We hope the information on this page is able to give you a better idea of who we are and what we believe at Zion Mennonite Church. We invite you to ask questions and strike up a conversation with any of our members to learn even more about the Mennonite faith, what we believe as a church and how we live out those beliefs in our daily lives.
Mennonite Church USA
What is Mennonite Church USA?
Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) is the largest Mennonite denomination in the United States with 16 conferences, approximately 530 congregations and 62,000 members. An Anabaptist Christian denomination, MC USA is part of Mennonite World Conference, a global faith family that includes churches in 86 countries.
What are the basic beliefs of the Mennonite Church?
Mennonite Church USA shares a Mennonite/Anabaptist perspective on matters of faith. It’s how we understand our commitment to following the way of Jesus Christ.
- Following Jesus in daily life is a central value.
- It is possible to follow Jesus as Lord above nationalism, racism or materialism.
- It is possible to follow Jesus as a peacemaker. We believe that we can practice the way of Jesus’ reconciling love in human conflicts and warfare, without having to strike out in fear to defend ourselves.
- We can live life simply and in service to others as a witness to God’s love for the world.
Mennonite Church USA is a peace church and part of the Anabaptist religious stream.
Follow Jesus
As an Anabaptist community of the living Word, we listen for God’s call as we read Scripture together, guided by the Spirit. Through baptism we commit ourselves to live faithfully as Jesus’ disciples, no matter the cost.
Witness to God’s peace
We are called to extend God’s holistic peace, proclaiming Christ’s redemption for the world with our lives. Through Christ, God frees the world from sin and offers reconciliation. We bear witness to this gift of peace by rejecting violence and resisting injustice in all forms, and in all places.
Experience transformation
The Holy Spirit dwells in and among us, transforming us to reflect God’s love. Through worship the Spirit gathers the body of Christ, where our diversity reveals God’s beauty. The Spirit empowers our communities to embody the grace, joy and peace of the gospel.
Information taken from the Mennonite Church USA website.
How does Zion participate in MC USA?
Zion Mennonite selects members to participate in Ohio Conference and Mennonite Church USA as delegates. Delegates attend conference meetings and participate in round table events at the national convention every other year. Delegates gather at convention to discuss resolutions pertaining to the denomination.
As a church, we also support the agencies, colleges and universities, and mission work of Mennonite Church USA.
HELPFUL LINKS
Third Way – A wealth of information on Mennonite faith and practice. A great place to find answers to questions!
Mennonite Central Committee – The relief organization of Mennonite Church USA.
Mennonite Mission Network – The mission agency of Mennonite Church USA.
AGENCIES
Everence
MennoMedia
Mennonite Education Agency
Mennonite Mission Network
MHS
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Bethel College (North Newton, Kansas)
Bluffton University (Bluffton, Ohio)
Eastern Mennonite University (Harrisonburg, Virginia)
Goshen College (Goshen, Indiana)
Hesston College (Hesston, Kansas)
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, Indiana)
Eastern Mennonite Seminary (Harrisonburg, Virginia)
Ohio Mennonite Conference
What is Ohio Conference?
Mennonite Church USA congregations belong to one of 16 area conferences, each of which has a distinct culture. Zion Mennonite Church is part of Ohio Conference. Some conferences are organized as regional districts, while others are organized based on historical ties or theological similarities. Conferences help congregations share resources for Christian nurture and worship, pastoral and lay leadership, witness and evangelism, justice-making, peace–building and church planting. Conference gatherings offer opportunities for individuals representing congregations to hear from each other and see the bigger picture of God’s activity in the wider church, as well as to discern together ways to be engaged in what God is doing.
What is the mission of Ohio Conference?
The mission of Ohio Conference is to be a people and congregations dedicated to worship of, faith in and witness for Jesus Christ. The primary purpose of the Conference is to cultivate healthy congregations through the equipping of leaders in the areas of worship, faith and witness.
How does Zion participate in Ohio Conference?
Zion Mennonite selects members to participate in Ohio Conference and Mennonite Church USA as delegates. Delegates attend conference meetings and participate in round table events at the national convention every other year. They report back to the church and also serve as a liaison between the church and the conference.