I thank God daily for the grace of growing up in a strong Mennonite community. As a prodigal returning to faith and looking for a church home, I applaud the great outreach and service of the Mennonite church. I found the physical pantries well stocked and overflowing. However, I came looking for food for the soul and found its pantries bare, neglected by the academicians, leaders and pastors who are teaching (does anyone still preach?) and worshiping the doctrines of Anabaptism, pacifism, love, works and being missional as the saving grace to salvation. I find a church attempting to lead, not follow, Jesus.

I find Mennonite congregants are doubting a salvation that comes through man-made religious doctrine. Doctrines may be a necessary church discipline but are not the foundation of one’s salvation. I find the church starving for spiritual food taught (preached!) directly from God’s Word.

In this age of street marches and protests, I envision Mennonites following Jesus down a narrow street holding their signs: peace, love, repent, forgive. In their zeal, they run ahead of Jesus and lead many followers onto a wide, populated street. Noticing their followers are diminishing, they realize Jesus has continued down the narrow street with his followers. In their own righteousness, they refuse to admit their error. They admonish their followers — “this is the better way!” — and soon find their message overwhelmed and lost in large, opposing crowds.

David Bontrager
Mission, Kan.