Mennonite Distinctives: What makes Mennonites different from other Christians?

AS A SUMMARY - Taken together, the following beliefs have characterized the Anabaptist/Mennonite understanding of what it means to be Christian.

BELIEVERS’ BAPTISM – Baptism can only follow conversion, regeneration and faith so it must be an adult response to God’s calling. Jesus Christ was baptized as an adult. The process of a new believer’s training before baptism was long. Baptized believers gather to form a visible New Testament community of faith. Baptism is an ordinance, an act of obedience and memorial, not a sacrament.

THE LORD’S SUPPER – This is also an ordinance. Baptism has been a prerequisite to participation, as has holy living, confession of wrongdoing and obtaining forgiveness from the one wronged. The Lord’s Supper is often accompanied by the washing of feet.

HOLINESS – Holiness is a state of purity in God’s eyes. Anabaptists have always maintained the need for high standards of ethics and behavior in spite of the reality of human sinfulness. The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 has always been held forth as the ideal of holy Christian living.

DISCIPLINE – Discipline means training and persistence in holy living. Historically, Anabaptists have not been shy to ban fallen members. The true church should be visible in its witness and lifestyle.

COMMUNITY OF GOODS – There has been a spectrum of ways this has been expressed from simple sharing of money and goods to communal living (Hutterites). Anabaptists still recognize they are called to care for one another and for others.

NON-RESISTANCE – This has been observed through a refusal to participate in war, military activity, capital punishment and abortion. Anabaptists historically have also stood back from the political process, not running for office, refusing to do jury duty, refusing to take oaths, and in recent years, some have refused to pay the military portion of their taxes. The earlier refusal to participate in state violence has now broadened into activism around peace and justice issues.

SEPARATION - Jeus Christ calls us to be "IN the world but not OF the world." We are not to hide from the things of this world but are to witness to the world of obedient faith in God and Christ. "Through these, he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." (2 Peter 1:4) Jesus' followers are "aliens and strangers in the world." (1 Peter 2:11)

EVANGELISM – The “Great Commission” of Matthew 28:19-20 is binding on all Christian believers. All believers are called by God to proclaim the Gospel.

SUFFERING & MARTYRDOM – In a world that rejects Jesus Christ and his values, a commitment to follow him in life carries a threat of danger and even martyrdom as Anabaptist history has proven.

ESCHATOLOGY – Following Christ in life may have its real dangers but salvation and vindication will come with the last judgement. Anabaptists believe that Jesus Christ will come again in victory at the fulfillment of his reign.