Mennonites

I have been going out every weekend and witnessing in a club area in my town. Every Friday night there are some men that are down there. I talked to one and he said he was a Mennonite but left them because they didn't evangelize. They evangelize by holding signs. I've noticed they have some theology that is different. One man asked if he belived in the trinity and the ex-Mennonite reponded " We are not sure." And the same man asked why did Jesus die and the ex-Mennonite responded " You do not need to worry about Jesus, you need to worry about your place with God." And one they are very hostile about is that true Christiains do not go to war. Women covering their heads... and things of that natureAlso the guy told me that I was using the worlds wisdom and enticing words because one of the tracts I had looked something like money. And another (there are 2 of them) told me that using the ten commandments was wrong and that I should use the commands of the kingdom to evengelize. Ex. Love your enemies. Don't marry the divorced. ect.From what I see of these people they want people to conform to a certain # of rules and nothing about conversion is mentioned. He gave me a sermon to listen to about salvation.. nothing about being converted, the cross, or the resurection was mentioned. It was merely about following rules.. or thats what I got out of it. Anyone have any info on the Mennonites? I think they are close to the Anabaptist right? Where can I get some information about them? The "main guy" or the one that started their church was 7 years a Methodist and 7 years a Mennonite, so he is not a Mennonite, but has the background. He said if the Anabaptist were still around they would have fellowship with them.

You could do a search on Google on the Mennonites.They are very rules driven... I lived in the rural part of New York where I was surrounded by Mennonites. They would drive black cars only, wear head coverings, but the older children were somewhat "wild" when not around parents. They are hard working people and very religious, easy to distinguish in a crowd. I know there were two types of Mennonites in the community I lived in that were very strict and religious and others that were more liberal. I do believe there is a link to the Anabaptists, but I'm not sure all of the history. Do a search on New York Mennonites on Google.comI have noticed that it is very enticing to get caught up in the "comfort" of legalism in churches, such as Mennonites, and other denominations that have rules without the Holy Spirit.In Christ,Doug

Anabaptists were a group that began to rebaptize (hence the name ana baptists) in the 1500s?. They didn't agree with Catholic baptisms of infants and so they rebaptized their people after conversion. They were basically slaughtered for years for their faith. They were a people greatly devoted to God. The Mennonites, Amish, etc. usually trace their roots back to the Anabaptists.

My grandparents are Mennonite. They, like all denominations, have varying groups. Some are more conservative, some are more like everyone else. They are very anti-war, which is ironic because I'm in the Marines (I'm in Korea right now). When I was converted, I asked them some questions, and didn't really get good answers. I don't think they really like to talk doctrine from what I can tell.Honestly, I think there are many Mennonites that are on fire for God, and many who are just going through the motions. Many who defend the Mennonite way but don't know God. If you went to my church and asked some people doctrinal questions, they would probably leave your mouth open. But if you talked to certain ones, you'd find out they feel just like you. So they are, when you get down to it, just like all the other groups, in that they have hot, lukewarm, and cold members.

Thanks!

My family and I have decided to move to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. During our three week search for a new home, we found that the salt of Christianity is still preserving the communities in that region. It is so different from Southern California. There is a peace that exists because of the Amish and Mennonite influences. I have found that these denominations are strongly influenced by Dispensational Theology. There is also a strong legalistic tendency with some family groups more legalistic than others. Their pursuit is to be seen as being no part of this world. Their pursuit is also to love others as Jesus commanded throughout Scripture. There is a community of Mennonites in my local community in Lebec California. A friend of mine contracted them to build him a house. Whenever he speaks of them, when asked, his testimony is---"They are painfully honest in all their dealings." They also hold tent meetings for evangelizing. They have started a Mennonite Church in Paraguay. They have started a orphanage of sorts in our community for lost children. The evidence of their faith can clearly be witnessed by this lost world. There are "Mainline Mennonite Congregations" which have become liberal and are now under attack by the Homosexual community. For the most part these congregations are no longer "seperated" from the world. Just like the Pentecostals or the Baptist some are on fire and others are about to die. Some never know the truth that frees them from the hopes of this world.Just a thoughtIn ChristJeff

Honestly, I think there are many Mennonites that are on fire for God, and many who are just going through the motions. Many who defend the Mennonite way but don't know God. If you went to my church and asked some people doctrinal questions, they would probably leave your mouth open. But if you talked to certain ones, you'd find out they feel just like you. So they are, when you get down to it, just like all the other groups, in that they have hot, lukewarm, and cold members. You'll find that this is happening in most of the Anabaptist churches, although, there is somewhat of a youth revival going through the church that I attend. It does seem that eventually a movement does indeed become a monument. (not sure where that quote is from). Anyway if you have any questions about Mennonites or Anabaptists feel free to send me a PM.

I have found that these denominations are strongly influenced by Dispensational Theology. You are 110% correct.. I have never heard anyone preach dispensationalism so strong as the ones I have ran into. Everytime I have talked to them (I usually say hi when I see them) they make a point to say that Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God. They question me like no other religious person I have met. They want to know how I stand on about every little thing.

Sir, here is a link you may find informative:http://www.anabaptists.org/doctrine.htmlLet me tell you, like another has said, you will find ALL kinds of Mennonites. The only thing many have in common with each other is a common history. Yes, they spring from the Anabaptists. They were very revolutionary for their time. e.g., they believed the state has no right to dictate in matters of conscience. Today we call this a separation of church and state. You have the Anabaptist to thank for taking a stand on this issue in 'modern' times, going back to the 1500s. Currently you have Mennonites battling for homosexuals while you have others who will not accept homosexual behaviour....but do say you can repent of it and be a child of God. Whatever you find in contemporary christianity, you will find a Mennonite church/conference that practices likewise. Hope this helps..ginnyrose