What is a Mennonite anyway?

Are you Christian?

Perhaps you have asked these questions yourself! 

Here are a few answers and some information on where to find out more. . . Or you can join us for a service and ask us in person!

What does Mennonite mean?
That is the name of the denomination, like Lutheran or Methodist.  Just as Lutherans are named for Martin Luther, we are named for an early leader, Menno Simons.

Are Mennonites Christian?
Yes, we believe in Jesus Christ as son of God, take communion, practice baptism, and base our beliefs on the Bible.

So how are you different?
We may not be as different as you think. We are Anabaptists, which means we bless babies, but we don’t baptize anyone until they are old enough to choose it. Our worship services look much like those of other denominations.

Are you Mennonite Breathern?

No, we are part of a denomination called Mennonite Church USA, which was formed in 2000 out of General Conference and Mennonite Church. General conference split from the Mennonite Breathern back in 1860’s in Russia. So, while we share the same 1525 Anabaptist roots and have collaborated on mission projects, we are our own denomination with our own theology.

Do you drive buggies and wear funny clothes?
The Mennonite Church is made up of many different groups, called conferences. They differ greatly on lifestyle issues. Here at First Mennonite Church of Reedley, no one drives a buggy. A lot of people ride their bikes, though. And quite a few drive electric cars.

Our congregation does not require women to wear head coverings or long dresses. Most of us come to church dressed very casually. . . most likely in jeans in the winter and shorts in the summer.

So can anyone be a Mennonite? Don’t you have to be born one?
A few of our congregation are what’s called “ethnic Mennonites.” Their ancestors were persecuted in Europe and immigrated to the U.S. and Canada, often from Switzerland or Russia. Most of us at First Mennonite Chruch are not “ethnic Mennonites” but were attracted to the issues of peace and justice and were looking for a church that addressed those issues.

How do you handle conflict?
The Mennonite church is historically a peace church. We seek non-violent ways to face conflict in our interpersonal relationships and in global issues. This includes a commitment to be good stewards of all creation.

If I did attend a worship service, what could I expect?
We love to sing!  Our service starts with two hymns so people can get settled and comfortable. We have a children’s time, read today’s scripture and Our pastor, or a lay person, gives a 13-17 minute sermon. Afterwards we have a time of sharing joys and concerns followed by another hymn. 

Will you try to convert me?
No. We all have very diverse journeys and respect that about each other. No one will ask you what you believe or if you are born again. All are welcome.

What about women’s roles?
Women have served as pastors and several members of our Leadership Team are women. Individuals of all sexual identity and gender orientations are welcome to be active in every aspect of our church.

And children?
We love to have children involved in the service. It is not a place where you worry about your children not being solemn enough.  We have a play area in the sanctuary and a nursery in the back.  There is a time early in the worship service for children to come forward for a story, then we dismiss them to play in the education center or stay with you for the rest of worship.

In accordance with our Child Safety Policy, all of the staff that relate to our children and youth have completed background checks and have been trained in healthy boundaries. No staff or volunteer should be alone with a child.

Sounds a little too perfect.
Oh, it isn’t. We are quite human and have our problems like any other group. Community is important to us but community isn’t easy. We sometimes disagree, become frustrated and have fruitless meetings. In the end however, we support one other in the love of Christ and try to live lives of integrity and hope. Because of modern lifestyles, we always have people moving into and out of the congregation. We are very open to new folks becoming a part of our community in whatever ways they are comfortable.