts of compassion and service to others. His writings encouraged believers to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, comfort the sorrowful, and serve those who harm them.
- Articulation of Anabaptist beliefs: Through his preaching and writing, Simons helped articulate and spread Anabaptist beliefs, which included adult baptism, pacifism, and separation of church and state.
- Providing stability: Simons’ leadership helped provide stability and direction to the Anabaptist movement during a time of intense persecution, helping to ensure its survival and growth.
Menno Simons’ teachings and leadership were instrumental in shaping the Mennonite faith, emphasizing practical Christianity, nonviolence, and active service to others.
