I feel that I, like many 20-30’s christians, have been on a quest to find a church tradition where I fit in. A few people I respect have found their home in the Catholic Church. Others have gone back to the traditions they were brought up in. I think I have found a home in the Anabaptist/Mennonite tradition. They have a focus on Jesus, simple living, living out our faith and community. They also care about being missional(and here), caring for the environment, hospitality, peace, justice and fair trade. That is pretty much me. Plus, while there is an emphasis on holiness there aren’t a bunch of rules codifying details.
I’m been in touch for a while with the Virginia Mennonite Conference of the Mennonite Church USA. There was talk about planting a church with them before we connected with The Well. Since then we’ve kept in touch and explored if that would be a good connection. We are still exploring that(Brent and I will be going to Harrisonburg for the day on Wednesday) but I personally am sold on the tradition.
Hey Daniel – I just finished “a Generous Orthodoxy” (I know, I’m behind the times) and was particularly interested in the chapter “Why I am (ana)baptist…”
I’d like to hear more as you explore…
I’d also like to hear more as you explore.
Good to see you today in Harrisonburg! Thanks for the visit and the quick conversation. Glad to know how you are finding a set of kindred spirits and a theological home turf with anabaptists. We have a lot in common, and a lot to keep learning together. Sounds like The Well and The Table ought to meet up one day.
–Gerald Shenk
finding a place where you fit in is not limited to 20-30s… tell us more as you go forward…
Anabaptists rock. Kind of like Cleveland.