One of the things that I love about the MB church is that it is not culturally bound to Mennonitism. From the very beginning of the MB tradition there has been an openness to learning and growing and co-operating with other denominational traditions.
I heartily agree with the ecumenical nature of the C2C program. I am glad we are part of ecumenical organizations. We need to be working together with other churches to bring good news to the world. If we all just try to do the work of Jesus in our own little denominational silos, this is going to limit the impact of the gospel.
I see this openness reflected in my own congregation. We have people worshiping with us who come from the Catholic tradition, the Baptist tradition, the Pentecostal tradition and from no tradition at all. And we don’t say, “Leave that tradition at the door, you have to become Mennonite like us!” I think we have learned from the wisdom these people all bring to us. Our worship style reflects these ecumenical gifts. I think that co-operation does not mean losing your identity. It means, though, that you are opening up yourself to change.
Here at Lendrum, there is an Anglican church two blocks from us, but for decades we have had very little to do with each other. Now in this past year we have worshipped together at a joint choir concert, and we have worked together sponsoring a refugee family from Syria. I know that we can have a stronger witness to God in our community if we work together.
Studies show that denominational loyalty is not a characteristic of young believers, they will try many different churches in their lifetime. And pastors are moving from denomination to denomination too. It’s hard to predict what the church in Canada will look like in 20 years time.
I believe that the Holy Spirit is at work “mixing up” the churches in the best sense of the word. As in someone cooking up something delicious. I am glad that the MB church focuses first on Jesus, who unites us all.
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