Confession of Faith: Church of Jesus Christ

Mennonites believe that the Church is an assembly of those who have accepted the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ who are then a part of a new and distinct community called disciples, witnessing about the reign of God, accountable to one another, a family united under the headship of Jesus expressing itself in continual love, the visible manifestation of Jesus Christ.

It's amazing how often we "get church wrong."  Stories are pretty much boundless about the hurt and grief people experience in church.  We hear about churches where pastors molest children; where people are "cast out" and abandoned because of sin (when actually that is when people need the most help and love!); where strict codes and interpretations are enforced instead of being lead by Jesus' transforming grace and love.  As Perry Noble, pastor of NewSpring church says (paraphrased) "Church is the only army that shoot their own wounded." 

It's striking that a body of people who are supposed to be forgiving, sacrificing themselves for one another, defined by hope, faith, and love, can be so unforgiving, so hurting, so sinful.  Yet, it should not come to us as a surprise, as church is made up of people who are broken, sinful, and hurting themselves.  The sick are who Jesus calls to himself - so it is no surprise that the church is filled with those who are sick! 

The Mennonites have worked hard, and continue to work hard, to grow and define themselves in church by love.  I, and we, confess that we still "get it wrong."  But the first step is always to admit there is a problem (such as sin) and that we are continually haunted by it, though we are saved by Jesus.  Our eyes are on Jesus though, and we pursue and walk after him as one - a people witnessing to the saving grace of Jesus, not admitting perfection in ourselves; a family who loves one another, but also struggles as any family does; a people willing to forgive, who are also in need of forgiveness; a people loving and learning to love each and every day.  This is the church of Christ.

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 9 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-%E2%80%94-article-9/

Been hurt by a church? Come try us out - South Union Mennonite Church, 56 State Route 508, West Liberty, Ohio. Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m., Worship service at 10:30 a.m every Sunday. We don't promise perfection - we do promise to worship and follow Jesus.