To be Anabaptist in a Mennonite context means to live out a distinctive Christian faith shaped by the radical reformation of the 16th century, with a particular emphasis on discipleship, community, peace, and the authority of Scripture. In the context of Mennonite churches like Trinity Mennonite Church, this identity is both theological and practical, rooted in shared beliefs and lived values.
While these shared beliefs and values are not new, they are essential to the Christian faith and central to what it means to be an Anabaptist Christian. They may be summarized as follows: “Jesus is the centre of our faith; community is the centre of our life; reconciliation is the centre of our work.” (Palmer Becker, Anabaptist Essentials).
Here’s a breakdown of what that means:
1. Discipleship: Following Jesus in Daily Life
Anabaptists believe that faith is not just belief but a way of life. Jesus is not only Savior but also Teacher and Lord. In a Mennonite context, this means:
- Living simply and ethically
- Practicing forgiveness and humility
- Making decisions in light of Jesus’ teachings, especially the Sermon on the Mount
2. Baptism and Church Membership
Anabaptists reject infant baptism, emphasizing that faith must be a personal, conscious decision. In Mennonite churches:
- Baptism is a public commitment to follow Jesus
- Church membership is voluntary and covenantal
- Accountability and mutual support are central to community life
3. Community and Mutual Care
Faith is not lived in isolation. Anabaptists emphasize the church as a community of believers who care for one another:
- Decisions are made communally through discernment
- Members support each other spiritually, emotionally, and materially
- Leadership is shared and accountable
4. Peace, Nonviolence, and Reconciliation
One of the most distinctive Anabaptist convictions is the commitment to peace:
- Mennonites are historically pacifist, rejecting war and violence
- Conflict is addressed through reconciliation and restorative practices
- Justice is pursued through nonviolent means
5. Scripture Interpreted Through Jesus
Anabaptists read the Bible with Jesus at the center:
- The life and teachings of Jesus are the lens through which all Scripture is interpreted
- The church community plays a key role in interpretation
- Scripture is not just studied but practiced
6. Separation from the Powers of the World
Historically, Anabaptists have emphasized a distinction between the church and the state:
- Allegiance is to God’s kingdom, not political powers
- Mennonites often live counterculturally, resisting materialism, nationalism, and coercion
- This does not mean withdrawal, but faithful presence and witness
7. Mission and Service
Anabaptists believe the church is sent into the world to serve and witness:
- Evangelism is relational and invitational
- Service is a form of discipleship—locally and globally
- Mennonites are active in relief, development, and peacebuilding (e.g., MCC)
In a Mennonite context, these Anabaptist convictions are expressed through:
- Congregational life that emphasizes simplicity, community, and shared leadership
- Worship that is participatory and rooted in Scripture
- Structures that reflect mutual accountability and discernment
- A commitment to peace and justice as central to the gospel