Seven Core Convictions Mennonite Share

By the grace of God, we seek to live and proclaim the good news of reconciliation in Jesus Christ. As part of the one body of Christ at all times and places, we hold the following to be central to our belief and practice:

    1. God is known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Creator who seeks to restore fallen humanity by calling a people to be faithful in fellowship, worship, service and witness.
      And the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ will restore, support, strengthen and establish you. — 1 Peter 5:10

       

    2. Jesus is the Son of God. Through his life and teachings, his cross and resurrection, he showed us how to be faithful disciples, redeemed the world, and offers eternal life.
      But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God. — John 1:12

       

    3. As a church, we are a community of those whom God’s Spirit calls to turn from sin, acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, receive baptism upon confession of faith, and follow Christ in life.
      The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news. –Mark 1:15

       

    4. As a faith community, we accept the Bible as our authority for faith and life, interpreting it together under Holy Spirit guidance, in the light of Jesus Christ to discern God’s will for our obedience.
      And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. –2 John 1:6

       

    5. The Spirit of Jesus empowers us to trust God in all areas of life so we become peacemakers who renounce violence, love our enemies, seek justice, and share our possessions with those in need.
      But love your enemies, do good and lend, expecting nothing in return. –Luke 6:35

       

    6. We gather regularly to worship, to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and to hear the Word of God in a spirit of mutual accountability.
      They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. –Acts 2:42

       

    7. As a world-wide community of faith and life we transcend boundaries of nationality, race, class, gender and language. We seek to live in the world without conforming to the powers of evil, witnessing to God’s grace by serving others, caring for creation, and inviting all people to know Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
      Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . . –Romans 12:2
 

In these convictions we draw inspiration from Anabaptist forebears of the 16th century, who modeled radical discipleship to Jesus Christ. We seek to walk in his name by the power of the Holy Spirit, as we confidently await Christ’s return and the final fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

Adopted by Mennonite World Conference General Council Pasadena, California, USA