Mennonites believe that ministry and leadership is all about
continuing the work of Christ through the gifts of the Holy spirit who empowers
all believers for service in the church and in the world. There are particular persons called to
specific leadership ministries and offices, accountable to God and the
community of faith, but all are called to serve in building up the body of
Christ in love and witnessing about Jesus in the world.
One of the awesome things about Mennonite ministry and
leadership is the emphasis on equality among sexes, ethnicities, and age
groups. Everyone is called to serve in
some capacity while those called to specific offices and leadership ministries
serve through those positions.
A second delightful aspect is the note that all people are
called to serve outside the church.
Blessedly, this means for people in particular offices are called to equip
people for better service, not to do everything on their own.
This is important, especially in a society that is slowly
and continually moving the impetus of action onto leaders, even if we distrust
those leaders. More and more government
assistance is being given out, with folks hating the system but not really
helping others to the extent we could either.
We dislike what is going on, but instead of modeling change in our own
lives, we simply complain to the government or leaders to change it.
Mennonites believe it takes both - leaders and congregants,
working together to follow Christ in order to minister to the world.
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