DearMBchurch.ca:
I am writing this blog with the full awareness that I could be wrong! Even though I pray and study the Bible and think and listen to people in my congregation and the larger church, my opinions still need to be challenged by my brothers and sisters. So why write at all?
In the Anabaptist tradition, we believe that we can best hear God’s voice when we are in community reading the Bible, praying, and worshipping together. The Holy Spirit gives insight to everyone in the church.
This was one of the foundations of the Protestant Reformation. People outside the hierarchy of the Church can read the Bible, and must follow their conscience, because the Holy Spirit speaks to each one.
The Anabaptists followed this, as did the founders of the Mennonite Brethren church in the 1860s in Russia. They felt compelled to follow where the Spirit was leading them, even if it was at odds with current leaders in the denomination.
Every Christian is given insight by the Holy Spirit, and we discern together by sharing our insights through open and honest and respectful communication.
In this discernment process there will be some conflict. The first church had conflict, we won’t be able to avoid it either. We don’t hear God saying the same things. Discernment is a holy give and take, push and pull process in congregations, in conferences, and inter-church dialogue.
The internet is the latest tool we have for communicating. Just as the printing press was a great equalizer, allowing many voices to be heard, the internet allows many people to share their opinions.
I see blogging as a way of engaging in conversation about the church. Some of the things I say here are positive, some of the things I say are critical. But I am committed to the church in everything I write. Even though I may be critical of the actions or words of a church leader, that does not mean disrespect. I believe our leaders are trying to be as faithful as I am.
I would like to hear your reaction to my ideas, either through letters, comments or emails. Or maybe you want to start a blog of your own. If you are writing a blog that deals with issues of concern to the MB church of Canada, I would love to hear about it.
Love, Carol Penner, Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton
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