Mennonites

[BonnieL322]

Hello,

Is there anyone who is Mennonite who might be willing to give me a little input on my desire to possibly convert?

Brief background-I grew up in PA Dutch country but in a Lutheran family. I always had a draw to anabaptism before I even really knew what it was. As an adult I became born again, married and started my family. My late husband and I were really non denominational but we attended a church with a number of people who were raised or still identified as anabaptists.

I’m now widowed and have left my previous churches, I just stay in contact with the pastor and his wife. I began taking my children to a new church because their childcare situation was ideal and the previous church was upsetting for me (wedding and funeral memories). I don’t hear anything I don’t agree with but I also don’t feel it there. I miss my old, plainer church and the simpler old fashioned people. I used to take this as just a preference on superficial aspects of worship. I began to ask myself why I am still non denominational 13 years after being born again. I started researching my beliefs and all denominations and I really think that converting to Mennonite is truly appealing to me after all. I don’t personally know anyone who actually is Mennonite, though. I’d really like to discuss it at least some with someone who is Mennonite, in addition to praying it over.

 

[bèlla]

I haven’t noticed much activity from Mennonites on the forum. I recommend perusing the articles on the Mennonite website and visiting a church in your area. That will be the easiest way to ask questions and experience the environment in person.

Here’s a helpful article on Mennonites. It’s a reputable source on Amish culture that frequently mentions both. I’m a long time visitor.

Although I’m not a practitioner, I’ve studied Amish beliefs. It was one of the earliest signs that God was drawing me back to Him. Follow His leading.

~Bella

 

[~Anastasia~]

Hello and a belated welcome to CF.

I'm not very familiar with it, but you might like the Anabaptist forum here on CF? Anabaptists

But I agree that's very much something to seek out in person. We have some Mennonite communities around here, but I used to have a little farm surrounded by many Mennonite families. I always had great respect for them (still do). It was very much a face to face kind of community.

 

[Martyr's Crown]

Hi!

From what I have understood mennonites and amish are not the same, many do think they are. I have subscribed to a canal in youtube where you can learn some facts about mennonites as well as the difference between them and amish people.

I will give you a link of one of the videoes of this mennonite lady, she answers a lot of questions people have asked about mennonites, and there are more videoes which you can look up by her. I hope you find this helpful. I find it interesting learning about this.

Condolences for the death of your husband.

 

[Rescued One]

My son has had interaction online with Australian anabaptists and says they are very different from the groups we've known in the U. S.

In the U.S. they are divided into many conferences that actually differ quite a bit as far as rules. There are liberal Mennonites around the more liberal Mennonite colleges: Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana, and Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The liberal Mennonites dress like other Americans.

There are various groups of more conservative Mennonites who have varying dress codes; some wear cape dresses and prayer veilings, some don't allow wedding rings, buttons or stylish shoes. Some don't allow tractors with rubber tires. Some (Wisler Mennonites) only drive black cars. I don't see a dress code for the men but they either required by their church to grow a beard or in another church they are told to be clean shaven. The conservative women usually have gardens and can foods for their families. Almost every Mennonite I've known grows mint and makes mint tea. I think it's their favorite beverage. Besides gardening and canning, a lot of the women make patchwork quilts. They sell quilts to raise money for their private schools. Many groups don't allow televisions. I think they have a potluck fellowship meal at church once a month. They don't have altar calls and are usually, if not always, works oriented. They don't mention being saved. Divorced Conservative Mennonites remain single. Old Order Mennonites use horse and buggy transportaton and wagons.

Lancaster Mennonite Conference is a conference of Mennonite churches formerly associated with Mennonite Church USA (MC USA). It is a body of 163 Mennonite churches in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, consisting of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. There are also a few conference churches in Delaware, Virginia, and the city of Washington D.C., as well as two located in Hawaii.[1]

Virginia Mennonite Conference
Virginia Mennonite Conference – A network of Anabaptist Christians linked by history, theology and geography, with a shared call to Christian faith, evangelism, discipleship, peacemaking and service.

I would avoid this denomination:
The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, also called Holdeman Mennonite, is a Christian Church of Anabaptist heritage. Its formation started in 1859 under its first leader John Holdeman (1832-1900), who was a baptized Mennonite. It is very similar to Conservative Mennonites but has stayed away from other Conservative Mennonites because of its "true church" doctrine and its practice of expelling.[1] In 2013 the church had 24,400 baptized members.[2]
Church of God in Christ, Mennonite - Wikipedia

There are a lot more groups/conferences. Conservative Conference Mennonites nearly always have small families unlike Old Order Amish.

Amish groups have different rules from other Amish.


That's basically all I can think of at this hour.

 

[Rescued One]

Article 13. Foot Washing - Mennonite Church USA

 

[Rescued One]

The Amish Kapp or Prayer Veiling

In Pennsylvania:______________________In Indiana:
_____________________



Pennsylvania:


Unknown location:


Maybe Indiana (colors aren't as bright):


Nice link:
This Is What The Amish Wear And Why

 

[BonnieL322]

Hi!

From what I have understood mennonites and amish are not the same, many do think they are. I have subscribed to a canal in youtube where you can learn some facts about mennonites as well as the difference between them and amish people.

I will give you a link of one of the videoes of this mennonite lady, she answers a lot of questions people have asked about mennonites, and there are more videoes which you can look up by her. I hope you find this helpful. I find it interesting learning about this.

Condolences for the death of your husband.

Maybe I didn’t specifically say it, but yes I do know mennonites and Amish are different. My interest is in potentially joining a Mennonite church in my general area.

Thank you for condolences

 

[Albion]

You probably know this, but not only are Mennonites and Amish different, but there are many different groups of Mennonites as well.

Some can barely be recognized by us non-Mennonites as Anabaptists, so restrained are the application of Mennonite principles in those churches. So this means, at least in theory, that there probably is a branch of the movement that fits you perfectly--assuming, of course, that you still live in an area where the one you best fit is represented.

 

[BonnieL322]

You probably know this, but not only are Mennonites and Amish different, but there are many different groups of Mennonites as well.

Some can barely be recognized by us non-Mennonites as Anabaptists, so restrained are the application of Mennonite principles in those churches. So this means, at least in theory, that there probably is a branch of the movement that fits you perfectly--assuming, of course, that you still live in an area where the one you best fit is represented.

In briefly searching for Mennonite churches in my area and surrounding counties, I found a lot more than I thought I would. But I do live near towns with many Mennonites and Amish. I am loosely aware that there are varying “degrees” of Mennonite groups. Like, I know there are old order and then some that are more, how would you say, modern or something like that? Lol. I’m actually drawn to something closer to old order, I do like to watch some tv and I listen to music a lot in private, but I’d be willing to really cut down on that a lot. While I differ with them on some of the technology views (although not all of them are anti technology, and almost non of them are completely anti technology...even Amish use it in secrecy), I find from what I’ve read that I agree with their biblical views, even most of the old order ones. Someone mentioned about how some of the progressive groups have female pastors for example, I don’t believe in that. A female pastor officiated at my
brothers’ wedding and my parents’ funerals and someone mentioned to me in private “isn’t that supposed to not happen” (this person is agnostic), and I felt like really going “old
School” in my
Explanation; why should I have to??? Why do people believe gender specific scriptures are outdated? Scripture isn’t outdated. Maybe some argument could be made to me about
My use of technology but I’ve never heard a very convincing one against electricity and the basics, but they could definitely have some footing with like my television watching and secular music (though I wouldn’t say most of my secular music is offensive in general or
Blaspheming). Anyhow, that was just an example of where I’ve felt very disgusted with and not comfortable with the practices and teachings of
Progressive churches. I’m anti feminist and believe in traditional gender roles as well as biblical headship and submission, and most Christians I have met who are under 50 do not seem to hold those same beliefs. I missed where there is a feminist Bible lol. I’ve been told numerous times by older Christians online and in person that I would fit in with Mennonites or Amish and I used to just laugh, but when I read about all of my beliefs beyond the gender specific ones, I find that statement to probably be more true than I initially thought.

I had just thought perhaps someone who is Mennonite or was raised in a Mennonite community might be able to give me some personally in depth insight to Mennonite conversion, services, group differences, how to find a group that fits me, and answer questions. I do research online but I feel like this is something I really need to hear from actual Mennonites and not just google, if that makes sense. But thank you to everyone who took the time to reply.

 

[Albion]

Hi, Bonnie. I do hope that a Mennonite sees your posts and replies to you. In the meanwhile, I am mainly here encouraging you in your search.

But as for how one who was not born into an Amish family could become a member, I haven't a clue except that we often hear from people who are afraid to speak freely with living, breathing religious leaders, often because they fear seeming uninformed, and I think that's a shame. Wouldn't such a leader, from almost any of the Mennonite or Amish congregations near you, be helpful to an inquirer, especially one who has had a longtime inclination towards the movement?

 

[BonnieL322]

I also have 4 young children, so I’ve been wondering how that would be for them. We live a secular, though more old fashioned secular, lifestyle at home I guess (we have TVs but no channels....they may watch something on dvd so I obviously know what it is, and I have a roku device on a tv for me to watch what I want), I have a computer but don’t allow them on it, only my oldest daughter has a radio, I have a car, we obviously have electricity. But I’m not really all about modern culture or anything. Anyways, back to my original point, I am wondering how drastically our home life would truly change if I convert to Mennonite and I’d love to talk to Mennonite wives or other young Mennonite widows. I have not been very fond of my treatment as a widow at the churches I’ve attended since his death, but I sense young widows make churches uncomfortable and they do not know how to handle us. My home life hasn’t changed much in my role, I am still able to be a full time homemaker and mama, as I was in most of my marriage. But I’d be interested in talking to Mennonite wives and mothers about their typical days. And how the childrens’ lives are and if I converted, would I be transferring my children to a Mennonite school or homeschool or keeping them where they are since I don’t currently homeschool? I just have a lot of questions in general about the varying groups, actual services, womens’ lives and children’s’ lives.

 

[Albion]

Yep, it sounds to me--a complete outsider--that although you say you have an inclination towards or appreciation for the Old Order Amish, practically speaking your family might only fit with one of the Mennonite churches such as "The Missionary Church." If, that is, this wouldn't be, for you, having to "settle" for something less than you had in mind.

 

[BonnieL322]

Hi, Bonnie. I do hope that a Mennonite sees your posts and replies to you. In the meanwhile, I am mainly here encouraging you in your search.

But as for how one who was not born into an Amish family could become a member, I haven't a clue except that we often hear from people who are afraid to speak freely with living, breathing religious leaders, often because they fear seeming uninformed, and I think that's a shame. Wouldn't such a leader, from almost any of the Mennonite or Amish congregations near you, be helpful to an inquirer, especially one who has had a longtime inclination towards the movement?

From what I have read online, it is almost impossible to convert to being Amish and as I’ve stated, my interest is in the Mennonite community. What I have read, if accurate, mostly has said mennonites are usually open to outsiders joining them if they are willing to adapt to their community’s customs. I’ve read they’re really strict on some things, but some people claim congregations who are biblically correct instead of politically correct are “strict”, so that doesn’t deter me too much. I guess I do feel a bit apprehensive or nervous about just straight up meeting with a pastor in person. I actually don’t really fear that they’d be too strict, I’d fear what I’ve found with pastors I’ve encountered...it always feels like they can’t say what they should say. I would hope that wouldn’t be the case. It’s also a different atmosphere for me as in a church, so just the mystery also makes me nervous, and the fact I am doing it alone without spiritual guidance from a husband also makes me feel more vulnerable and nervous about it; although he shared all of my views, so I don’t feel like he’d be against what I am thinking of doing for our children and myself.

 

[faroukfarouk]

@dogs4thewin There are all sorts...Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites...

 

[faroukfarouk]

I also have 4 young children, so I’ve been wondering how that would be for them. We live a secular, though more old fashioned secular, lifestyle at home I guess (we have TVs but no channels....they may watch something on dvd so I obviously know what it is, and I have a roku device on a tv for me to watch what I want), I have a computer but don’t allow them on it, only my oldest daughter has a radio, I have a car, we obviously have electricity. But I’m not really all about modern culture or anything. Anyways, back to my original point, I am wondering how drastically our home life would truly change if I convert to Mennonite and I’d love to talk to Mennonite wives or other young Mennonite widows. I have not been very fond of my treatment as a widow at the churches I’ve attended since his death, but I sense young widows make churches uncomfortable and they do not know how to handle us. My home life hasn’t changed much in my role, I am still able to be a full time homemaker and mama, as I was in most of my marriage. But I’d be interested in talking to Mennonite wives and mothers about their typical days. And how the childrens’ lives are and if I converted, would I be transferring my children to a Mennonite school or homeschool or keeping them where they are since I don’t currently homeschool? I just have a lot of questions in general about the varying groups, actual services, womens’ lives and children’s’ lives.

Hi @BonnieL322 ; good to see you.
Good to make sure what one does is all about prayer and the Scriptures, not works (the believer is saved by grace, through faith, not of works; Ephesians 2.8-9). Good to make sure we do things by personal conviction from Scripture, rather than because someone else tells us it's what the custom of the group is.

God bless your family.

 

[Albion]

What I have read, if accurate, mostly has said mennonites are usually open to outsiders joining them if they are willing to adapt to their community’s customs. I’ve read they’re really strict on some things, but some people claim congregations who are biblically correct instead of politically correct are “strict”, so that doesn’t deter me too much. I guess I do feel a bit apprehensive or nervous about just straight up meeting with a pastor in person.

It's easy for us who are on the outside looking in to opine, but my own feeling when it comes to situations similar to yours is just to do it.

That is to say that it may be scary, and the pastor may turn out to be less helpful or sympathetic to you than you'd hoped for (that happened to me once). But really...What have you lost by trying it? You don't have to deal with that person ever again if you don't want to and there is nothing at all odd about the act of consulting any pastor about a religious question.

On the other hand, he might just answer all your questions, and that would be lots better IMO than going on wondering all the time.

Prayers and best wishes to you.

 

[BonnieL322]

Hi @BonnieL322 ; good to see you.
Good to make sure what one does is all about prayer and the Scriptures, not works (the believer is saved by grace, through faith, not of works; Ephesians 2.8-9). Good to make sure we do things by personal conviction from Scripture, rather than because someone else tells us it's what the custom of the group is.

God bless your family.

Thank you. And yes, I believe in saved by grace, not actions. I find the churches around me like to go against some scripture and along with others...they’re cherry pickers. Even though we are saved by grace, I don’t believe that it is right to only live by what is convenient and hope for the best when we knowingly go against the word of God. I believe in trying to live better once we know better, while knowing and accepting the flesh is weak. I feel like my children and I should be in a house of God that aligns itself with scripture and not secular society. That’s all I am basically feeling, in a nutshell. Thank you for your words.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Thank you. And yes, I believe in saved by grace, not actions. I find the churches around me like to go against some scripture and along with others...they’re cherry pickers. Even though we are saved by grace, I don’t believe that it is right to only live by what is convenient and hope for the best when we knowingly go against the word of God. I believe in trying to live better once we know better, while knowing and accepting the flesh is weak. I feel like my children and I should be in a house of God that aligns itself with scripture and not secular society. That’s all I am basically feeling, in a nutshell. Thank you for your words.

May the Lord graciously guide you (with your dear family) along the lines of Acts 2.42, continuing steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship and breaking of bread and prayers.

 

[BonnieL322]

It's easy for us who are on the outside looking in to opine, but my own feeling when it comes to situations similar to yours is just to do it.

That is to say that it may be scary, and the pastor may turn out to be less helpful or sympathetic to you than you'd hoped for (that happened to me once). But really...What have you lost by trying it? You don't have to deal with that person ever again if you don't want to and there is nothing at all odd about the act of consulting any pastor about a religious question.

On the other hand, he might just answer all your questions, and that would be lots better IMO than going on wondering all the time.

Prayers and best wishes to you.

Thank you and yes, I think it’s more that I know it will be a different type of experience and the fact I am doing something solo that I would have normal my left to my husband or maybe done together with him. Or that he may do the pastoral run-around I’ve seen time and time again.