The Mennonite Brethren Church separated from the main body of Mennonites in 1860, while in southern Russia. Through contact with the Pietist movement, who stressed repentance and conversion, some of the Mennonite preachers began adding Pietist beliefs to their Mennonite heritage. They also were persuaded that baptism should be by immersion, and added that practice. Facing opposition over these ideas, they organized their own fellowship, while still identifying as Mennonites. While stressing repentance from sin, personal conversion, a life of prayer, and conduct consistent with the teachings of the Bible, the Mennonite Brethren continued to adhere to the teachings of Menno Simons, renouncing military service, abstaining from oaths, and adhering to a simple way of life. Interestingly, the larger body of Mennonites, despite Anabaptist traditions against going to state authorities over church matters, did just that. Although the civil government eventually sided with them, bitterness and strife remained between the two bodies of Mennonites. Nevertheless, the church grew and the Mennonite Brethren became the first significant split in the Mennonite Church. Beginning in the 1870s, many of the Mennonite Brethren immigrated to North America, establishing churches in Kansas and Nebraska, even as the church continued to grow in Russia. By 1880, however, Russia began mandating military service. Although Russia later amended this order to allow Mennonites to substitute work in the forestry service instead, many decided to establish homes in the United States, settling mostly in Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and the Dakotas. Until the 1950s, the MBC elected ministers who were not professionals but eventually, many of the larger congregations began employing full-time pastors. By that time many congregations were replacing German services with English. In 1869, a division occurred, creating the Krimmer Mennonite Brethren, but that denomination merged with the MBC in 1960.
Recommended Resources
Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches
The Mennonite Brethren Church came out of the period of Reformation in the 1500s that produced the Anabaptists. The MBC began in 1860 as an expression of Mennonite faith, and has spread worldwide, including into Canada, where there are more than two hundred and fifty churches. Its congregations, colleges and schools, camps and partners are highlighted, and a profile and history of the denomination is put forth.
http://www.mennonitebrethren.ca/
International Community of Mennonite Brethren
ICOMB was created at the Mennonite Brethren Conference in 1990 to facilitate dialogue between the various churches. Its history, beliefs, and member churches are featured, and its national committee and staff contacts are posted. Contributing to its scholarship fund is discussed, along with its policies for application, and affiliated schools. Stories of its work in various parts of the world are told.
http://www.icomb.org/
Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission
A ministry of the United States and Canadian Conferences of Mennonite Brethren Churches, the MBHC is responsible for fostering historical understanding and appreciate within the Mennonite Brethren Church in Canada and in the United States. It coordinates the collections of archival records, publishes books relating to a history of the MBC, and sponsors conferences on topics relating to MBC history.
http://www.mbhistory.org/
MB Mission began 1900, created primarily for the purpose of advancing the overseas missions of the Mennonite Brethren Church. Its history, roots, vision, values and services are outlined, and its board members, partners and staff are identified, along with its office locations. Its programs, the places where it is working, and its projects are highlighted, including video, photographs, a daily prayer guide, devotional, and children’s curriculum.
http://www.mbmission.org/
Although nothing new has been added since 2012, the site features commentary on articles published in the Christian Leader, as well as on trends within the Mennonite Brethren denomination and the extended Christian church. Other topics include biographical information about the editors of the site, as well as contributing editors. A personal testimony from the author is included.
http://www.mennonitebrethren.net/
The four-year private liberal arts college is owned and operated by the Mennonite Brethren Church, and adheres to Anabaptist doctrine. Located in Hillsboro, Kansas, the college offers undergraduate and graduate programs of study, including associate, bachelors and masters degrees. Its admissions policies, academic programs, online studies, and its athletics and performing arts programs are highlighted.
https://tabor.edu/
Officially formed in 1859, the Mennonite Brethren came about as a result of Pietist influences that place emphasis not on Scripture alone, but on the conversion process within each individual, and the work of the Holy Spirit. These congregations formed as an independent Mennonite body. The official USMB site offers an overview of the denomination, its bylaws, practices, and organizational structure.
http://www.usmb.org/
Named for the US Mennonite Brethren conference’s Confession of Faith article 13, the site is a discussion forum set up to facilitate conversation among members of the US Mennonite Brethren on the topics discussed in the revised article. Topics include USMB Article 13, Scripture, war and military participation, self defense and protective violence, capital punishment, violence in our homes, reconciling in the church, non-physical violence, self-inflicted violence, and sharing our stories.
https://usmb13.com/
