I did not grow up in the Mennonite tradition. I joined after I had graduated from Bethel College. Recently I have been reflecting on what it means for me to be a part of the Mennonite church. 

It has been an eye-opening experience pastoring a congregation in south central Kansas, an area with a large concentration of Mennonites and a deep Mennonite history. As many folks embrace their historical and cultural roots, foods and traditions, I cannot help but feel like an outsider looking in. 

While this frustrates me from time to time, I realize that I do not have to connect with every story. It is good for people to embrace their history and traditions, even if I do not see myself in that story. 

Recently there was an event at ­Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church of Goessel, Kan., marking 150 years since the Russian Mennonites immigrated to North America. My wife, ­Sierra, who grew up in the Mennonite church, was excited to join in the festivities. 

I had a work meeting (the pastor’s job is never done), so I wasn’t able to attend. I knew it would be an event where I would feel awkward, so I did not mind sitting this one out. Sierra went with our daughter, Orly. 

That evening, Sierra shared her reflections. It was a powerful experience to hear the stories of her ancestors who made a life for themselves in a foreign land. 

Sierra said it was meaningful to see Orly playing in the same grass and soil her ancestors would have known. These were Orly’s people, too.

I love that sierra and orly had a meaningful time at the historical celebration. Sierra’s reflections made me think about my place within the Mennonite church. 

While some people feel the most Mennonite when visiting historical and cultural sites or eating zwieback and borscht, others’ sense of belonging in the Mennonite tradition stems from faith alone. 

It is good for us to remember that our tradition is not only cultural but theological. Belonging is not only about where you were born but what you believe.

The moments I have felt the most Mennonite, the most connected to my theological ancestors, are those when my Anabaptist convictions have been the most present. 

I felt connected to the Mennonite tradition when members of the church I was pastoring worked together to contribute theological reflections to the Anabaptist Community Bible, part of the celebration of 500 years of Anabaptism. 

I felt connected to the Mennonite tradition when I saw the group Mennonite Action plan a protest in Washington demanding an end to war and occupation in Palestine. 

I feel connected to the Mennonite tradition when I gather with my congregation in worship and fellowship.

For me, being Mennonite is about following Jesus’ call to be an instrument of peace. It is about being a part of a community that cares for one another. It is about serving others and advocating for the liberation of the oppressed. 

I am excited for the 500-year anniversary of the Anabaptist movement. It will be a time to reflect on my theological ancestors, who held firm to their beliefs in the face of persecution. It will be a time to reflect on our peace witness and what it means to live out our convictions. 

I hope we can all find our sense of belonging within a rich historical and theological tradition.