Church of God in Christ, Mennonite

The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, also called Holdeman Mennonite, is a Christian Church of
Anabaptist heritage. Its formation started in 1859 under its first leader, a self-described prophet named John
Holdeman (1832-1900), who was a baptized Mennonite.[1] The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite is
Conservative Mennonite that has distanced itself from other Conservative Mennonites because of its one
true church doctrine.[2][3] In 2013 the church had 24,400 baptized members.[4]

History

Origins

The congregations of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite are descendants of the Anabaptists of the
16th century. Under the influential work of Menno Simons, many of the Anabaptists became known as
Mennonites. Holdeman Mennonites recognize the faith of the Waldenses and other nonconformist groups
of the Middle Ages as part of their spiritual heritage and see a direct lineage through them to the Early
Church. They believe that "Christ established one true, visible Church, and through her He has preserved
His faith and doctrine through the ages."

John Holdeman

In the mid-19th century, some American Mennonites believed they saw in their church a spiritual decline
and drift away from sound doctrine, and sought to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once
delivered unto the saints". Among these was John Holdeman (1832–1900), who was born in Wayne
County, Ohio, to Mennonite parents. John's father, Amos Holdeman, was interested in the revivalist
movement of John Winebrenner. John Holdeman became both an evangelist and a reformer. Issues he
believed needed reform included the baptism of persons not giving sufficient evidence of conversion, less
than diligent child training, and laxity of church discipline. Holdeman and other concerned individuals
began holding separate meetings in April 1859, resulting in a permanent separation from the Mennonite
church and the eventual organization of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Holdeman wrote
extensively and traveled widely, and new congregations were formed in the United States and Canada.[5]

The coming of the Mennonites from Russia

The spread of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite among other Mennonites and among the Amish was
minimal until the arrival of Mennonite immigrants from the Russian Empire (present-day Ukraine), so
called "Russian" Mennonites who are of Dutch and Prussian heritage and who settled in Canada, mainly
Manitoba and in the USA, among other places in McPherson County, Kansas, starting in 1874. In 1878,
Holdeman baptized 78 members of the McPherson County group. In 1881, he baptized 118 Kleine
Gemeinde Mennonites in Manitoba who had migrated from southern Russia (now Ukraine) to North
America some years before. With this group came Peter Toews, who led many Mennonite immigrants from
Russia then living in Canada and Kansas into the Holdeman church.[6]

Theology
Holdeman's teachings on salvation and the Bible probably reflect more evangelical Protestant and Pietist
influence. The church began during a time of widespread revival and spiritual awakening. They hold the
Arminian position and therefore believe that a person can lose his or her salvation if they stop following
Jesus. Leaving or excommunication from the Holdeman Mennonite church is usually considered as
following a loss of salvation. They do believe there are Christians saved outside of the Holdeman
Mennonite church, but they also believe that the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite is the true visible
church.[7] Baptism, by pouring, is the method by which born-again believers are admitted into this visible
church.[8][9]

Soteriologically, the new birth is considered the "cornerstone" of the doctrine of salvation. It is described as
true repentance from sin and acceptance of the atoning work of Christ by faith, resulting in the redemption
from sin and being spiritually born again.[9] Those so affected will find their heart filled by God with peace,
have assurance of salvation, and grace. This new birth results in one's conversion from a sinful life unto a
life that "brings forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit."[8]

In Christology, the Holdeman Church denies that Jesus was made from the flesh or seed of Mary, trying to
be closer to the teachings of Menno Simons and Melchior Hoffman than other modern Anabaptists.
Eschatologically, they hold to an historic Anabaptist amillennial view of Christ's kingdom and reign,
teaching that the present dispensation is the only time in which salvation is offered.[6]

The church and the world are viewed as distinctly separate institutions and thus Christians are not to be
conformed to the world (Romans 12:1-2). To maintain nonconformity to the world, Christians must not be
"compromised by worldly dress, amusements, or other worldly attractions." Worldly entertainment
provided by such things as motion pictures, musical instruments, radio, television, and the improper use of
the internet are to be avoided.[8] Modesty in apparel is particularly stressed. Jewelry, "costly or fashionable
attire", and bodily ornamentation detract from Christian simplicity.[8] Their beliefs also include an unwritten
dress code. This dress code is most noticeable with the women, who wear mid-length dresses and head
coverings.[10]

Marriage is seen as divinely instituted between one man and one woman for life, for the propagation,
purity, and happiness of the human race. It is only permitted between church members. Divorce and
remarriage are not recognized, as among other plain Anabaptist churches.[8]

Practice
The church holds to a strong Mennonite culture, and obligates its members to lead a life according to
Mennonite principles. The members should pattern their lives after their beliefs in integrity in personal and
business dealings, non-involvement in government, loving their neighbors, keeping the avoidance of sin
with love, inviting the sinner to repent, and emphasis on voluntary service. Non-resistance is standard
practice, whether peacemaking among individuals, regarding lawsuits, or concerning warfare among
nations. Holdeman Mennonites do not vote, serve in the military, or in law enforcement professions. They
consider themselves to be citizens of a heavenly kingdom, not an earthly one.

Courtship

The Church of God in Christ Mennonite, via General Conference decision, has forbidden its members from
pursuing "carnal courtship", a term that encompasses any form of dating or courtship.[11] Instead of
allowing young people to choose a partner and engage in dating rituals, every congregation has a formal
youth group, which organizes group functions such as bible studies, singing evenings, or volleyball games
at which young people get to know each other. If a man wants to get married, he must get approval from a
church minister who "carries the proposal" for him. In this tradition, the minister pays a visit to the young
lady to whom the young man wants to propose. She can then accept or reject this proposal. In the event that
she says yes, the marriage engagement will be announced in church the following Sunday morning after
the worship service. Weddings are simple religious services followed by a reception for guests.[11]

Membership

As with other Anabaptist churches, membership is through young child and adult believer’s baptism, by
pouring water on the believer's head. Communion is only for members and held with bread and
unfermented grape juice rather than wine. Excommunication from the Holdeman Mennonite church is the
only accepted way to leave it. There are cases of membership annulment but they are rare. The Holdeman
Mennonites practice shunning or avoidance toward former members by not eating at the same table with
them, shaking hands with them, or having any business partnerships with them.

Worship and service

Congregations meet weekly on Sunday mornings for Sunday school and worship. Each congregation has
its own schedule for other types of meetings, such as communion, teaching, fellowship, Bible study, and
singing. Foot washing is practiced by ministers washing the men's feet, and the wives of ministers and/or
deacons washing the women's feet. The kiss of peace is also practiced.

Worship takes place in modest buildings that may contain air condition, carpet, and padded pews, but
without any musical instruments. Singing is a cappella and in four-part harmony. Preaching tends to be
topical, rather than exegetical.[6] Most congregations also hold summer vacation Bible school classes
during the summer school holidays. These are open to any children, member or non-member in their
communities.

Clothing and appearance

Simplicity and modesty in clothing, personal possessions, and homes is held as an ideal. Plain dress is
mandatory, which for women means a mid-length dress always with sleeves, and a head covering. The
headcovering for daily use is black and sits on the back of the head. A second black headscarf is required to
be over the head when attending church. Men do not wear a necktie in formal dress and otherwise their
appearance resembles the look of a typical American businessman or other conservative Mennonites, in that
they are dressed in a modest way that does not reveal much skin.[11][9]
The men, "by order of creation" wear a beard out of "respect for God’s order". Believing a devotional head
covering is Scripturally commanded (1 Corinthians 11:1-16) as "an outward sign of submission to God’s
order," the women wear a devotional head covering "for prayer and as a sign of submission."[8]

Technology

Modern technologies like automobiles, telephone, and other modern conveniences are allowed. Television,
radio, movies, musical instruments, and "the improper use of the internet" is not allowed. The Church of
God in Christ Mennonite encourages members to install special software, purported to be a pornography
filter, developed by the technology committee on any internet connected devices.[12] This software blocks
access to social media as well as many websites that church leadership finds objectionable.[12] If the app is
disabled, a notification will be sent to a third party stating that the application is not active.[13]

Ministers and church organization

Ministers are chosen from within the own ranks and formal training is not required.[6] There are only two
positions of office in the church and only men are eligible. Ministers and deacons from each congregation
are chosen by the local membership by first asking a series of questions regarding a need for more staff,
whether there is a gift for the position, and whether the members feel that it is the right time to elect a staff
member. These questions are by show of hands and only if they all pass with a significant majority does a
secret ballot vote take place. The vote is one ballot per member and there is no nomination process. The
ballots are counted by the ministers already in office and, if a high enough percentage of the congregation
votes for the same individual, he is elected. The percentages needed for a successful election or total
number of votes cast for each candidate are not public knowledge. There are no salaried ministers and they
seldom use prepared notes, but rather preach extemporaneously.

A General Conference made up of ministers, deacons, and other delegates meets every seven years (more
often if necessary) for decision-making. An annual meeting is held yearly to provide a formal meeting for
all business and corporate activities. The General Conference and Annual meeting is open to any members
to attend. Matters at the General Conference are voted on by all members present. At each annual meeting a
minister's and deacon's meeting is also held to discuss matters pertaining to spiritual life and practical issues
and is sometimes, but not always a closed meeting to lay members.

Education

Formal education beyond eighth or ninth grade is rare outside of California and Quebec (to the tenth grade
to comply with compulsory school attendance laws in these cases where religious exemption has not been
made) and in the case of job training such as carpentry, nursing, etc. Congregations in Canada teach grades
K-9. One thing that causes the Quebec government to give problems to these schools is that they teach
Young Earth creationism in their science curriculum, and they use curriculum viewed as Bible-based.

Nearly all congregations have their own private schools. Those that cannot do this because of legal issues,
run under a similar system: group homeschooling. 50-70% of their teachers are unmarried women aged
eighteen and up. These teachers have some basic formal training in education, and their secondary
education varies from completion of a high school curriculum through correspondence to no further
education than what they received within their private schools. The main requirement to teach is a solid
standing as a member in the Church and a reasonable skill set to be able to handle the grade that they will
be teaching. This is determined in consultation with the applicant's minister and local elected school board.

Adherents and congregations

From a small beginning, membership grew to around 750 at the time of Holdeman's death in the year 1900.
In 1953 the baptized membership was 5,308, in 41 congregations in Canada and the United States. There
were missions in Mexico and New Mexico with three ordained ministers of Spanish language, and also a
mission station in Canada among indigenous peoples. The church experienced slow but steady growth until
the mid-1970s. During the later 1970s the growth slowed, then continued. Numerous new churches have
been started because of the growth as members have sought opportunity in new locations, and churches
have been planted in new states and provinces.

In 2009, there were 14,672 members and 138 congregations in the United States.[14] In 2013 the church
had 24,400 members, of whom 14,804 lived in the United States and 5,081 in Canada.[4]

Membership of the Church of God in Christ,

Mennonite[6][15]
United Other
Year Canada Total
States Countries
1900 - - - ~750

1950 - - - ~5,000

1960 4,633 1,555 203 6,391

1970 - - - ~8,500

1980 7,478 2,420 875 10,773

1990 9,684 - - -
2000 12,144 4,132 2,061 18,337

2010 14,804 5,081 2,894 22,779

Kansas continues to contain the largest population of the denomination, with over 4,000 members.[16]
Current membership still greatly reflects the growth of the church through the Swiss-German ancestry of
those such as Holdeman, the Kansas-"Russian Mennonite" ancestry, and the Manitoba-"Russian
Mennonite" ancestry. Yet, in some regions, like Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Eastern
Ontario, there is a high percentage of believers who have recently joined the Church and do not have the
same roots as the majority of the Holdemans in North America, who are still ethnic Mennonites.

In addition to the United States and Canada, the Church of God has established congregations and mission
work in various countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe.[4]

Controversies

2016 Lawsuit and Allegations

In February 2016, a lawsuit was filed against the Mennonite church with the plaintiff alleging that he was
sexually assaulted by his father from age 11.[17][18] The lawsuit alleged that clergy failed to contact
authorities as required by mandatory reporter statutes.[19] His lawsuit pointed allegations of sexual abuse by
people who attended congregations affiliated with the Church of God In Christ Mennonite, some resulting
arrests and convictions.[20][21] The case was settled out of court, and the terms of the settlement were not
published by the parties.[22][23]

2022 Allegations by Mennonite Abuse Prevention List

On August 2, 2022, a nonprofit called Mennonite Abuse Prevention published a report alleging how sexual
abuse allegations are handled in the church.[24] This report alleges, in a series of cases, that there was
clergy misconduct including failures to report abuse and cases where victims were discouraged from
reporting abuse to police. The allegations claim that, as part of the settlement of the 2016 lawsuit, every
congregation explored local mandatory reporting laws and declared that their congregations would now
comply. The allegations further claim that, that same year, court records show that ministers at the Gospel
Mennonite Church congregation in Almena, Wisconsin were notified that Leslie Toews, a member at the
congregation, had sexually abused a 13-year-old girl for about a year, and claim that this abuse was not
reported.[25] The allegations claim that the alleged perpetrator arranged to speak with detectives four years
later, in 2021. MAP claims that church policy documents shared with them show that church members,
including school teachers, are required by law to report directly to authorities, are required to report abuse
to clergy, who then investigate and make a judgement call with regard to whether the abuse should be
reported to authorities.[26]

The Purge of the 1970s (The New Way)

Economic trends in the 1970s led to an increasing rate of non compliant members, in addition to some
members who began to question the doctrine of the "one true church." Church discipline concerns led to a
"new way" of dealing with non-conforming members. Church leadership began the process of interviewing
every member of every congregation around the conference. This new method was referred to as
"paneling", which led to number of members who were disciplined and excommunicated. The practice of
excommunicating former members, known as The Avoidance, is still practiced and is an official
Conference Decision (policy).[27][28]

Publications
The Messenger of Truth, which was begun in the early 20th century, is issued bi-weekly from the church
headquarters in Moundridge, Kansas, US. Canadian offices are located in Greenland, Manitoba.[29] The
church's publishing arm is Gospel Publishers.[30]

See also
Schowalter Foundation

References
1. Hiebert, Clarence (1973). The Holdeman people : the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite,
1859-1969 (https://archive.org/details/holdemanpeoplech0000hieb). South Pasadena, Calif.:
 William Carey Library. pp. 63, 64, 83, 85, 178, 180–182. ISBN 0878084118. Retrieved
3 February 2023.
2. Stephen Scott: Old Order and Conservative Mennonites Groups, Intercourse, PA 1996, page
198.
3. Blankman, Drew; Augustine, Todd (17 April 2010). Pocket Dictionary of North American
Denominations: Over 100 Christian Groups Clearly & Concisely Defined. InterVarsity Press.
p. 41. ISBN 978-0-8308-6706-6.
4. "Where we are" (https://web.archive.org/web/20160916185400/http://www.churchofgodinchri
stmennonite.net/en/content/where-we-are-0). Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Archived
from the original (http://www.churchofgodinchristmennonite.net/en/content/where-we-are-0)
on September 16, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
5. Wenger, F. H.; Hiebert, Clarence (1989). "Holdeman, John (1832-1900)" (http://gameo.org/in
dex.php?title=Holdeman,_John_%281832-1900%29). Global Anabaptist Mennonite
Encyclopedia Online. GAMEO. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
6. Hiebert, P. G.; Hiebert, Clarence (1990). "Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)" (http://g
ameo.org/index.php?title=Church_of_God_in_Christ,_Mennonite_(CGC)). Global
Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. GAMEO. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
7. Bakic, Marko (2019-03-12). "Beliefs | Church of God in Christ, Mennonite" (https://churchofg
odinchristmennonite.net/beliefs/). churchofgodinchristmennonite.net. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
8. "What We Believe" (https://web.archive.org/web/20160830052635/http://www.churchofgodin
christmennonite.net/en/beliefs). Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Archived from the
original (http://www.churchofgodinchristmennonite.net/en/beliefs) on August 30, 2016.
Retrieved August 31, 2016.
9. Bible Doctrine and Practice. Gospel Publishers.
10. The Holdeman Purge of the 1970's--Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (https://www.youtub
e.com/watch?v=eVXcNWh5Twg), archived (https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211
221/eVXcNWh5Twg) from the original on 2021-12-21, retrieved 2021-05-23
11. Conference Reports 2017 - Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Gospel Publishers. 2017.
12. "About Us – CloudVeil" (https://www.cloudveil.org/about-us/). www.cloudveil.org. Retrieved
2021-05-23.
13. "Android – CloudVeil" (https://www.cloudveil.org/android/).
14. "2008 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches" (http://www.thearda.com/Denoms/D_10
33.asp). The National Council of Churches. Retrieved 2009-12-02.
15. Church of God in Christ, Mennonite at ARDA (http://www.thearda.com/denoms/D_1033.asp)
16. "2000 Religious Congregations and Membership Study" (http://www.thearda.com/Denoms/D
_1033_d.asp). Glenmary Research Center. Retrieved 2009-12-02.
17. "Man sues Mennonite church over alleged abuse" (https://jvwlaw.net/blog/2016/02/19/man-s
ues-mennonite-church-over-alleged-abuse/). James, Vernon, & Weeks, P.A. 2016-02-19.
Retrieved 2021-05-23.
18. "Man Sues Mennonite Church over Alleged Abuse, by Jeff Selle, CDA Press, February 11,
2016" (https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2016/01_02/2016_02_11_Selle_ManSue
s.htm). www.bishop-accountability.org. Retrieved 2021-05-23.
19. "Man claims sex abuse, sues Mennonite church | The Spokesman-Review" (https://www.spo
kesman.com/blogs/hbo/2016/feb/12/man-sues-mennonite-church/). www.spokesman.com.
Retrieved 2021-05-23.
20. "Man sentenced for sexually assaulting teen daughter" (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/brit
ish-columbia/man-sentenced-for-sexually-assaulting-teen-daughter-1.847940). CBC News.
March 6, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
21. Prosser, Hannah (2021). Beat: My Journey Through Abuse and the Holdeman Mennonites.
ISBN 978-1737303329.
22. "CV-2016-143 | Clayton Peaster, John Doe, CON vs. Mt. View Mennonite Church, Inc.,
Church Of God In Christ (Mennonite) Inc., David Alvin Peaster, Cynthia Joan Peaster" (http
s://mycourts.idaho.gov/odysseyportal/Home/WorkspaceMode?p=0). Idaho iCourt Records
Portal. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
23. mycourts.idaho.gov https://mycourts.idaho.gov/odysseyportal/Case/CaseDetail?eid=-
PgGzTo7FlZ9Z2CGPb8dQw2&tabIndex=3 (https://mycourts.idaho.gov/odysseyportal/Case/
CaseDetail?eid=-PgGzTo7FlZ9Z2CGPb8dQw2&tabIndex=3). Retrieved 2022-02-01.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
24. "Holdeman Mennonites convicted or sued for abuse and failing to report" (https://www.thema
plist.org/the-map-list/holdeman-mennonites/). Mennonite Abuse Prevention. 2 August 2022.
Retrieved 5 August 2022.
25. "Criminal Complaint - Leslie Toews" (https://www.themaplist.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/0
7/Leslie-Toews-Complaint-2021CF000254-redacted.pdf) (PDF). Retrieved 5 August 2022.
26. "Church of God in Christ Mennonite - Combined Sexual Abuse Policies" (https://www.thema
plist.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Combined-policies-Church-of-God-in-Christ-Mennonit
e-March-2017.pdf) (PDF). Mennonite Abuse Preventon. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
27. "Church of God in Christ, Mennonite" (https://www.bibleviews.com/holdeman.html).
28. "Beliefs | Church of God in Christ, Mennonite" (https://churchofgodinchristmennonite.net/beli
efs/). 12 March 2019.
29. "Publication Agencies" (https://web.archive.org/web/20160829230737/http://www.churchofg
odinchristmennonite.net/en/content/publication-agencies). Church of God in Christ,
Mennonite. Archived from the original (http://www.churchofgodinchristmennonite.net/en/cont
ent/publication-agencies) on August 29, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
30. "About Us | Gospel Publishers" (https://www.gospelpublishers.com/usa/about/about-us/).
Retrieved 2021-02-27.

Literature
John M. Penner: A Concise History of the Church of God, 1967.
Cornelius J. Dyck, Dennis D. Martin, et al. (editors): Mennonite Encyclopedia, 1990.
P. G. Hiebert: Principles of Faith, 3rd edition 1967.

External links
Official website (http://www.churchofgodinchristmennonite.net)
[1] (https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/churchofgodmembershipforum/church-of-god-in-christ-
mennonite-f419882/) forum for members and exe’s’’
Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/C487ME.
html) in Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online
Basic information (https://web.archive.org/web/20050327002824/http://www.holdemanmenn
onite.com/index.shtml)

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