Third way community
If Joe Heikman had to choose a single distinctive Anabaptist value, it would be community. “That’s how I met Jesus,” he says, in community, growing up as part of a Brethren in Christ church in Pennsylvania. He did not arrive where he is at on his own. When I spoke with Heikman, he was preparing a series of sermons on the basics of Anabaptism for Wildwood Mennonite Church, the Saskatoon congregation he serves as pastor. The series will cover some history— Heikman loves history—and then shift to material…
What is the Essence of Anabaptism?
We asked numerous people to share three to five words that express the essence of Anabaptism for them. We also invited them to elaborate if they wished. Personal faith. Christocentrism. Discipleship. Community and simplicity. – Sylvie Kremer, editor, Christ Seul (French Mennonite magazine) Serving Jesus through serving others. – Catherine Gitzel, pastor, The Gathering Church, Kitchener, Ontario Peace extremists in Jesus’ name. – Joshua Penfold, former Canadian Mennonite columnist Holistic, Jesus-centered discipleship, rooted in community. – Rachel Wallace, pastor, Eigenheim Mennonite Church…
Risking Introspection
I recently met someone who is new to Anabaptism after decades in other churches. He was unrestrained and exuberant about the distinctive gifts that Anabaptist churches can offer young people in our society. I could have spoken with him for hours about Anabaptist values. At the same time, some discussions of Anabaptist identity feel tired and self-absorbed. With that risk in mind, this issue of the magazine explores the essence of Anabaptism (pages 9, 12-19). We do so with one hope and five caveats.…
