"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

The Radiance of God's Love

When I awoke this morning, the sun was shining as brightly as ever, but its light was filtered. Its presence was there, but its intense warmth was being hindered by the atmosphere.That is how God’s love is. It is there. It radiates. But sometimes, its warmth barely penetrates through the cold atmosphere of my universe.My heart was dull; my spirit was heavy. My limbs were as lead. My Caregiver? Oh yes, does He care? Does He know my oxygen is low? Can He feel the throb of pain?Where could I go? I feel a tug. My clouded eyes barely look up, and there I fall, prostrate and call in my weakness. I call in distress. He draws me to His embrace. My faltering heart seeks His heartbeat. I pour out my longings, my hurts, my anxieties, my sins, my griefs. Helplessly, all my contents spill out. He lovingly scoops them up. You see, He is my Caregiver. And He is there, just like the rising sun, every day. Though the moon casts its shadow and brings a chill to the air, He is still there. And He cares.When my prayer is spent, I rise shakily to my feet. I am overwhelmed at my Caregiver’s infusion of strength. I am amazed at the renewed oxygen my Caregiver has supplied. My dimmed, distorted vision requires a new lens, and I am sustained by His vision.The morning goes by. A song from my Caregiver wafts through the air. Yes, in Your own time, Lord, in Your own way, teach me to be patient. Lord, teach me to wait; the answer may not come today.A message dings on my phone—a message from my Caregiver! I cannot believe what I am experiencing; it overwhelms me. A friend, a long ago, far away friend, sends me a message of courage. She sings me a song of God’s care. She had no idea she was a personal messenger from my Caregiver. She was just faithful to inner promptings.Lord, I thank You. Lord, Your love is overwhelming. You are the healing grace my heart always hungers for.This letter is a thank you to my personal Caregiver.And may each and every one of you learn to know Him, too. He is there, like the sun, radiating warmth and care in a cold, uninhabitable atmosphere. Thank You, God.Messenger of Truth, 2018, No. 23

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Who We Are

The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, is a relatively small church among the various denominations known as Mennonites. We endeavor to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles in all matters of faith and practice. This faith has been embraced throughout history by true Christians, including the Waldenses, although often in obscurity and under persecution.The foundation of our faith is the grace of God that brings us personal salvation through the new birth. This new birth begins with faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and results in repentance of sin and obedience to Christ’s teachings. This new life in Christ unites us in fellowship with brotherly love.We believe in baptism for believers, nonresistance, and a simple, modest lifestyle. The Bible teaches that Christians are to be separate (nonconformed) from the world in spirit (attitude and outlook) and manner of life. Since Christians belong to the kingdom of God, Christ teaches us to live peacefully with others. We do not take any part in politics, elected government offices, or the military. We teach that men should wear a beard and that Christian women should wear a devotional head covering.

Origins of the Mennonites

The Mennonites are descended from the Anabaptists, who rejected infant baptism and insisted on a believer’s baptism. They were bitterly persecuted by both Catholics and Protestants for their doctrines and their independence from the state churches.In 1536 Menno Simons, a Catholic priest in Holland, came under conviction for his sins and began studying the Bible. His repentance and surrender to God resulted in his spiritual new birth. He was baptized by the Anabaptists and was later chosen to be a minister. A gifted, humble man, Menno Simons ardently studied the Bible and became a very capable teacher and writer. Because of Menno’s influence, the Anabaptists were later called Mennonites. These early Anabaptist-Mennonites were known by their adherence to Christ’s teachings in every area of life: pure speech, modest apparel, diligence in business, moral purity, separation from the world, and nonresistance. Their insistence on experiencing a change of heart through a true conversion to Christ was the basis of their walk of life.

The Mennonite Church in America

Because of persecution and their desire for religious freedom, Mennonites began to immigrate to America beginning in 1683 and continuing until the late 1800s. They braved the dangers of frontier life and became known as quiet, God-fearing people; sober and devout in faith and industrious and temperate in everyday life. They steadfastly refused to participate in war, which earned them the reputation of being a peace-loving church.However, times of test and prosperity brought a spiritual decline. During the nineteenth century, it appeared to some Mennonites that not all the historic practices were being upheld. Among those who contended for the historic faith was John Holdeman (1832-1900), of Wayne County, Ohio. He increasingly felt that the MennoniteChurch no longer was practicing the true doctrine in many areas. He appealed to church leaders for spiritual revival. Although some agreed with his evaluation, little action was taken to bring about reform. In 1859, he and others began worshiping separately. Eventually, this small group organized as the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.

The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite

John Holdeman was a Spirit-filled evangelist, teacher, and writer. His outstanding work is the Mirror of Truth, a doctrinal book still held in high regard by the church today. He traveled widely as an evangelist, and many who listened to his preaching experienced spiritual rebirth and were baptized. A number of congregations were established in the United States and Canada.After John Holdeman’s death, the church continued to grow. Mission activity began in an organized way in the 1930s. With the growth in membership, congregations have been established in many states and provinces. Today, congregations or mission stations have been established in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and various countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Although the largest concentration of members is in North America, the church has a world-wide membership of over 21,000. Most congregations operate a Christian school for the purpose of protecting our children from worldly influences and to maintain a proper vision of education. The church publishes and distributes Christian literature and tracts and provides disaster relief and humanitarian aid. Expanding evangelism and missionary efforts are engaged in by individuals and through organized programs.We invite people of every culture, race, and nation to come to Jesus Christ for salvation. With a living hope in God’s grace as sufficient for our salvation and spiritual welfare, we face the future with confidence in God, watching for Jesus’ return.

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What We Believe

Summary: We believe that all people can have salvation through Jesus Christ, who died to wash our sins away.

1. God the Father

We believe that there is one eternal, holy, and Supreme Being. He is the Almighty God of unlimited power, knowledge, majesty and love. He is the source of all that is good. He is a trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Psalm 90:2; Romans 11:33; 1 John 5:7; Isaiah 45:22

2. Jesus Christ the Son

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He, together with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, has always been and always will be. Because of His love for sinful man, God sent His Son Jesus into the world. He was born of a virgin, partook of humanity but without a sinful nature, suffered and died on the cross to atone for the sins of mankind, arose from the grave, and ascended into heaven. Only through the shedding of His blood can we obtain forgiveness of sins and access to the grace of God. John 1:1; John 3:16; Matthew 1:20; Colossians 2:9; Luke 2:11; Philippians 2:5-8; Luke 9:35

3. The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. He was sent into the world by the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He is the comforter of saints and guides them into all truth. The Holy Spirit conveys God’s divine graces to accomplish man’s salvation. John 15:26; John 16:7-13; Acts 2:1-4, 38

4. The Bible

The Bible is the Word of God and is the only infallible guide for man. It is divinely inspired, true, and authoritative. It is a direct revelation from God concerning Himself, His will, and His ways. 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 24:35; John 12:48; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:130; 2 Peter 1:21

5. Creation

The Genesis account of the creation is true. This simple yet profound revelation must be received by faith. The theory of evolution, which teaches a continuous natural development from the lowest to the highest forms of life, is a contradiction of the teachings of the Bible. Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Hebrews 1:10; Hebrews 11:3; Exodus 31:17; Jeremiah 10:12-13; Revelation 4:11

6. Man

Man was created as an intelligent being by a direct act of God. He was made in the image of God and was given the power of choice. Through sin he fell from fellowship with God, and in his fallen state is estranged from God. However, God in mercy provided a way that man could again be reconciled to Himself. Genesis 1:27; Genesis 1:31; Romans 7:8; Titus 1:15; Colossians 3:10; Matthew 19:4

7. The New Birth

The new birth is the cornerstone of the doctrine of salvation. Those who by faith and true repentance accept the atoning work of Christ are redeemed from sin and are born again. God fills the born-again heart with peace, assurance of salvation, and grace. The new birth results in conversion from a sinful life to a life that brings forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This is the only entrance into the kingdom of God. John 3:3-16; Acts 4:12; 1 John 1:6-7; Hebrews 12:22-23; Mark 1:15; Acts 17:30; Acts 20:21

8. The Church of God

The church is the body of Jesus Christ and is comprised of those who have been born again and have joined the visible church through water baptism. Every member of the Church of God is part of the body and has an important work to do. The church is a haven for the saved, nurtures the born-again children of God, and provides spiritual support for her members. She is distinguished by brotherly love, self-denial, discipleship, a sincere love for the truth, and a faithful obedience to God’s Word. Matthew 16:18-19; Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Hebrews 12:22-24; Acts 20:28

9. The Great Commission

The church has been given a commission to declare and publish the gospel throughout the whole world. Inspired by a love for the salvation of mankind, she faithfully teaches the Word of God and baptizes those who accept and believe the gospel. Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15-18

10. Baptism

Born-again believers are admitted into the visible church through water baptism, even as they are admitted into the kingdom of God by the new birth and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The church continues to practice baptism by pouring as did the Anabaptists. Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:5; Acts 2:16-17; Acts 2:38; Acts 2:41; 1 Peter 3:21

11. Holy Communion

Christ instituted Holy Communion as a memorial of His suffering and death. This memorial should be observed by Christians to commemorate His death. Only those who are of like faith and are at peace with God and man should participate together. We observe both the Lord’s Supper and ­the ordinance of feet washing in the Communion service. Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

12. Feet Washing

The ordinance of feet washing is to be observed literally by ­all believers of the same faith. It was instituted by Christ in connection with the Communion service. It represents the inner cleansing of one’s walk of life and typifies humility and the equality of saints. John 13:4-17; 1 Timothy 5:10

13. Holy Matrimony

Marriage was divinely instituted for the propagation, purity, and happiness of the human race. God sanctions marriage between one man and one woman only. Marriage in the church is only permitted between members. 1 Corinthians 7:39; Genesis 2:18; Nehemiah 13:24-31; Mark 10:2-12; Romans 7:2; Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:3-12

13. The Nurture of Children

It is the responsibility of Christian parents to raise their children by biblical principles. The Bible teaches parents to love, nurture, and discipline their children so they will be receptive to God’s call to salvation and be prepared for the challenges of life. Proverbs 13:24; Deuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20-21

15. The Church and the World

The church and the world are distinctly separate institutions with different desires, goals, and accomplishments. Christians are not to be conformed to the world. God has set forth a clear standard of righteousness, which must not be compromised by worldly dress, amusements, or other worldly attractions. Entertainment provided by movies, musical instruments, radio, television, and the improper use of the internet detract from the sanctity and simplicity of one’s spiritual life in Christ and should be avoided. Matthew 6:24; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 John 2:15-16; Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 5:11.

16. The Sacredness of Human Life

Human life is a sacred gift from God. He has created and sustains life according to His will and purpose. It is man’s obligation to treat the whole of human life as existing for the honor and glory of God. The Christian refuses to inflict harm on anyone or take human life, which would include abortion or euthanasia. Genesis 2:7; Genesis 9:6; Exodus 20:13; Psalm 139:13; Psalm 139:15-16; Acts 17:29; 1 Peter 2:17

17. Nonresistance

The gospel emphatically teaches against strife, contention, and war. Therefore, no believer should take part in any strife, whether between individuals, in lawsuits, or in conflicts among nations. The doctrine of nonresistance was taught and exemplified by Christ and the apostles. It has been practiced by true Christians until the present time. Matthew 5:38-45; Matthew 26:52; John 18:36; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Romans 12:17-21; 2 Corinthians 10:4

18. Education

Speaking, reading, and writing correctly and properly are profitable when done in Christian simplicity and humility. Elementary or basic education is sufficient for a humble way of life. Those called to careers requiring more than a basic education should share their conviction with others, especially brethren called to leadership. Acts 4:13; Matthew 6:31-32; Acts 17:16-31; 1 Corinthians 1:18-30; 1 Corinthians 2:4-8; 1 Peter 5:5-6

19. Purity and Temperance

The people of God should be pure, devout, respectful, and temperate in all things. Any immoral conduct is forbidden by the Scriptures, and is therefore sinful. Impure speech, profanity, and vices such as smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and using illicit drugs must be avoided. 1 Peter 1:15; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:1; 2 Peter 3:11-14; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 5:19-25; 1 John 3:3

20. Modest Apparel

Christians should be clothed with modest apparel. The wearing of jewelry, costly or fashionable attire, and bodily ornamentation take away from the simplicity of Christians. Romans 12:1-2; Isaiah 3:16-24; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-5; 1 John 2:15-17

21. Church Discipline

The church is the bride of Christ and must be kept pure and spotless. Christ has made provision for the government and preservation of His visible church. He has given her authority through the Holy Spirit to interpret the Scriptures and discipline unfaithful members by excommunicating those who fail to accept admonition, become willfully sinful, or teach false doctrine. Those excommunicated should be avoided in spiritual and temporal fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, eating together, and the Holy Kiss. The avoidance prevents spiritual defilement in the church and is intended to urge the sinner to repent so he can be restored to fellowship with Christ and His church. We believe this doctrine should be kept in love and compassion. Matthew 16:19; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 5:1-6; Matthew 18:8-9; Matthew 18:15-18; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-15. ­

22. The Beard

We believe that men grow beards by order of creation. Wearing a beard indicates respect for God’s order. The Old Testament and Isaiah’s prophecy of Christ (Isaiah 50:6) provide historical evidence. There are ample writings from the early Christian church to support this practice under the gospel era. Genesis 1:26-27, 31; Romans 9:20; Isaiah 50:6; Leviticus 19:27; Leviticus 21:5; Matthew 5:17-19.

23. The Devotional Head Covering

The devotional head covering is divinely commanded. It is an outward sign of submission to God’s order. A Christian woman should have her head veiled with a devotional covering for prayer and as a sign of submission. 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

24. The Holy Kiss

We believe that the holy kiss should be observed among Christian believers of the same faith and gender as an expression of love and fellowship. Romans 16:16; 1 Peter 5:14; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12

25. Church and State

The Scriptures teach that the authority of secular governments is ordained of God. However, there should be complete separation between church and state. Although we should be subject unto authorities, Christians owe their first allegiance to God. We believe Christians should not serve in secular government, or in positions that require the use of force. John 18:36; Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-5; Hebrews 11:13

26. Swearing of Oaths

Oaths are forbidden by the gospel for any purpose and in all circumstances. Most governments allow an affirmation in lieu of an oath. Matthew 5:34-37; James 5:12; Exodus 20:7

27. Miracles and Divine Healing

The miracles of the Bible were extraordinary events and are literally true. They are wonderful manifestations of the divine power of God. Divine healing lies within the realm of miracles. Those who are sick and who ask in faith should be anointed with oil and prayed for by the “elders” of the church. Matthew 12:40; Acts 1:3; Acts 2:22; Acts 4:16; James 5:14-15; Mark 6:13; Mark 16:18

28. The Amillennial Reign

The gospel teaches a spiritual reign of believers with Christ. This spiritual reign of Christ in and with His followers has prevailed from the beginning of the gospel era and will never end. We do not believe there will be a different future reign upon the earth. John 18:36; Romans 5:17; 1 Corinthians 4:8; Ephesians 3:17-19; Revelation 1:5-6; Luke 17:20-21

29. Return of the Lord

The personal, imminent second coming of the Lord Jesus is the blessed hope of the believer. He will come, not in humiliation, nor to reign here on earth, but to claim His true followers and to judge the world. Matthew 24:29-31; Matthew 24:42-44; Matthew 25:31-32; Mark 13:24-27; Titus 2:13; Acts 1:11; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 1:7; Revelations 20:11-15

30. The Resurrection

When Christ returns there will be a bodily resurrection of the dead. All who have ever lived and died will be resurrected and made eternally alive through the incomprehensible power of God. These, together with those who are alive at His return, will be judged by Christ. The righteous will be separated from the wicked, and each shall receive his eternal reward. Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15; Matthew 22:28-32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; John 11:24-25; Revelation 20:13

31. Hell

Jesus Christ and His apostles clearly taught that hell is a place of everlasting punishment. It is the eternal abode of the lost. All who have rejected Christ will be eternally punished in the lake of fire and brimstone. Psalm 9:17; Matthew 25:41-46; Revelation 14:11; Revelation 20:10-15; John 5:28-29; 2 Peter 3:10-12; 2 John 7; Jude 7

32. Heaven

Jesus has prepared Heaven for those who are saved. The righteous, who have been saved through the blood of Jesus, and have endured until the end, will be glorified. They will spend eternity in the realms of endless bliss with God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the holy angels. Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 25:34; Matthew 25:46; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Revelations 22:5; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 21:1-5

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Where We Are

Worldwide membership at the end of 2021 was 27,118. This map shows countries where we have a presence. This can include churches or outreach or projects sponsored by Gospel Tract, Christian Service International, Humanitarian Service International, or Christian Public Service.Viewers who wish to locate the nearest church or outreach program are welcome to use the “Contact Us” form to request this information. It is helpful if you include your country or location.

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