Two visions of church have dominated Christianity for centuries. The sacramental view centers on celebration of sacred rites, and the instructional view on proclamation of the Scriptures. A third vision - the church as a committed community of faith - has been preserved among persecuted believers known as Anabaptists and Mennonites. These people choose costly commitment to Christ and his way of suffering love. They follow the path of discipleship in community and open themselves to the counsel of fellow church members. Their highest authority is the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ, whom they serve through obedience to the Scriptures. With a spirituality of nonviolence, compassion, and servanthood, they invite all people to know and follow Christ. Today many see the Christian church as hypocritical and irrelevant. Wealth, mobility, and individualism tempt Mennonites themselves to give up a common life. Yet the vision of church as a true community of faith offers hope for renewal. This book helps to reclaim core themes of a biblical and Mennonite vision of being church together. Here is a challenge for longtime Mennonites and for disciples of all backgrounds. This book will be especially helpful for small groups, leadership teams attempting an inventory of the life of their church, and pioneer Christians trying to establish new congregations on solid foundations. Alan Kreider, in the Foreword
